Colorado Springs Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Selling Drugs
A drug violation in the United States is in reference to the usage, possession, sale, cultivation, or provision of any illicit substance or related apparatus. The majority of drug crimes in Colorado are classified as felonies, and the implications of the crime and punishment can be very serious. However, the sale of illegal drug substances, also known as drug trafficking or drug dealing, carries the most severe punishment. Most all, nations consider the illegal drug trade as directly connected to a large amount of other criminal activity, such as kidnapping, prostitution, murder, and other offenses.
Difference between Drug Possession and Trafficking
It's important to keep in mind that an individual doesn't need to be apprehended while in the act of selling drugs to be prosecuted. Just holding an amount of an illicit drug that is larger than a single individual can feasibly use can result in what's called a "possession with the intent to distribute" charge. Those charged with possession alone, on a first offense, have a greater chance of being granted other avenues of punishment and rehabilitation besides time in jail. But those who are charged with drug possession in combination with sale or trafficking in Colorado are left with less choices, and the penalty can be years behind bars.
Types of Illicit Drugs
A few illicit controlled substances with serious restrictions for their sale include: marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, morphine, and heroin. It is also illegal to sell prescription drugs, such as pain killers, on the street.
Specifically, the Colorado crime law 18-18-405 relating to who can be charged for the sale of controlled substances states:
"Any person who knowingly manufactures, dispenses, sells, or distributes, or possesses with the intent to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute, a controlled substance or induces, attempts to induce, or conspires with one or more persons to manufacture, dispense, sell, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, dispense, sell, or distribute such a controlled substance; or possesses one or more chemicals, supplies, or pieces of equipment with the intent to manufacture such a controlled substance..."
However, outside of that verbiage there are many things that influence what a drug sale charge will be. Is this a first offense? What type of drug is being sold? Seeing that there are some decriminalization laws for Marijuana in effect across the United States, Colorado included, the range of penalties for selling this substance, with and without a license, differ from others like cocaine or heroin. But that said, it's also important to note that since there's a discrepancy between national and state rules, the decriminalization laws are especially complex to navigate and individuals should not make broad, generalized legal assessments regarding this matter, as they often lead to violation and arrest.
Defending Your Rights
To ensure their rights are properly guarded, individuals facing drug distribution charges should always obtain professional legal representation. Colorado Springs drug crime lawyer Tim Bussey has extensive experience working with these kinds of complex cases. Call 719-475-2555 for a free consultation with an attorney today.
Colorado Springs DUI lawyer Timothy Bussey at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. in Colorado represents clients in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County, including the cities of Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Monument.
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
12 E. Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 475-2555
Fax: (719) 475-0046