If you or a loved one are facing felony drug sales charges in Colorado, it’s essential to understand the severity of these charges and the potential consequences that come with a conviction. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help if you find yourself in this situation. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.
Why Choose The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC For Your Felony Drug Sales Case?
Not all law firms are created equal. At The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional legal services, particularly when it comes to defending those facing felony drug sales charges. Here are some factors that set us apart:
- With over a decade of serving criminal defendants in Colorado, our attorneys understand the nuances and intricacies of the state’s drug laws.
- We believe in providing individualized attention to our clients. No two cases are alike, and our attorneys invest time in understanding your unique situation, listening to your concerns, and developing tailored strategies that will best serve your interests.
- Our commitment to excellence has resulted in a strong track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients. Though no attorney can guarantee a specific result, our history of successful case resolutions speaks for itself as a testament to our expertise and dedication to our clients.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Felony Drug Sales Charge
In the face of a felony drug sales charge, the right legal representation is essential. Here are some of the ways an attorney can help:
- An experienced attorney can thoroughly review the facts of your case, identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and assess whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest.
- In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction of charges or a favorable plea agreement with the prosecution.
- If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will act as your advocate, presenting a strong defense and cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses to weaken their case.
Drug Felonies in Colorado
Under Colorado law, “…it is unlawful for any person knowingly to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute, or to possess with intent to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute, a controlled substance; or induce, attempt to induce, or conspire with one or more other persons, to manufacture, dispense, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute, a controlled substance; or possess one or more chemicals or supplies or equipment with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.”
The penalties for selling drugs are significant, and it’s important to know what you’re facing.
Level I Drug Felony Charges
Level I drug felony charges are the most serious of drug offenses in Colorado. These charges are often brought against individuals who have engaged in significant drug sale activities. Examples include violations involving:
- More than 225 grams of material containing a Schedule I or Schedule II drug.
- More than 112 grams of material containing methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, or cathinone.
Conviction of a Level I drug felony carries:
- Up to $1 million in fines
- Up to 32 years in prison
If aggravating factors are involved, such as being on bond for another felony or parole/probation for a different felony, the minimum sentence is 12 years in prison.
Level II Drug Felony Charges
Although not as serious as Level I charges, Level II drug felonies in Colorado are still considered severe offenses. Common crimes associated with Level II felony charges include violations involving:
- More than fourteen grams, but not more than two hundred twenty-five grams, and contains a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance.
- More than seven grams, but not more than one hundred twelve grams, and contains methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, or cathinones.
- More than four grams, but not more than fifty grams, and contains fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or an analog thereof as described in section 18-18-204(2)(g).
In Colorado, someone convicted of a Level II drug felony may face:
- Up to 8 years imprisonment
- Fines of up to $750,000
If aggravating factors are present, the maximum prison sentence may be extended to 16 years.
Level III Drug Felonies
Examples of level III drug felonies include violations involving:
- Not more than fourteen grams and contains a schedule I or schedule II controlled substance.
- Not more than seven grams and contains methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, or cathinones.
- Not more than four grams and contains fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or an analog thereof as described in section 18-18-204(2)(g).
In the event of a conviction, a Level III drug felony carries:
- Up to 4 years in prison
- Fines of up to $500,000
Aggravating factors (such as prior convictions or the presence of a deadly weapon) may significantly increase these penalties to 6 years.
Level IV Drug Felonies
Examples of level IV drug felonies include violations involving:
- Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that weighs not more than four grams and contains a schedule III or schedule IV controlled substance.
For those convicted of a Level IV drug felony, penalties include:
- Up to 12 months in prison
- Fines of up to $100,000
Aggravating factors may lead to a maximum sentence of two years.
Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC To Schedule a Free Consultation
If you have been charged with a felony drug sale in Colorado, it’s vital to seek proper legal representation. A skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges and work with you to build a strong defense strategy. Contact The Harrell Law Firm, PLLC to schedule a free consultation.