Drug Crimes Attorney in Boulder, Colorado

Everyone makes mistakes, but if you are facing a drug crime charge, your whole life can be turned upside down. Prosecutors in Colorado take drug crimes seriously, and even a minor offense can lead to jail, fines, and an embarrassing criminal record.

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense in Boulder, Colorado, you don’t have to settle for a court-appointed attorney or face the legal system alone. It is vital to speak with a skilled attorney at the Watkins Law Firm LLC. I have over 20 years of criminal defense experience and can help defend against charges of drug possession, drug trafficking, or the distribution of drugs.

All drug charges are serious. Partner with a take-charge criminal defense attorney that will give you the best chance to reduce or even dismiss your charges. I proudly serve clients in Boulder, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, and Broomfield, Colorado.

Federal Drug Charges

While all drug charges are serious, specifically, those the federal government files are especially grievous. When you are charged with a federal drug crime, you find yourself up against federal prosecutors who have enormous resources at their disposal, and court-appointed public defenders often lack experience and knowledge about working at the federal level.

Federal Drug crimes often involve drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs.

If you are convicted on a federal drug charge, it is all but a foregone conclusion that you are going to prison, likely for an extended period of time. Let my trial skills and intimate knowledge of federal drug laws provide you with the strongest possible defense against a serious charge.

Drug Charges In Colorado

In Colorado, no what type of allegations you're facing, I have the experience to defend you against a broad scope of drug charges. Below are some of the more common drug charges that people face in Colorado.

Drug Possession

Misdemeanor drug possession results from having a Schedule I or Schedule II substance on your person. Being charged with felony drug possession relates to possession with the intent to manufacture or distribute.

Intent to Distribute 

Intent to distribute means that you were in possession of a controlled substance that you intended to sell to others. The amount of the substance in question on your person will determine the severity of the charge.

Drug Distribution

This charge results from an individual being caught selling a controlled substance to others. As with drug possession and intent to distribute, the amount of the substance found will determine the nature of the charge.

Drug Paraphernalia 

Even if you are not in physical possession of the drugs themselves, you can still be charged for possession of drug paraphernalia. Paraphernalia can include syringes, pipes, and other objects associated with the use of illegal drugs.

Drug Trafficking

Trafficking is defined as moving large quantities of a substance in amounts that far exceed what would be reasonable for personal use. The fines and penalties for drug trafficking are determined by the classification and quantity of the drug in question.

DUI and DWAI

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by any specific drug is illegal. A routine traffic stop can lead to a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge.

Drug Schedules In Colorado

There is a broad range of drugs that are classified as illegal in Colorado. These drugs are controlled substances and are grouped into five categories referred to as “schedules.” These schedules also make it easier to understand what someone found with an illegal substance will be charged with. 

The schedules range from Schedule V (five) to Schedule I (one):

Schedule V

The substances in this category include drugs that contain some narcotics, such as cough syrup with codeine. Since these drugs have common medicinal value and present a relatively low addiction risk, they usually result in more minor penalties.

Schedule IV

This category includes several common prescription medications like Ambien, Xanax, and Valium. These drugs have a high potential for abuse but still have widespread medicinal value.

Schedule III

This category includes substances that are normally found in combination products like Vicodin, as well as non-narcotic substances like testosterone, ketamine, and anabolic steroids. These substances still have medicinal value but are also more addictive.

Schedule II

The drugs on this schedule still have some medical uses but come with a high risk of addiction and abuse. This category includes drugs like oxycodone, amphetamine, fentanyl, codeine, morphine, and methamphetamine.

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs have no commonly accepted medicinal use and also have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Because of this, the charges associated with these substances carry the most serious penalties. Schedule I drugs include substances like LSD, methaqualone, and heroin.

Penalties

Drug crimes in Colorado are often punished with incredibly harsh penalties. Depending on whether the charges are from the state or federal level, including the severity, a conviction can result in severe punishment.

• While misdemeanor drug crime convictions can result in jail sentences of up to a year, felony convictions can result in up to 40 years for a first-time offense.

• The fines associated with drug convictions are also very significant, with misdemeanor fines often rising to $1,000 or greater. Felony fines can be much more serious, as much as $250,000 or greater.

• An individual convicted of a drug crime may also be sentenced to probation, typically lasting at least 12 months. Probationary periods of two to five years are also common. Probation can allow a sentence to be served outside of prison. The probation requirements vary from one case to another, such as reporting regularly to a probation officer, not being charged with any other crimes, random drug testing, random searches of your home or vehicle, community service, and finding employment.