Drug Charge Lawyer
Colorado Drug Charges What You Should Know
Colorado drug laws can be complicated, particularly since the legalization of marijuana and recent changes in state law. We've included some basic information on the state's drug laws below.
In the most basic of terms, a controlled substance is an illegal drug that can have an adverse effect on the health and welfare of the user. Given the dangerous nature of these substances, the government has strictly regulated their use.
Before March 2020, possession of hard drugs was a felony. Thanks to a new law, possession of hard drugs in small amounts is now just a misdemeanor. Possession with the intent to manufacture or distribute is still a felony, however.
Since 2014, recreational use of marijuana is legal for individuals 21 and older. While marijuana is legal, reckless driving while using cannabis can result in a driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired charge.
How Controlled Substances Are Classified
| Schedule | Description | Examples |
| Schedule I | Substances for which there is no currently accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse |
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| Schedule II | High potential for abuse that could lead to dependence |
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| Schedule III | Substances with moderate-to-low potential for dependence |
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| Schedule IV | Substances with a low risk for abuse and chemical dependence |
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| Schedule V | Substances with a lower risk of abuse and dependence than Schedule IV |
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Controlled substances are classified based on five separate schedules, with schedules I and II being the most serious. The nature of the drug determines the severity of the charges as well as the fines and penalties. Hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, LSD, and methamphetamine mean stiffer legal penalties.
Different Types of Drug Crimes and Charges
In Colorado, no matter the drug crime you're facing, our criminal defense lawyers can help. Below are some of the most common drug charges that people face.
Misdemeanor drug possession means having a schedule I or II substance on your person. To be charged with a felony means possession with the intent to manufacture or distribute.
Intent to distribute means that you were in possession of a controlled substance that you intended to sell to others. The amount on your person determines the severity of the charge.
Drug distribution means you were caught selling a controlled substance to others. As with possession and intent to distribute, the amount found determines the legal penalties.
Even if you do not have drugs, you can be charged for possession of drug paraphernalia. This includes syringes, pipes, and other items associated with controlled substances.
Trafficking refers to moving large quantities of drugs in amounts that go well beyond personal use. The fines and penalties are determined by classification and quantity of drug.
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by any kind of drug is illegal. A traffic stop can lead to a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys
Whether you're facing misdemeanor possession or drug trafficking charges, the lawyers at the Dadvocates can help. We've provided tough yet compassionate legal counsel to people all over Colorado, helping them contest charges and reduce legal penalties.
Our lead criminal defense attorney will go over all of the circumstances in your case and help you make the best decision given your circumstances. If you're a father charged with a drug crime, we'll work diligently to ensure you can see your children again and advocate for you during any custody or visitation disputes.
To schedule a free consultation with our lawyers, contact the Dadvocates online. You can also reach our lawyers by phone at:
(720) 749-2876
"She never gave up in my case" Colorado Attorneys Committed to You
Jeannette Johnson
2020
Kaitlyn and her team worked hard for my family even through the COVID restrictions, slow downs, and other snags that came with taking on our case. I highly recommend trusting the Dadvocates to see anyone through the toughest cases. Her patience and transparency holds value and she never gave up in my case.
View On GooglePeter Shaw
Denver, CO
2023
The lawyers are passionate about ensuring fathers maintain meaningful relationships with their children. I'm grateful for their legal expertise and commitment to fairness in child support negotiations. I couldn't have asked for better representation.
View on GoogleFines and Penalties for Felony Drug Charges
Penalties for drug crimes in Colorado vary depending on the nature of the offense and the narcotic in question. This overview of legal fines and prison time will help you understand why you need a defense attorney on your side.
Level 1 Drug Felony (DF1)
The most serious drug felony in the state of Colorado, conviction can result in up to 32 years in prison and $1 million in fines.Level 2 Drug Felony (DF2)
Level 2 drug felonies in the state of Colorado can result in up to 8 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000.Level 3 Drug Felony (DF3)
Level 3 drug felonies in the state of Colorado can result in up to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.Level 4 Drug Felony (DF4)
A level 4 drug felony in the state of Colorado can result in up to 1 year in prison and fines of up to $100,000.Eye-Opening Statistics on Drug Arrests
Someone is arrested in the United States every three seconds. The vast majority of these arrests target non-violent and non-serious offenses. Prosecutors are often overzealous even with non-violent drug offenses. Anyone facing drug charges deserves sound legal representation from a skilled attorney.
"They will fight hard for what is right" Our Lawyers Fight for You
Ruben Figueroa
Woodland Hills, CA
2023
I couldn’t have picked a better law firm. I did months of research before finally choosing The Dadvocates and I’m so glad I did. The overall experience was great. The staff is very professional and attentive to my needs or questions and concerns. This is exactly what you want when you’re going through a custody case. I got exactly what I wanted for myself and my daughter. I’m forever thankful to the team.
View on GoogleDAVE G.
Woodland Hills, CA
2023
After having numerous issues with my previous counsel I hired TheDavocates lawfirm. They kept me advised of the progress, always returned my calls and emails. My final settlement was far and away greater than what I had expected. I will refer the firm to friends and family if they are needed. Thank you!
View on GoogleWhy You Need a Drug Crime Attorney How Our Law Firm Can Help You
Given the stigma surrounding drug use, many prosecutors throughout Colorado strive for convictions for non-violent offenses such as possession. This is why you need the help of our law firm. A free consultation with our attorneys can help you fight charges and avoid harsh legal penalties.
Our attorneys will review the circumstances of your case and attempt to have charges dropped. We can also attempt to reduce felony charges to misdemeanors. This means lower fines and shorter jail or prison sentences.
Many drug crimes end with plea bargains. This means a defendant pleads guilty or no contest for a lesser punishment. Our attorneys can determine if you should accept a prosecutor's deal or take your fight all the way to court.
In addition to help with legal proceedings, our attorneys will help you look ahead to other matters related to your drug charges. This includes getting your driver's license reinstated and having records sealed or expunged.
