Contesting Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Charges in Eagle + Garfield Counties
Defending Against Drug-Related Charges
Charges related to illegal substances are common in a resort community such as Eagle County.
Charges range from simple possession of non-prescription medications to large-scale manufacture and distribution.
We carefully examine all aspects of the police investigation and arrest. Many cases involve unreliable confidential informants. These cases require a great deal of investigation to uncover the sources and accuracy of the prosecution’s case.
Each element of the charges must be analyzed to determine whether the prosecution can meet its burden of proof. The substances must be located, the evidence must be verified and tested, possession and ownership determined, sales or attempted sales must be documented.
Colorado has adopted a multi-tier drug offense system. We explain the various levels to our clients, with the criteria for each level and possible and probable consequences.
We have been able to exonerate and disprove cases as well as negotiate minimal penalties for others. We consider your best interests at all times and try to help with underlying issues, treatment and rehab, when appropriate.
Determine and advise you on the various levels of felony, misdemeanor and petty offense drug offenses and all possible penalties, including jail time, sentence options.
Determine the constitutional basis of the police contact searches and seizure.
Determine whether evidence was properly obtained.
Work to preserve exculpatory (favorable) evidence.
Obtain all relevant discovery-reports, criminal record, and evidence from police, witnesses and chemical testing.
Verify whether chemical testing of substances was properly performed and whether you were properly advised.
Determine whether the prosecution has preserved its evidence.
Determine whether the prosecution meets all necessary elements of the charges.
Analyze all the facts and law to develop a legal opinion on whether the charges are defensible.
Review with the client the risks and benefits of going to trial. Whether trial is feasible in consideration of the strength of the client’s evidence, the prosecution evidence and the nature of the charges and possible penalties.
Analyze and advise regarding the feasibility of trial or plea bargain, based upon the quality of evidence.
Control the speed and timing of court dates to fit your circumstances.
Identify all aggravating and mitigating factors.
Meet with the district attorney to determine the quality of evidence for and against you, along with factors that help or harm your case.
Appear with you at court and ensure your rights are protected.
If a plea bargain is reached, we prepare to argue for the most favorable sentence possible.
If trial is the best option, we make the prosecution try to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and present all admissible evidence to disprove the charges.