Colorado Drug Distribution Lawyer

J.B. Katz is a Criminal Defense Lawyer with Over 20 Years of Experience Defending Clients Against Drug Charges in Colorado

A conviction for a serious drug crime could effectively end your life — with jail or imprisonment, stiff financial penalties, substantial fines, a criminal record or felony record, and elimination of rights that many of us take for granted under Colorado law. Working with a Colorado drug distribution lawyer as early as possible can be critical to protecting your rights and future. Don’t delay your selection of an experienced defense attorney while prosecutors use prosecution’s evidence to mount a case against you in complex drug distribution cases. I am a veteran Colorado drug distribution lawyer, J.B. Katz, and a defense lawyer.

As a Colorado drug distribution lawyer, I understand the tactics prosecutors use in complex drug cases and how to challenge weak or improperly obtained evidence.

For over 20 years, I have fought for the rights of clients falsely accused of drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, and falsely accused of the intent to sell drugs or distribute illegal drugs. As a criminal defense attorney, I work exclusively in state courts to free my clients of this stain on their reputations with a proven track record of successfully defending clients. I am also a member of a new drug court board that offers diversion programs for those who have been found guilty of drug offenses and other drug-related offenses, such as prescription drug offenses and illegal possession, for example.

Defending Against Drug Possession Charges: What is Drug Possession?

Understanding what falls under drug possession and what needs to be shown to get a conviction is important when seeking legal help for alleged possession of illegal drugs, drug trafficking charges, and other drug-related situations. Unlawful drug possession is defined as knowingly possessing controlled substances. It is typically charged as a level 1 drug misdemeanor, but it can be charged as level 4 drug felony if you possess more than four grams of a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance, including certain prescription medications.

Penalties

Drug possession is charged as a level 1 misdemeanor if you possess up to four grams of Schedule I drugs, up to four grams of Schedule II drugs, any Schedule III drug other than Ketamine, any Schedule IV drug other than Rohypnol, or any Schedule V drugs. The possible penalties for this offense include 6 to 18 months in jail, and up to $5,000 in fines.

It is a schedule 4 drug felony if you possess more than four grams of a Schedule I drug, more than four grams of a schedule II drug, or any amount of Rohypnol, Ketamine, or bath salts. In this scenario, the potential penalties include 6-12 months in prison and one year of parole, a fine of up to $100,000, and a drug offender surcharge of between $1,500 and $4,500, along with harsher penalties and lengthy prison sentences depending on prior criminal history or prior drug convictions. In some cases, probation may be an option.

Defenses

Some of the most common legal defenses include the following:

• The drugs did not belong to the defendant;
• The defendant possesses a valid prescription for the drugs they possessed and is not guilty of prescription fraud;
• The defendant did not know they possessed drugs;
• The defendant did not realize that what they possessed was a controlled substance; and
• The police recovered the drugs through an illegal search and seizure in violation of search and seizure procedures.

Defending Against Drug Distribution Charges: What is Sale of a Controlled Substance?

Sale of a Controlled Substance is a more serious crime than possession—it can be prosecuted as a serious felony offense in many cases. It is defined as selling, drug manufacturing, or distributing a controlled substance, or possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it. Generally, possessing more than 25 grams will trigger a sale of controlled substance charge. The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused knowingly possessed that amount of drugs and that they knowingly distributed the controlled substance.

It’s important to note that you can be charged with the intent to distribute a controlled substance even if the police haven’t actually seen you sell anything or hear you discuss selling the substance. They will often point to the possession of other paraphernalia related to the sale of a controlled substance, such as baggies, one or more chemicals, a scale, or other items that are typically used in drug sales.

Penalties

Drug distribution charges carry severe penalties, which is why working with an experienced Colorado Drug Distribution Lawyer is critical when facing these allegations. The specific penalties (including fines and jail time) depend on how much was possessed and the specific drug involved, as well as whether you have any prior convictions on your record. It can be charged as a class 2, 3, 4, or 5 felony, or a class 1 misdemeanor with severe consequences. In all cases, facing drug distribution charges in Colorado is a serious matter that requires highly experienced legal representation.

Defenses

The most common defense strategies to a sale of a controlled substance charge include the following:

• The drugs did not belong to you;
• You possessed the drugs for personal use;
• You were unaware that you possessed the drugs;
• You were unaware that what you possessed was a controlled substance;
• The police engaged in misconduct or engaged in an illegal search and seizure without probable cause; and
• There wasn’t enough of the substance to use as a drug (not a defense in cases involving large quantities).

The defenses you have available in your case will depend on the specific circumstances involved, and this makes it critical to discuss your legal options with an experienced Colorado Drug Distribution Lawyer as soon as possible.

Regardless of the specific charges you are facing, you need dedicated representation from an experienced lawyer who knows what it takes to fight for the best outcome under the circumstances at hand. Whether this means seeking reduced penalties or fighting to avoid penalties entirely, to seek the outcome you deserve, you will need an experienced lawyer on your side.

Protecting Clients’ Rights In Colorado Drug Possession and Drug Distribution Cases For Over 20 Years

As a Colorado drug distribution lawyer, I know the legal process for prosecuting drug suspects. I know the sentencing guidelines; the role of confidential informants; community corrections, fines, and surcharge penalties; and issues related to medical marijuana users and dispensaries, as well as recreational marijuana users. I also know that drug crime convictions can have serious consequences—including the life-altering consequences of having a permanent criminal record.

My deep knowledge of this aspect of our legal system can work to your advantage if you are facing criminal charges for drug distribution or other drug-related offenses. You can count on zealous protection of your rights against drug charges, such as:

• Drug possession
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Drug sale and delivery
• Drug manufacture
• Drug importation or cultivation
• Possession or distribution of illegally obtained party drugs (ecstasy) or prescription drugs (OxyContin, hydrocodone)

My clients at the Law Offices of J.B. Katz, P.C. come from all walks of life: businesspersons and nonresident aliens, visitors and vacationers, and college students enrolled at Colorado University, Colorado Mountain College, Colorado State University, the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and Denver University. I welcome the opportunity to help anyone whose constitutional rights have been violated by unscrupulous police arrest methods, such as illegal search and seizure. As your attorney, I offer the kind of aggressive representation, aggressive defense, and keen client commitment that only an experienced solo practitioner can provide.

Schedule a Free Consultation With A Colorado Drug Distribution Lawyer

This is the phone call that could turn your life in a different, more positive direction, so seek legal guidance today. A Colorado drug crimes defense attorney can help you with your drug possession case and drug crimes defense. To discuss your situation with me, please call my Breckenridge law office at (970) 453-5533, or send me an email for a free and confidential consultation. I will use my experience to build the best possible defense for you.