Drug Charge Lawyer in Fort Collins

EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL DEFENSE STRATEGIES

As a drug offenses attorney in Fort Collins, I am committed to aggressively representing my clients. I will investigate your case for police misconduct, mishandling of evidence, compromised informant testimony, and violations of your Fourth Amendment rights. I will conduct a thorough review of any police interrogation and witness statements.

I will carefully review the actions of law enforcement officials in procuring and executing search warrants. Before you speak to police or prosecutors, please contact me. I will evaluate your case and discuss your options during a free confidential consultation protected by the attorney-client privilege.

Why You Shouldn't Give Up Hope

Drug cases often depend on informants. People who have been arrested on drug and related criminal charges may agree to provide police with information in exchange for a reduced sentence. As a result, someone may give your name to the police when in reality you have little, if anything, to do with drugs. As your attorney, I investigate the background of informants and their relationship to the police in order to expose leads and information ignored by law enforcement in building their case against you. If the case against you is dismissed or you are found not guilty, you may be eligible to have your record expunged, clearing any trace of the charges from your criminal history.

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2026, are psychedelic mushrooms legal in Colorado, or can I still face drug charges?

Colorado voters approved Proposition 122, which decriminalizes personal possession, growing, sharing, and use (but not sale) of certain “natural medicine” substances by adults 21 and over, including psilocybin and psilocin.
However, psilocybin remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, and Colorado’s decriminalization does not make every mushroom-related scenario risk-free (for example, selling, large-scale conduct, and other separate crimes can still trigger serious consequences).

Fort Collins Drug Offenses Lawyer

The use, possession, selling, or manufacturing of controlled substances is considered a serious crime in Fort Collins, Colorado. Depending on the situation and the type of offense, you may have to deal with heavy fines and long imprisonment.

If you don’t want to face such consequences, it is wise to seek immediate help from a drug offenses attorney.

What is the Fort Collins Drug Laws?

In Fort Collins, possession of marijuana in limited quantities (2 ounces) by adults over 21 is considered legal. However, if the quantity exceeds the allowed limit, the person will be penalized.

Any other drug that has little to zero contribution to medical treatment and is likely to be abused is considered illegal. Depending on the type of felony or misdemeanor, you may end up with a small fine of $1000 with up to 6 months in prison. However, if the severity of the crime is high, the fine can go up to $1,000,000 with 32 years in prison.

How can an Attorney Help?

No matter how dire the situation may get, your drug offenses attorney can bring a ray of hope to your life when it comes to drug-related offenses.

There are multiple defenses that may be able to get you out of the situation scot-free or with only a minor charge.

One thing that may be able to form a solid defense is that you never actually had any control over the drugs. Additionally, if the police or any other law enforcement department performs an illegal search or entrapped the defendant, in this case, you may be able to plead not guilty.

The safest option of all is to complete a drug diversion program. Once a defendant has completed the program, all charges may be dismissed, leaving no criminal record behind. But not everyone qualifies for this program.

Additionally, in this case, you must admit to the crime, and instead of receiving a sentence, you receive help to get better. Once you go through the treatment and education, all your charges may be dropped with a crime-free record.

Find a Trustworthy Drug Offenses Attorney at Lee E. Christian Law

Have you been arrested for a drug-related offense? Not only does it bring devastation, but it also tarnishes your reputation for life. Additionally, having a record of drug offenses may come in the way of attaining employment or education in the future. Finding a reliable drug offenses attorney can help your case.

At Lee E. Christian Law, we have qualified lawyers that offer the best legal assistance in Fort Collins, Colorado. Call 970-484-0300 for more details.

Vehicle Drug Search

Often drug possession charges result from police contacts while in your car. Typically, officers will ask the driver if they can search their car. In many cases, drivers agree to the search thinking officers have a right to inspect their car. However, an officer must first have reasonable suspicion that a law has been broken to pull you over. Second, in order to search your car, one of the following must apply: You must give voluntary, informed consent to the officer; the officer must see something in plain sight that gives them probable cause to conduct a search; or the search must be incident to a lawful arrest. As your defense attorney, I review the evidence, dashboard camera footage and the actions of arresting officers to determine if your rights were violated.

