Getting charged with the possession or distribution of drugs? Then you must know that being charged and arrested for a drug-related crime is an extremely serious situation for which you might face jail time and monetary fines. Drug trafficking and drug possession are grave offenses in Colorado and the drug laws in the state of Colorado are known to be rather confusing and intricate. For this reason, you should immediately get in touch with a Colorado criminal defense attorney who has sufficient experience in taking up drug charge cases for various clients. Whether you have been charged for drug manufacturing, drug possession, or the sales and distribution of drugs, the legal experts in Colorado can handle your case in the most efficient manner.
Which drugs are considered to be illegal in Colorado?
The controlled substances or drugs in the state of Colorado are divided into 5 different schedules based on the probability of a drug being abused.
Schedule I
Schedule I drugs are the ones that have a high chance of being abused without any kind of accepted medical use. These drugs are considered unsafe for being used in any kind of treatment, even when they are used under medical supervision. Schedule 1 drugs mainly include heroin as well as different types of hallucinogens like LSD, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), PCP, peyote, and mescaline.
Schedule II
Schedule II drugs have a rather high potential for being abused. However, unlike the Schedule I drugs, they have accepted medical uses and may lead to serious physical and psychological dependence when abused. The examples of Schedule II drugs are opium, methamphetamines, cocaine and prescription opioid pain medications like hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, morphine, and fentanyl.
Schedule III
The Schedule III drugs normally have a lesser potential of abuse than the drugs included in the first two schedules. They also have accepted medical usage but can cause low to moderate physical dependence along with a high level of psychological dependence. The drugs included in Schedule III are ketamine, barbiturates, anabolic steroids as well as medications having trace amounts of codeine.
Schedule IV
Schedule IV drugs have a lower abuse potential than Schedule III drugs. They also have some acceptable medical uses. However, they may cause limited physical and psychological dependence. These include the prescription anti-anxiety medicines like diazepam or valium and also the non-barbiturate sleep medications like zolpidem.
Schedule V
The drugs included in Schedule V are by far the least dangerous and have got the lowest abuse potential. They also have got accepted medical uses. These drugs may lead to limited psychological or physical dependence. The Schedule V drugs mainly include medicines which may include small portions of narcotic drugs such as cold medications and cough syrups that can be purchased over the counter which may include codeine.
Drug penalties in Colorado
Under Colorado law, unlawful possession of drugs in small amounts may be considered to be a misdemeanor. However, if you have been charged with the handling of serious narcotics, then the person is charged with felony. The penalties for a felony drug offence in Colorado may lead to heavy fines and even jail time. The jail time can vary between 6 months to 32 years. The fines can be as low as $1000 and as high as $1000000.
Hire a Colorado Defense Attorney for drug charges
When you have been charged with a major drug offence, it is important that you hire the best criminal defense attorney in Colorado who can provide you with proper legal representation and also guide you effectively to resolve the case quickly and efficiently.
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