Charged With Drug Possession in Colorado? 3 FAQs to Help You
If you, or a member of your family, have been charged with drug possession in the state of Colorado, your first priority should be to familiarize yourself with the standard penalties you could face if convicted. While drug possession charges can vary greatly depending on the amount of the illegal substance you were carrying, it is important to understand your rights under Colorado law.
The three FAQs
The following are the answers to the three frequently asked questions or FAQs when charged with drug possession.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Colorado?
Most crimes relating to drug possession are punishable by jail terms, however if the amount discovered was less than one ounce, it will be treated as a “petty offense”, resulting in a fine of about $ 100. As a defendant, you must appear in court or you could be charged with a misdemeanor, resulting in a six-month prison sentence. More than one ounce of drugs will automatically result in a misdemeanor charge, a prison term of 6 to 18 months, and a hefty fine. If you are found carrying more than 8 ounces of an illegal drug, it is considered a felony and is punishable by one to three years in prison and a much larger fine, plus a suspended driver’s license.
What if I am using illegal drugs for medicinal purposes?
If you have written documentation from your doctor, then you can use this as a defense, since Colorado does have laws that allow drugs to be used medicinally. Some drugs have been so decriminalized that no prison time or criminal record will occur when a person is caught with a small amount of the drug in a first-time offense.
What is the first thing I should do when charged with misdemeanor or felony drug possession in Colorado?
As you might have guessed, the first thing you should do is contact a lawyer with experience in defending clients against this type of charge.
Summary
The three FAQs when charged with drug possession concern the penalties for felony, the circumstances under which you may not be charged, and the first thing you should do when charged with misdemeanor or felony possession of drugs in Colorado.
Matthew Clawson is an attorney at Clawson & Clawson, LLP. He strives to deliver first-rate legal services quickly, efficiently, and aggressively in Personal Injury Law, Family Law and Criminal Law, with integrity and honesty.
Matthew Clawson updates his blog weekly with valuable legal advise, visit the Clawson & Clawson website at http://www.clawsonlawfirm.com.
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