DRUG OFFENSES
If you are arrested for a drug-related offense in Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Rifle, Eagle, Vail, Basalt, Garfield County, Pitkin County, Eagle County or the surrounding area, you need prompt legal representation from an experienced attorney who has substantial experience working on cases in the local court system. An experienced lawyer can make all the difference in your drug possession case and will attempt to have the charges against you lowered or dismissed altogether. He will fight for your constitutional rights and will do everything possible to keep you out of jail. That attorney is Kip O’Connor.
Work with an Experienced Attorney
In many instances, drug cases involve multiple agencies, including federal agencies, which make up a drug task force. The investigations can be very lengthy, involving confidential informants, controlled buys, wiretap surveillance and multiple defendants and can result in very serious charges. In cases like this, you need an attorney who is experienced in dealing with the complexities of these issues.
One of the most commonly charged drug offenses in Colorado is possession of illegal drugs. Regardless of the severity of the crime, you need to take the charge seriously and protect your rights by speaking with an attorney. In many instances, defendants will self-incriminate themselves by making statements to police without an attorney present. Do not make this mistake; you have the right to remain silent. Never talk to the police about a crime or charge without the presence of your attorney.
Oftentimes, if drugs are found in your possession you may be charged by law enforcement with drug sales (possession with intent to sell) as well, even if the drugs were for your own personal use. The differences in the charges that can be brought against you for drug crimes are extreme. You could be looking at a virtual slap on the wrist or a lifetime behind bars. Penalties for a drug charge are based on the type and amount of drugs in your possession, intent to sell, or distribute, your past criminal arrests and the circumstances surrounding your case.
If you have been convicted of a drug related crime, you may be eligible to seal the criminal conviction record. Prior to 2011, individuals who were convicted of a drug related crime were not eligible to seal their record. The criminal conviction (regardless of the severity of the offense) record was open to the public and available to anyone, including employers, educational institutions, loan officers and state and local agencies. The new law allows certain individuals who have been convicted of certain drug related crimes to seal their criminal record, making it no longer accessible to the public. Once a record is sealed, any information regarding the arrest, charge and conviction is no longer available to the public and will not show up on a public background records check. If you have been charged with a drug related offense or if you have been convicted of a drug related crime for which you may be eligible to seal the record, call the Law Office of Kip O’Connor at (970) 384-1000 for a free consultation.