An experienced drug offenses attorney in Fort Collins can help you best understand the options available to you based on your specific needs and case.

When To Negotiate A Plea

Often drug possession charges result from police contacts while in your car. Typically, officers will ask the driver if they can search their car. In many cases, drivers agree to the search thinking officers have a right to inspect their car. However, an officer must first have reasonable suspicion that a law has been broken to pull you over. Second, in order to search your car, one of the following must apply: You must give voluntary, informed consent to the officer; the officer must see something in plain sight that gives them probable cause to conduct a search; or the search must be incident to a lawful arrest. As your defense attorney, I review the evidence, dashboard camera footage and the actions of arresting officers to determine if your rights were violated.

An experienced drug offenses attorney in Fort Collins can help you best understand the options available to you based on your specific needs and case.

Understanding Your Options

While each case is different, it may be possible to plead guilty to a less serious offense. Often your jail time can be reduced or served on an alternative sentencing basis such as workenders, work release or electronic home monitoring. To help with rehabilitation, the court can use probation with drug counseling, or participation in other programs such as Drug Court. Larimer County has a drug court. The drug court uses an alternative approach where the system actively works with the defendant to address addiction issues. The goal of drug court is to facilitate recovery, resulting in a healthy, contributing member of the community.

An experienced drug offenses attorney in Fort Collins can help you best understand the options available to you based on your specific needs and case.

How does Colorado distinguish between possession and intent to distribute drugs?

Possession charges involve having drugs for personal use, while intent to distribute involves evidence suggesting plans to sell or share. Factors include quantity, packaging materials, scales, or large sums of cash. Even without direct proof of sales, circumstantial evidence can elevate charges. Intent to distribute often carries harsher penalties than simple possession. Defense attorneys challenge assumptions about intent to reduce charges. This distinction is often critical in drug cases.

Can drug charges affect eligibility for federal student aid?

Yes. Certain drug convictions can suspend eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Students may lose grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. Completing rehabilitation programs may restore eligibility sooner. Schools may also impose disciplinary actions separate from criminal penalties. These impacts can derail education and career goals. Addressing charges quickly helps minimize long-term consequences.

What role do confidential informants play in drug investigations?

Confidential informants often provide tips or assist law enforcement in undercover operations. Their testimony can lead to arrests or warrants. However, informants may have incentives, such as reduced charges, raising credibility issues. Defense attorneys frequently challenge the reliability and motives of informants. Cross-examining their role can weaken the prosecution’s case. Courts often scrutinize informant-based evidence closely.

Are there any alternative sentencing options for drug offenses in Fort Collins?

Yes, there are alternative sentencing options for drug offenses in Fort Collins. These may include drug diversion programs, probation, community service, and mandatory drug education or treatment programs. These alternatives are designed to rehabilitate offenders rather than impose traditional punitive measures. They aim to reduce recidivism by addressing the underlying issues related to substance abuse. Our drug charge defense attorney can explore these options on your behalf. Scheduling a consultation can help you determine if they are the right fit for your case. Contact us to discuss your situation and learn how we can assist you.

Additional Information in Fort Collins

CaseText - Colorado Revised Statutes Section 18-1.3-501: Outlining their penalties and legislative intent. It provides definitions and categorizes offenses to clarify sentencing guidelines. This resource helps in understanding the potential penalties for different drug-related offenses and the legislative reasoning behind these classifications. By comprehending these details, a defense attorney can better strategize on how to mitigate the charges and seek alternative sentencing options.

Colorado General Assembly - Offense Level For Controlled Substance Possession: Outlines changes to penalties for drug possession offenses. The bill reclassifies possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances from felonies to misdemeanors and introduces substance use and mental health treatment programs. It also establishes a grant program to support counties in providing these services and aims to reduce incarceration rates for drug offenses. Understanding these reclassifications and available treatment options can aid in building a defense strategy focused on minimizing penalties and exploring alternative sentencing.

Colorado WIC - Substance Abuse Resources: Comprehensive information and links to various support services for substance abuse, including tobacco cessation programs, responsible cannabis use guidelines, and other helpful resources. It emphasizes public health and offers contact information for getting further assistance. This site can help with a drug charge defense case by directing individuals to rehabilitation and treatment programs, which may be considered favorably by the court during sentencing or as part of a defense strategy focused on recovery and reducing recidivism.

