Highly-Skilled Grand Junction Drug Importation Attorney Ready To Fight For You

The so-called war on drugs continues. Even states like Colorado—which has led the charge on progressive legislation legalizing marijuana and reducing penalties for the possession of narcotics—continue to have tough drug laws on the books. That’s because both state and federal authorities continue to draw the line at drug dealing. As a result, you will need a tough, aggressive, and experienced Grand Junction drug importation lawyer if the police accuse you of dealing drugs.

In Grand Junction and Mesa counties, attorney Mark S. Rubinstein has the experience you need to help secure a favorable outcome for your drug distribution case. With over 30 years of criminal defense experience, Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C., is committed to protecting your rights and helping you avoid the harsh consequences of a drug charge. Contact his office today for a free initial consultation.

Grand Junction Drug Importation Attorney

Drug importation is a federal offense. According to 21 USC 952, drug importation means bringing controlled substances or narcotics into the country. Perhaps this charge is more widely known as drug smuggling. Therefore, you might ask, How could I face a drug importation charge if I live in Colorado? You might be tempted to think that drug smuggling only occurs in states on our northern or southern border or in our coastal regions. But a person living in Colorado could face a drug importation charge for carrying narcotics into Colorado from another country or receiving narcotics through U.S. mail or another courier service.

All federal crimes are potentially life-altering, and drug importation is no exception. According to federal law, a conviction for drug importation could land you in federal prison for life. The sentence you could ultimately serve depends on your prior criminal history or lack thereof, the weight of the narcotics, and whether someone suffered an injury or died during the commission of the offense.

Because the consequences can be devastating, it is in your best interest to immediately contact Mesa County drug importation lawyer Mark S. Rubinstein. He can advise you of your rights, explain your options, and then fight vigorously to preserve your freedom. With such charges, there is simply too much at stake, so call our seasoned Mesa County drug importation attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.

Colorado Drug Distribution Laws

Sometimes, federal and state crimes overlap. Drug distribution is one such example. Federal authorities choose the cases they indict. So even if someone’s conduct violates federal law, the U.S. Attorney’s Office might decline to charge a case in federal court and leave it to the local prosecutor to pursue instead. State and local law enforcement agencies charge people with drug possession much more often than their federal counterparts.

In Colorado, you can face drug distribution charges for the following:

  • Selling drugs,
  • Manufacturing drugs,
  • Importing drugs,
  • Possession with intent to distribute drugs,
  • Dispensing drugs, or
  • Possessing materials to manufacture controlled substances, including marijuana.

Conspiring to commit these acts also falls under the general rule against drug distribution.

Penalties for Drug Distribution

Colorado law categorizes drug felonies as Levels 1 through 4, according to the weight of the drugs and the nature of the narcotics.

You should note that the law considers a mixture or compound of non-narcotics and controlled substances as though the entire amount is a controlled substance.

Level 1

A level 1 drug felony involves:

  • More than 225 grams of a Schedule I or II controlled substance;
  • More than 112 grams of meth, heroin, ketamine, or cathinones;
  • More than 50 mg of flunitrazepam;
  • More than 50 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or an analog of these drugs;
  • Selling to a minor who is at least two years younger than the adult offender; or
  • Causing the death of another due to the consumption of a narcotic.

The presumptive period of incarceration for a Level 1 drug felony is 8 to 32 years in prison with 3 years of parole.

Level 2

Level 2 drug felonies are less serious. The presumptive period of incarceration is 4 to 8 years, with a presumptive parole period of 2 years. Level 2 drug felonies involve:

  • More than 14 grams but less than 225 grams of a Schedule I or II drug;
  • Between 7 and 112 grams of meth, heroin, ketamine, or cathinones;
  • More than 10 mg but no more than 50 mg of flunitrazepam;
  • More than 4 grams but no more than 50 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or an analog of these drugs; or
  • Distributing a Schedule III or IV drug to a minor at least two years younger than the adult offender.

Level 2 drug felonies are subject to aggravated penalties which could increase the presumptive prison term to 8 to 16 years with 2 years of parole.

Level 3 drug felonies carry a possible prison term from 2 to 4 years with 1 year of parole. However, aggravating factors could increase the period of incarceration to the range of 4 to 6 years.

Levels 3 and 4

Level 3 drug felonies involve the following amounts:

  • Not more than 14 grams of Schedule I or II drugs;
  • Not more than 7 grams of meth, heroin, ketamine, or cathinones;
  • Not more than 10 mg of flunitrazepam; or
  • Not more than 4 grams of fentanyl, carfentanil, benzimidazole opiate, or an analog of these drugs.

Finally, Level 4 drug felonies involve small quantities of drugs or involve transferring the drug intending to consume the substance at or about the same time as another person.

Penalties for these drug offenses range from 6 months to 4 years in prison with 1 year of parole time.

Aggressive Defense for Your Intent to Distribute Charge

If the police have charged you with intent to distribute drugs or other importation offenses, call Mark S. Rubinstein, P.C. today at 970-704-0888 to schedule a free consultation. Everyone who has worked with Mark knows that he believes everyone deserves to benefit from a strong defense. Mark is an aggressive, experienced advocate. He is also approachable and has great compassion and empathy for his clients. He and his team will take the time to listen and devise a plan to help avoid the life-altering consequences of a Colorado drug distribution charge.