Denver Drug Possession Lawyer
Drug possession can range from a misdemeanor to a serious felony depending on the quantity and type of controlled substance you are being charged for. If you were arrested for drug possession, we strongly urge you to seek legal help by contacting an attorney. It is vital that you do this as soon as possible, and refrain from discussing the specifics of your case with police or prosecutors. While simple drug possession is a lesser crime than drug possession with the intent to distribute, a conviction can still land you behind bars. Unfortunately, our society penalizes drug possession and possession with intent to distribute with extreme enthusiasm. One in five inmates is locked up because of a drug offense. Do not let this happen to you. Denver drug possession lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law can help you beat these charges.
Penalties of a Drug Possession Conviction
The consequences of a drug possession conviction are sometimes vast. Jail time, a lengthy prison sentence, years of parole (during which your life and privacy may be continually interrupted by your parole officer), and drug counseling courses are often just the start. The real punishment is having a criminal record, which can hold you back for decades to come.
- Simple Possession—Simple possession is the offense of having a small quantity of a controlled substance for one’s own personal use. Typically, simple possession is charged as a misdemeanor offense in Colorado.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute—Possession with the intent to distribute is charged when a defendant allegedly has a larger amount of a controlled substance, such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamine, or an opioid derivative such as fentanyl. The quantity of the specific drug will determine whether the charge will be simple possession or possession with intent to distribute, the later being a felony offense.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia—The possession of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and syringes is not a crime, but can incur fines, sometimes on top of the underlying simple possession or possession with intent to distribute offense.
Defending Your Rights
An attorney provides many services before and during criminal proceedings. We will look at all of the evidence against you, determine if the police conducted an unlawful search (and seizure and have the case thrown out if so), scrutinize the prosecution’s case and find weak points, talk to potential witnesses and gather our own evidence, plea down the penalties against you, represent you in court, and keep you informed about your rights and your options throughout the entire process.
Call a Denver Drug Possession Lawyer Today
While personal use of cannabis has been decriminalized in the state of Colorado, police and prosecutors are still on the lookout for other controlled substances, and often seek harsh penalties even for simple possession. If you were arrested for simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, or any other drug related crime, you need to talk to an attorney immediately. Call Denver drug possession lawyer Reid DeChant today at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.