Drug Crimes

Colorado Springs Drug Charge Lawyers

Possession - Distribution - Special Offender - Trafficking

Drug crimes are always felonies, with the exception of marijuana possession. This means that you are facing the possibility of prison time and a permanent criminal record if convicted. The penalties you will face depend on the type of drug and amount found, your criminal history and the quality of your defense.

Colorado Springs trial lawyers Michael Moran and Geoffrey Heim are experienced criminal defense attorneys. They are very familiar with the laws, the consequences of conviction and how to challenge the evidence.

Moran & Heim, P.C. represents people charged with drug crimes in El Paso, Teller, Pueblo, Douglas, and Fremont counties, including military personnel stationed at Fort Carson, the Air Force Academy or Peterson and Schriever Air Force Bases. Contact us promptly to preserve your rights if you are charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, "shrooms")
• Possession of marijuana
• Illegal prescription narcotics/fraudulent prescription
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Manufacture (meth) or cultivation
• Drug trafficking/importation

Fighting to Avoid the Harshest Drug Crime Consequences

All drug convictions in Colorado will result in driver's license suspension. There are stiff and sometimes mandatory minimum prison sentences. If convicted, you may be required to get chemical dependency treatment. You will also lose your right to vote and possess firearms, among other consequences.

Special Offender Enhancements

A provision of Colorado law tacks on a mandatory sentence of eight to 48 years for "special offenders." There are many triggers for this statute, which is aimed at serious offenses — the three most common special offender enhancements are possession of a gun and drugs at the same time, distribution near a school, and possession of a large amount of drugs. Moran & Heim has had success in negotiations to avoid this devastating enhancement, especially where the weapon played no role in a drug transaction.

Our first priority in any drug case is avoiding prison time by challenging drug charges on procedural errors, Fourth Amendment violations, reliability of informants and lack of proof that the drugs belonged to our client. At a minimum, we aim to negotiate lower offenses to minimize incarceration. On some first offenses, clients may qualify for Drug Court or a deferred sentence. If circumstances dictate, we are fully prepared to fight for clients at trial to preserve their freedom.

Statutory Penalties for Drug Crimes in Colorado

Marijuana

• Minor amount, first offense — Charged as a petty offense or misdemeanor, possible sentences include a fine, probation, jail time
• Distribution or prior offenses — Class 4 felony, prison of two to six years

Possession of Controlled Substances

• Possession of one gram or less, schedule II, III or IV drugs — Class 6 felony Up to one year in prison — may be eligible for Drug Court/deferment
• Possession of over one gram or priors — Charged Class 4 felony, prison two to six years
• Possession, Schedule I (heroin, ecstasy, mushrooms) — Class 3 felony, prison four to 12 years

Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute — Class 3 felony, prison four to sixteen years

You cannot afford to plead to the offense as charged. Our lawyers will work to improve your outcome by scrutinizing the facts of your case, investigating police errors and the background of witness, and utilizing our reputation and relationships with local law enforcement and prosecutors. Call 719-387-0427 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.