Denver Drug Crime Lawyers
Drug Possession and Distribution Laws in Colorado
Colorado law prohibits the intentional or knowing manufacturing, distribution, sale, or dispensing of substances regulated by the state’s Controlled Substances Act, as well as the possession of drugs with the intent to distribute or sell. The law also states that any equipment used to conceal, prepare, manufacture, inhale, or inject illegal drugs is prohibited. Such actions are treated as serious offenses leading to severe penalties upon conviction.
The seriousness of conviction depends on two primary factors. The type of drug you possessed or distributed and the amount of that particular drug. Here are the classifications for the types of drugs that lead to a potential drug charge.
What are the Classifications of Drugs:
Federal law recognizes that different drugs pose different levels or risk. The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 assigns all illegal or regulated drugs to one of five classes based on their medical applications, potential for addiction, and dangers. The higher a drug ranks in the classification schedule, the more severe the potential legal consequences for individuals found using, possessing, or selling it.
- Schedule l
- Heroin, LSD, Marijuana
- Schedule ll
- Percocet, Opium, Cocaine
- Schedule lll
- Ketamine, Vicodin, Anabolic Steroids
- Schedule lV
- Xanax, Valium
- Schedule V
- Cough Suppressant with Codeine
Drug Crime Sentencing: Amount of Drugs and Related Charges
In Colorado, the penalties for drug-related crimes are determined by factors such as the type of drug, the quantity involved, and any additional criminal acts committed.
- Unlawful drug possession of less than 4 grams of a Schedule I or II drug or any quantity of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug (except flunitrazepam, gamma hydroxybutyrate, or ketamine which are felonies regardless of weight)
- Sale/possession with the intent to sell or distribute more than 6 ounces of marijuana or more than 3 ounces of concentrate
- Drug crime punishable by 6 to 18 months in jail
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
Level 2 Drug Misdemeanor
- Abusing toxic vapors
- Unlawful use of a controlled substance
Level 2 Drug Felony
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit a Level 1 drug crime
- Sale/possession with the intent to sell or distribute 7g-14g of heroin, meth, ketamine, or cathinones (bath salts)
- Drug crimes are punishable by jail time up to 8 years presumptive max or 16 if aggravated
- Fines up to $750,000
- Mandatory two-year parole period
- Selling or possessing controlled substances with the intent to sell or distribute less than 14 grams of Schedule I or II drugs
- Distributing an imitation controlled substance to a minor if the adult is at least 2 years older than the minor
- Conspiracy or attempt to commit a Level 2 drug crime
- Drug crimes are punishable by up to 4 years in prison presumptive max or 6 years if aggravated
- Fines ranging from $2,000 to $500,000
- Mandatory one-year parole period
- Selling or possessing controlled substances with the intent to sell or distribute less than 4 grams of Schedule III or IV drugs
- Possession of a controlled substance that is more than 4 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug and any quantity of flunitrazepam, gamma hydroxybutyrate, or ketamine regardless of weight
- Drug crime punishable by six months to 1 year in prison or 2 years if aggravated
- Fines of $1,000 to $100,000
How Our Drug Offense Lawyers Can Help
Our team of drug offense lawyers at Barringer Law Firm can help you in your drug charge defense. The strategies and tactics we use to fight drug charges will depend on the charge you are facing as well as your case’s exact facts and circumstances. Contact one of our knowledgeable drug offense lawyers today.
