Colorado Springs Drug Crime Defense Attorneys

Common Drug Offenses in Colorado Springs

Drug felonies typically carry a stiff prison sentence, heavy fines, and other serious consequences — and Colorado Springs is no exception. Penalties for these offenses are particularly severe as lawmakers aim to deter people from engaging in the drug trade.

Drug trafficking charges arise when there is transportation, sale, or distribution of large amounts of illegal drugs, and penalties are increased when the offense involves crossing state lines. The law categorizes drugs into five schedules, with Schedule I substances carrying the most severe penalties for their high potential for abuse.

Penalties for drug trafficking may include decades in prison, especially for larger quantities of drugs or if distribution is conducted near schools and other protected areas. Fines can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the government may also pursue the seizure of assets believed to be tied to the trafficking activity.

Possession with intent to distribute often hinges on the amount of substance found and the presence of items like scales or baggies that imply distribution. Drug manufacturing involves any part of the production process of illegal substances, including growing, harvesting, and chemical synthesis.

Another serious felony is prescription drug fraud, which includes forging prescriptions, obtaining prescriptions from multiple doctors (doctor shopping), or illegally distributing prescription medications. Conviction can lead to considerable prison time, especially when there’s evidence of distribution or intent to sell or the fraud involves large quantities of controlled substances.

Impact of Conviction for Drug Crimes in Colorado Springs

A conviction for possession with intent to distribute in Colorado Springs carries consequences that extend far beyond the courtroom. Individuals may face long-term incarceration, which disrupts personal relationships and career trajectories. Upon release, the challenges continue.

In many professions, particularly those in healthcare, law, and education, a felony conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of a professional license. Employers often conduct background checks and may be reluctant to hire candidates with felony records, especially for positions of trust or responsibility.

For students, a drug crime conviction may result in the loss of federal financial aid and scholarships, making higher education financially out of reach. And colleges and universities may deny admission or expel students with drug convictions. A drug felony can also lead to rejected rental applications, forcing people into less desirable neighborhoods or unstable living situations.

The immigration consequences of a felony drug conviction are severe and often irreversible. For non-citizens residing in Colorado Springs, such a conviction can trigger deportation proceedings, regardless of how long you have lived in the United States or your standing in the community. Even legal permanent residents and visa holders are not immune to these consequences. A drug felony can make individuals ineligible for re-entry into the country and can disqualify you from obtaining future immigration benefits, such as naturalization or adjustment of status.

Why You Need to Find the Right Drug Crime Defense Attorney

Defense lawyers like Timothy R. Bussey play a crucial role in representing individuals accused of drug crimes. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., begins by thoroughly investigating the incident, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses. This helps us identify any procedural errors or violations of your rights.

By scrutinizing the prosecution’s case, our lawyers can often find weaknesses or inconsistencies that may lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges. We also provide guidance on your available legal options, including plea bargains or alternative sentencing.

A seasoned and knowledgeable Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney like Timothy R. Bussey brings a deep understanding of the Colorado Springs legal system to the table. Our firm can meticulously review the case details, challenge any procedural errors, and work to reduce or dismiss charges. We can also negotiate with prosecutors, potentially securing plea deals that limit the severity of the sentence.

Effective Defense Strategies in Drug Crime Cases

Crafting a defense strategy in drug crime cases requires a diligent approach to investigation and legal analysis. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., can review evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any material obtained during searches or seizures. Our experienced Colorado criminal lawyers can analyze every detail of the case to uncover any inconsistencies or legal oversights that could benefit your case.

Our investigation often involves hiring private investigators, forensic analysts, or other experts to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. Legal analysis is also critical. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., can assess the case regarding local and federal laws, legal precedents, and procedural rules. If the prosecution fails to present a strong case or there’s insufficient evidence, the charges may be dropped or dismissed.

Probable cause is a legal standard that must be met before law enforcement can make an arrest, conduct a search, or receive a warrant. It means there is a reasonable basis for believing that a crime may have been committed and that the defendant could be involved. In drug crime cases, probable cause is often the focal point of the defense.

Illegal search and seizure is a significant violation of constitutional rights, and pointing out these violations can be a powerful defense in drug crime cases, potentially leading to the suppression of evidence and weakening the prosecution’s case. Further, if a defense attorney can demonstrate that the police acted without probable cause or exceeded the scope of a search warrant, any evidence obtained as a result of that search may be considered inadmissible. This is due to the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. In the context of drug crimes, this could involve undercover officers encouraging or pressuring someone to buy, sell, or carry drugs. For entrapment to be a viable defense, the accused must show that they had no previous intent to commit the crime and only did so because of the government’s persuasion.

A lack of criminal intent can be asserted by an attorney when the defendant has no intention to commit a crime involving drugs. The reliability of witnesses against you can be questioned, casting doubt on the prosecution’s portrayal of events.

Our Colorado Springs Lawyers Defend Drug Crime Charges

Timothy R. Bussey relentlessly pursues justice to protect your freedom. Our experienced drug crime defense attorneys in Colorado Springs can start working on your case right away.

Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation. With 30+ years practicing law, Timothy R. Bussey and his lawyers are prepared to help.