Colorado Drug Offenses

Colorado Drug Offenses — The Penalties Could Be Severe. You Need To Act Fast — Your FREEDOM Could Be On The Line.

Colorado law prohibits the possession, use, distribution, or creation of controlled substances by private individuals. If you face drug charges in Colorado, an attorney can help you learn more about your rights, the penalties you may face, and how to avoid more severe penalties for drug use. 

Colorado law supports treatment rather than punishment for addiction, particularly if you have not yet been convicted of drug offenses in the past or if you face relatively minor possession charges. A criminal defense attorney can help you navigate Colorado law and get a better idea of your rights.

Contact Right Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.

When Should I Call a Colorado Drug Offenses Attorney?

Ideally, you should contact an attorney as soon as you face charges for drug offenses. An attorney can help you avoid inadvertently saying something you shouldn’t when dealing with a law enforcement officer after drug offense charges.

If you face drug charges, do not rely on a public defender to represent you. Even though they are trained attorneys, they have very large caseloads, which makes it very difficult for you to get the personal attention and case review you deserve. 

Working directly with an experienced drug offense attorney in Colorado can help you better build your case and reduce the consequences you may face.

Types of Drug Offenses in Colorado

Colorado breaks drug offenses down into several key categories.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession of a controlled substance charges indicate that you were caught with controlled substances in your possession. Generally, this charge means that you were caught with a quantity of drugs that suggests personal use.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

Possession with intent to distribute charges suggest that you were caught with controlled substances in your possession in a larger quantity: one too big to qualify for personal use. It could also indicate that you clearly had plans to sell or otherwise distribute controlled substances.

Prescription Drug Fraud

Prescription drug fraud can occur in several ways. Typically, prescription drug fraud means that you have obtained prescription medication by misrepresenting your status: seeking drugs with intent to get high rather than to control actual pain, claiming that you are a medical practitioner and writing fake prescriptions, or acquiring a controlled substance through fraud, forgery, or deception.

Drug Manufacturing

Drug manufacturing charges claim that you are suspected of actually creating controlled substances, often with the intent to distribute them.

What Is the Schedule of Drugs in Colorado?

Colorado establishes five schedules for drugs.

• Schedule I: Drugs with no acceptable medical use or that are unsafe for use in treatment. These may include heroin, LSD, and other drugs that have a high potential for abuse.
• Schedule II: Drugs that can be used in some medical treatment cases but have a high potential for abuse. They may include prescription pain pills.
• Schedule III: Drugs with acceptable medical uses but can cause considerable dependence challenges, including both physical and psychological addiction. These may include steroids or medications with codeine.
• Schedule IV: Drugs that have some limited dependence challenges, like anti-anxiety medications but typically have safe medical uses.
• Schedule V: Drugs with relatively low potential for abuse but may cause some limited dependence in some users. For example, cough syrups and cold medicine containing a small amount of codeine fall under Schedule V.

What Are the Possible Penalties for Drug Offenses in Colorado?

The penalties you may face for drug offenses in Colorado can vary depending on the severity of the offense and any past offenses. However, those penalties can have a substantial impact on every area of your life.

Misdemeanor Charges

Drug use and drug possession charges usually fall into the misdemeanor category. When possible, Colorado law prefers to help drug users seek treatment rather than imposing large outside penalties. 

Because of that, misdemeanor charges may include:

• Treatment programs
• Deferred sentencing
• Help with mental health issues

However, you may still face some penalties for misdemeanor charges for drug use, and having those charges on your record can make it more difficult for you to obtain employment later. 

A lawyer can help you determine how those charges will be represented on your record and what penalties you might face in the future.

Felony Charges

If you face more serious drug charges, including sales/distribution and manufacturing, you may find yourself facing felony charges. 

Drug felonies can mean:

• Jail time
• Fines

For the most serious Colorado drug felony convictions, including repeat convictions, felony drug charges may result in up to 32 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines. 

The severity of the penalties you will face for felony drug charges may depend on the schedule of the drug, the quantity involved, and whether you have a past history of drug crimes. The more severe the offense, the greater the penalties you may face.

If you have been accused of a drug crime in Colorado, get in touch with an experienced Colorado drug offense attorney as soon as possible for help minimizing those consequences and addressing the challenges you may face.

Ask a Criminal Defense Attorney

At Right Law Group, we understand the stress you are under. Our Criminal Defense Law Firm is here to guide you down the right path to your legal challenge. Whether you are facing your first DUI, a drug charge, need a restraining order or are facing another type of criminal charge, our firm is committed to your well-being and protecting your rights the right way.

Does the Controlled Substance Act apply to Colorado?

The Controlled Substance Act is a federal act that places all drugs into a schedule, ranking them by severity. In Colorado, the law follows this act for the most part. The main exception is marijuana, which has been legalized for both medical and recreational use in Colorado.

Which drug carries the highest criminal penalties?

Schedule I drugs are the most serious, and offenses regarding these drugs will carry the highest penalties. 

Some Schedule I drugs include:

• Heroin
• LSD
• PCP
• Mescaline
• Peyote
• Psilocybin

Colorado Springs Drug Offenses Lawyer Near You

When you’re charged with any drug crimes in Colorado, you need a lawyer who is familiar with Colorado drug laws and knows how the court system works. Criminal defense attorneys work with you to help you establish a strong defense. Even if you believe that a conviction is inevitable, a Colorado Springs drug offenses lawyer can help you fight for a lesser charge, a reduced sentence, or another more favorable outcome. Contact us right away for a free case consultation.