Felony Drug Crime Attorney in Boulder, Colorado

Facing a felony charge can be devastating to one’s life, especially when the charge involves drugs. Colorado state law treats people facing felony drug charges harshly and the penalties that they might be facing can be life-altering.  

At Watkins Law Firm LLC, I have over 20 years of experience as a felony drug crimes attorney and I am dedicated to helping individuals like you understand your rights under the law and build a strong defense. When your future is at stake, don’t take chances. Together, we can review your situation and determine how I might be able to help during a free consultation.  

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Drug Crimes in Colorado 

In Colorado, drug crimes are classified into misdemeanors and felonies. While both are serious, felonies carry more severe penalties and long-term consequences.  

• Misdemeanor drug crimes typically involve smaller quantities of drugs or first-time offenses and may result in less severe punishments such as fines or short jail sentences.

• Felony drug crimes, on the other hand, often involve larger quantities of drugs, distribution or manufacturing activities, or repeat offenses. These crimes can lead to lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your future. 

You need to understand the difference between misdemeanors and felonies to grasp the severity of the charges you face. If you aren’t sure how your specific drug crime is classified, get legal counsel from a Boulder felony drug crimes attorney.

What Are the Different Felony Drug Charges in Colorado? 

In Colorado, felony drug charges are categorized into four levels, each with its own set of penalties. These levels include:

Level I Felony Drug Charges 

Level I felony drug charges are the most serious and can result in severe penalties. These charges often involve large quantities of controlled substances or activities such as trafficking and manufacturing. The penalties for a Level I felony can include up to 32 years in prison and up to a staggering $1 million in fines.  

• Note: Unlike other levels, Level I requires a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years (C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501(7)).  

Level II Felony Drug Charges 

Level II felony drug charges are also serious but slightly less so than Level I. These charges may involve smaller quantities of drugs or less severe activities. However, they still carry the potential for serious penalties, including up to eight years in prison and a maximum fine of $750,000.  

Level III Felony Drug Charges 

Level III felony drug charges are less severe than Levels I and II but still carry harsh penalties. These charges might involve possession with intent to distribute or smaller-scale distribution activities. Potential penalties include up to four years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.  

Level IV Felony Drug Charges 

Level IV felony drug charges are the least severe among the felony classifications. These charges might involve simple possession of larger quantities of drugs or lower-level distribution activities. Penalties include up to a year in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.  

Additionally, a felony conviction can have long-lasting effects on your personal and professional life, regardless of the level of classification. Having a felony conviction on your record can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, and even affect your voting rights.

This highlights the importance of hiring a Colorado drug crimes attorney to help you fight these charges and minimize their impact on your future. 

Factors That Influence Drug Felony Sentencing 

Several factors can influence the sentencing for felony drug crimes in Colorado. These factors can either mitigate or aggravate the penalties you face:  

• Quantity of drugs: Larger quantities typically result in harsher penalties, while smaller quantities might lead to more lenient sentences. 

• Type of drug: Some drugs are considered more dangerous than others and often carry stronger penalties. 

• Criminal history: Repeat offenders are likely to face harsher penalties compared to first-time offenders. 

• Circumstances of the offense: Factors such as whether you were involved in distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or selling to a minor can lead to more severe penalties. 

Understanding these factors can help you and your attorney build a stronger defense and aim for a more favorable outcome. 

Alternatives to Incarceration When Facing Felony Drug Charges

In some cases, alternatives to incarceration may be available for individuals facing felony drug charges. These alternatives can provide a second chance and help you avoid the harsh consequences of a felony conviction. 

• Deferred prosecution allows you to avoid a trial and potential conviction by agreeing to certain conditions set by the court. If you successfully complete these conditions, the charges may be dismissed. 

• Deferred sentencing involves pleading guilty to the charges but having the sentence deferred while you meet specific conditions. If you fulfill these conditions, the charges can be reduced or dismissed. 

• Probation allows you to serve your sentence in the community under supervision rather than in prison. It typically involves adhering to certain conditions, such as regular check-ins, drug testing, and participation in treatment programs. 

• Community corrections programs provide an alternative to incarceration by allowing you to live in a supervised residential facility while participating in work or treatment programs. This option can help you reintegrate into society while avoiding prison time. 

These alternatives offer an opportunity to start over and move forward. At Watkins Law Firm LLC, I strive to do everything in my power to help my clients avoid negative outcomes that might change their future for the worse.  

How a Drug Crimes Attorney Can Help

Having a skilled felony drug crimes attorney by your side can make a difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some ways I can help: 

• Knowledge of the system: With over 20 years of experience, I have a deep understanding of the legal system and how it works.  

• Dedication to helping you: I am dedicated to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to work toward the best possible outcome for your case. I will work tirelessly to help you build a strong defense. 

• Established relations with prosecutors: Over the years, I have built strong relationships with prosecutors in Boulder and throughout the state of Colorado. These relationships help in negotiating plea deals and achieving better outcomes. 

• Guidance at every step of the way: I will guide you through every step of the legal process, from the initial consultation to the resolution of your case. You can count on me to be there for you and provide the support you need. 

• The ability to build the strongest defense possible: I will work tirelessly to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and use them to your advantage. 

• The ability to reduce the charges: In some cases, I may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges against you. 

• The ability to avoid incarceration: I will explore all possible alternatives to incarceration and work to help you avoid prison time.  

If you're ready to discuss your charges, reach out to my office in Boulder, Colorado, and schedule a free consultation. My office is just 10 minutes from the District Court Division, which has jurisdiction over all felony cases in the 20th Judicial District.  

Why Choose Watkins Law Firm LLC?

Over the years, Watkins Law Firm LLC has become a trusted voice for people facing criminal charges of any kind. The following qualities make me stand out from other criminal defense attorneys in Colorado:  

• Over twenty years of experience: With more than two decades of experience handling felony drug cases, I have the knowledge and resources to provide you with the best possible defense. 

• Stellar reputation: My firm has a stellar reputation for achieving favorable outcomes for clients. I’m known for my tenacity, compassion, and dedication to clients' best interests. 

• Clients-first philosophy: At Watkins Law Firm LLC, my clients always come first. I take the time to understand your unique situation and tailor my approach to meet your needs. 

• Compassion: I understand that facing felony drug charges can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience. That’s why I provide compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process. 

• Tenacity: I am tenacious in my pursuit of justice for clients. I will strive to fight for your rights and advocate for your best interests. 

• Individualized attention: I provide individualized attention to each of my clients. I take the time to understand your case and develop a personalized strategy to help you fight back. 

• Free consultations: Unlike many criminal defense attorneys, I offer free consultations to every potential client.