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It is against the law to possess, use, manufacture, or sell certain drugs and controlled substances in Colorado. If the authorities catch you doing any of these things, you may face significant penalties that can impact your life in many ways.
If you are arrested for a drug crime, it is smart to contact our drug crime lawyer at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani. You can also learn more about Colorado drug sentencing guidelines here.
Before diving into what drugs are illegal in Colorado, it is important to know what is allowed. The most common legal drug people think of in Colorado is marijuana. However, just because it was legalized for recreational use does not mean it is a “free for all” in the state. There are still rules and regulations that must be followed.
In Colorado, anyone over age 21 can possess one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana. Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing any amount of marijuana. Also, you cannot have marijuana on property owned by the federal government. Included in these properties include HUD housing, Veterans Administration, post offices, airports, courthouses, and National Parks.
There are other drugs besides marijuana that are legal in the state too. More about these is below.
While several drugs are now legal in Colorado, many are still considered illegal and defined by law as controlled substances.
Schedules categorize all controlled substances, and five schedules indicate the drug risk level for misuse and addiction. The purpose of the schedules is to make it easier to understand what charge someone will face if found with an illegal substance. This is because drug charges are partly based on the drug and quantity someone has.
The schedule goes from I to V, with one being the drugs with the highest risk of abuse and no known medical use, to V, which contains the least serious controlled substances. Being convicted of a Schedule I drug crime carries the most severe penalties.
Each schedule is defined here:
Substances classified as Schedule V drugs that contain some narcotics like cough syrup made with codeine. However, these medications also have a high medical use and value and a low risk of addiction. Because of this, they come with minor penalties (compared to the others).
Schedule IV drugs include prescription medications like Valium, Ambien, and Xanax. These drugs have a higher potential for abuse but also have medical value. The potential penalties for distributing or using Schedule IV drugs are more severe than those for Schedule V drugs.
Substances classified as Schedule III drugs are those typically found in combination products. Examples include Vicodin and non-narcotics like anabolic steroids, ketamine, and testosterone. While the drugs still have medicinal value, they are more addictive, and the penalties are more severe.
Schedule II drugs have some medicinal uses; however, there is also a higher risk of abuse and addiction. Some of the drugs classified as Schedule II substances include methamphetamine, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, amphetamine, and oxycodone. The penalties can be severe if you are charged with a drug crime related to these substances.
Schedule I drugs have no medical use and high risk for abuse. Charges associated with Schedule I drugs come with more serious penalties than others. Some of the drugs classified as Schedule I include heroin, MDMA, methaqualone, and LSD.
Part of the reason drug laws and drug sentencing guidelines are so complicated in Colorado is that they have undergone several changes in recent years. One example of this is House Bill 19.1263. This bill decriminalized the possession of some Schedule I and Schedule II drugs in small amounts.
If you are found in possession of four grams or less of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, you only face misdemeanor charges rather than a felony. The goal of this was to give defendants the option to seek drug treatment for addiction instead of them being sentenced to jail.
While this is true, the misdemeanor drug charge in Colorado is still serious. You can face jail time and significant fines if you are convicted. Even though this is the case, you can still get help rather than facing criminal charges.
Even while there have been changes to the law in Colorado, it is still considered illegal to have any level of GHB or Rohypnol in your possession.
There are three main drug offenses you can be arrested for in Colorado. These include the following:
Using controlled substances in Colorado is usually charged as a level II misdemeanor. There are exceptions to this. If you are caught taking a prescription medication without a valid, doctor-issued prescription or not as prescribed, or using marijuana or medical marijuana outside of your residence, then the charge will likely be more serious.
If you are over 21, you can legally possess one ounce of marijuana. Most other controlled substances are prohibited by law.
Three types of possession can be charged in Colorado, which includes the following:
You will face criminal charges if you are found in possession of a controlled substance beyond what is considered legal. The level of the charge depends on your drug and how much you have.
