Cocaine Possession Charges in Colorado Springs
Colorado law enforcement takes drug charges very seriously. While this can be beneficial to Colorado’s society and safety, it can also lead to severe, life-altering penalties for a cocaine possession charge, even if you are a first offender, someone whose night on the town went astray, or are struggling with addiction.
Because a conviction of cocaine possession has permanent consequences that include jail time, probation, and a permanent record, and could also involve federal charges, it’s crucial to mount a prompt, assertive defense.
What are the Penalties for a Cocaine Possession Conviction In Colorado?
The penalties for felony drug possession are listed under Colorado §18-18-403.5, Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Under this law, most cocaine possession charges are class 4 drug felonies. A conviction could result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 and up to two years in prison.
This could be reduced to probation and a drug treatment program for possession of an amount under 4 grams, which is a class 1 misdemeanor charge. Possessing larger amounts of cocaine could escalate the penalties upon conviction.
Possession With Intent to Distribute Charges In Colorado
In some cases, a simple possession charge can become a possession with intent to distribute charge—a class 5 felony—if the amount of cocaine found in your possession is significant, even if you only intended to share it with a friend. A conviction in this case could result in a prison sentence of up to 32 years.
It’s also important to consider any aggravating circumstances, such as a prior arrest or conviction for a drug offense, whether or not you were found in possession while close to a school, or whether you were found in possession of cocaine on federal property.
All of these factors could significantly escalate the charges and penalties for a conviction.
How Can a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me With My Cocaine Possession Charge?
Calling an experienced Colorado Springs defense attorney is crucial if you’ve been charged with cocaine possession. An assertive defense begins as soon as possible after your arrest.
Your attorney will guide you through the criminal court process and seek a dismissal if there are grounds, such as a procedural error made during your arrest. For instance, if law enforcement violated your 4th amendment rights with an illegal search and seizure.
Possible Defenses to Your Cocaine Possession Charge In Colorado
If your attorney is unable to get the charges dismissed, they will mount a rigorous defense by arguments such as the following:
- That you had no intent to possess; for instance, if a friend left the cocaine in your vehicle or home without your knowledge
- That law enforcement failed to test the product properly, and the prosecutor lacks evidence that it was cocaine
- That you were not aware that you were in possession of a controlled substance—for a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that you knew the substance was cocaine
If none of the above defenses are applicable in your case, your Colorado criminal defense lawyer will seek an alternative sentencing option, such as those available to first offenders.
This could include a pre-trial diversion program, deferred sentencing, or a court-ordered drug treatment plan.
Calling a Colorado Criminal Defense Attorney Is Essential If You Are Facing Cocaine Possession Charges In Colorado
Don’t wait to begin a strong defense against a cocaine possession conviction that will follow you for the rest of your life.
Contact Anaya Law Group for a free consultation and discuss your personalized legal defense strategy from a law firm that gets results.