TESTIMONIALS

What Do Our Clients Say?

      
   David H. Johnson, Attorney at Law
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   Omar Rodriguez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If it wasn’t for David I’d probably in a way worse of a situation that I am now. Worked hard to get my case where I needed it and fought hard to give me the best possible outcome. In my opinion he’s in of the best attorneys in the northern Colorado area. Would definitely recommend him! Thank you Mr. Johnson.
  
 
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   Tamra Engle- NREMT 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave & Lisa kindly & patiently assisted me through the legal process, and directed me to pretrial education which made a terrifying experience manageable- I would recommend him without reservation-
  
 
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   Kyle Black 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Probably the best I could have expected of DUI to go. Mr. Johnson was very attentive and therefore me through every step of the process. Would definitely recommend!
  
 
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   Chad Bryant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David and Lisa displayed attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care throughout my case and helped me through each step of the process. I’d recommend this office to anyone feeling concerned or worried about the legal process and is looking for professional representation.
  
 
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   yeah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Respectful, invested, through. Speedy resolution in my case. Exactly what I wanted and needed from an attorney.
  
 
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   Asa Gomez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David Johnson has represented me for this past year, and throughout my legal proceedings he has been dedicated and motivated to provide me with the best council. Renowned in Larimer county, his reputation carries weight in the courthouse and and it was reassuring to hear from others how hard he works for his clients.
  
 
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   Virgil Steward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. David was great. On time and very polite
  
 
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   Raj Kumar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience with David Johnson! 5/5 would recommend to a friend! His assistant was wonderful, and David would always be quick to respond back to me/get ahold of!
  
 
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   John Newman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received a DUI charge while visiting Colorado from Tennessee, but was set to move to Arizona 4 months later, making my case quite complicated. David and his team helped me navigate the ins and outs of what was required of me at each step and negotiated a shorter probationary period than what is typical for the circumstances of my case. Additionally, I was told my the probation department that how my case was resolved was much cleaner and advantageous than they had seen for similar cases in the past. I would recommend David to anyone in the Loveland-Fort Collins area.

Jane Doe,

Please accept my/our most heartfelt thanks for your representation. The gift of your time will not be forgotten, nor your words of wisdom.

Jane Doe,

I appreciate all of your hard work through this mess of mine. I am so fortunate to have found you. I can’t nearly express the amount of thanks I have.

Jane Doe,

You saved my life. I am forever grateful. Happy Holidays.

Jane Doe,

Thank you for your legal services. At the height of our legal issue, you were calm and helped us feel calm. You helped us through a difficult time in our life. God bless you.

Jane Doe,

Thank you so much for going out of your way to help me with my ticket. I really appreciate it. Thanks again.

Jane Doe,

Jon’s a good friend of mine. I hired him to handle my personal injury case. When I told him the insurance company hadn’t offered anything (including to pay my hospital bills), he was taken aback. He handled the case from beginning to end and we settled with the insurance company for $50,000.

Jane Doe,

I appreciate your help to finish a fight that I certainly didn’t ask for. Your kindness and professional help got me through it all. Thanks Again.

Jane Doe,

We just wanted to thank you and your office for everything you have done for our family! You really helped save our year! Thanks a million.

Jane Doe,

Your prompt attention and response to my situation is greatly appreciated. You are the best!

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Contact A Fort Collins Attorney That Cares

Thank you for your interest and considering for using Lee E. Christian Law, for your legal representation needs. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions you may have. As an attorney that cares, I want to see all of our clients’ lives move beyond the temporary pain of legal action.

If you'd like to schedule a free consultation, please give me a call using the contact information below. I look forward to helping you.

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(970) 484-0300

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Drug Charge Lawyer in Fort Collins

Why You Shouldn't Give Up Hope

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in Fort Collins

What Do Our Clients Say?

Latest News & Articles

Differences Between a Federal and State White-Collar Crime

When Is Selling Drugs Considered Trafficking in Fort Collins?

Is Shoplifting a Misdemeanor or Felony in Colorado?

Contact A Fort Collins Attorney That Cares

Request Case Evaluation

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