We know that it can be a very scary, stress inducing time in one’s life to be accused of a drug crime. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. we understand this, and are more than well-equipped to help you get through this confusing time. The most commonly prosecuted drug crimes in Colorado are possession and possession with intent to distribute, and our firm has vast experience representing those accused.
Whether you are facing simple possession or a more serious drug charge, you can suffer severe consequences, including jail-time, fines, and potentially a prison sentence. However, just because you were accused doesn’t mean that you’re necessarily guilty, and immediate action needs to be taken on your part. Contact our Colorado Springs criminal defense law firm today to ensure that you’re able to mount the strongest defense possible. We’ve unfortunately seen, time and time again, accused individuals fall victim to manipulation tactics and intimidation practices by law enforcement and even the prosecution, so please don’t delay in calling (719) 475-2555 for our help.
Being accused of possession of a controlled substance means you were allegedly caught with any compound, material, preparation, or mixture of four grams or less of a controlled substance. For certain controlled substances, such as methamphetamine, the crime of possession is considered drug possession if you were allegedly found in possession of two grams or less. Most drug possession charges are felonies, though of different classes; however, according to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) 18-18-403.5, “any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of a controlled substance listed in schedule III, IV, or V…except flunitrazepam or ketamine commits a class 1 misdemeanor.”
As you by now know, it is illegal to knowingly dispense, manufacture, sell, or distribute any controlled substance; it is also illegal to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute or perform any of the aforementioned actions. Depending on the drug in question, such a crime may be a class 2, 3, 4, or 5 felony, or a class 1 misdemeanor. What defines “intent to distribute” is usually the amount of the controlled substance in possession. Typically, 25 grams or more will carry distribution or possession with intent to distribute charges. As with simple possession, however, the prosecution must prove that you were “knowingly” in possession of such amounts and “knowingly” distributing the controlled substance.
The prosecution must prove that you “knowingly” possessed a controlled substance for a drug possession charge to stick. We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. know that no situation is black and white, and you may have unknowingly fallen into possession of a controlled substance as the result of miscommunication, a misunderstanding, or even as the result of the malicious actions of another individual. Just because a police officer caught you with a controlled substance does not necessarily mean you possessed it intentionally, and proving that is the only way the prosecution can convict you.
As we mentioned earlier, the sooner you contact legal counsel, the better position you will be in. An aggressive Colorado Springs drug possession and distribution lawyer at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help you understand your legal rights and options as well as create a defense strategy specific for your situation. To find out more about getting your charges reduced or dismissed, call us for a free consultation today at (719) 475-2555.