If you are caught manufacturing or selling drugs in Denver as well as the rest of the state, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The charge you face depends on several factors, including the following:
Felony charges related to drugs in Colorado are typically limited to selling or manufacturing narcotics. There are four different felony drug charges in the state, which include the following:
If you are charged with a level I felony, it is the most serious drug offense. You will face this charge if the following apply to your situation:
If you are convicted of a Level I drug felony in Colorado; the penalties include fines of up to $1 million and up to 32 years in prison. If aggravating factors are involved, then the minimum prison sentence is 12 years. In Colorado, aggravating factors include the following:
A Level II drug felony in Colorado is still a serious charge. However, it does not come with as serious penalties as a Level I charge does.
Common crimes related to a Level II felony include selling over 14 grams of a Schedule I or II substance or distributing or selling materials that can be used for manufacturing a controlled substance. It also applies to the unlawful production of methamphetamine or amphetamine.
Potential penalties for Level II drug felony convictions include eight years in prison and fines of up to $750,000. If there are aggravating factors (listed above), then the maximum prison sentence will be 16 years.
A Level III drug felony is a serious charge. It will be charged if you are found selling over 14 grams of a schedule I or a schedule II substance. It also applies to situations where you sell or distribute materials used for manufacturing a controlled substance or possessing any material illegally to create methamphetamine or amphetamine.
Potential penalties for a Level II drug felony include up to eight years in prison and fines of up to $750,000. If aggravating factors are present, then the jail sentence extends to a maximum of 16 years.
If you are found selling 14 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug, then you will face a Level III drug felony. This is the case if they are found distributing an imitation of any controlled substance to a minor. This crime comes with penalties of four years in prison and fines of up to $500,000. If aggravating factors are involved, the sentence can increase to six years.
If you face this charge, then the penalties are much more severe. If you are caught selling four grams or less of any controlled substance or the possession of ketamine or GHB will result in this. You will face up to 12 months in prison and fines of up to $100,000. When aggravating factors are present, the maximum sentence is two years.
In Colorado, there are two types of drug crimes charged as misdemeanors. These include the following:
Crimes like possessing over six ounces of marijuana or illegally possessing a schedule III or IV drug will be charged as misdemeanor offenses.
If convicted of this charge, you can face fines of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of 18 months.
Some drug crimes are level II misdemeanors. This includes those who have over two (and under six) ounces of marijuana or abuse toxic vapors. This crime may also be charged for the advertising of drug paraphernalia or the illegal use of any controlled substance.
Penalties for this crime, if you are convicted, include fines of up to $750 and a year in prison.
As you can see, Colorado has serious penalties for drug crime convictions. If you are in this situation, be sure to contact our Denver drug lawyer at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani. We are here to help you with any issues you face and ensure you get the best possible outcome for your drug charges.
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Can I be Searched for Drugs on Public Transportation?
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Seeing the red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror can be stressful. Not only are traffic stops frustrating, but they can also result in serious criminal charges.
However, when you are pulled over, you have rights. For example, you can say no if the authorities request to search your vehicle. You should use this right – even if you do not have anything to hide.
While this is true, do you know your public transit rights? Can the authorities search you and your personal property and press charges if they find drugs?
These are good questions and ones you need to know the answer to in case you find yourself in this situation. If you are charged with a drug crime, our Denver criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen J. Pisani, LLC, can help.
Related Article: How To Beat A Drug Trafficking Charge In Colorado
Tax dollars pay for public transit. It is also considered public property. While this is true, you can still refuse to be searched unless the officer has probable cause. This is a right given to you by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
This right means that authorities cannot search your property or person if they do not have probable cause. Also, if they search you without probable cause, it is considered an “illegal search and seizure.” This evidence is not admissible in court.
When it comes to drug crimes in Colorado, the type of substance and amount you have in your possession is the main source of evidence used during a criminal trial. This means if the drugs have been seized by the authorities illegally, the charges against you will (likely) be dismissed.
Related Article: Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains: Denver’s Drug Laws
When riding the bus or another source of public transportation, you have a legitimate expectation of privacy. This applies to your person and your personal belongings.
For example, if you have a clear or see-through bag holding an illicit substance, it is your “personal effects.” Because of this, it cannot be searched without probable cause. This situation does not apply to cases where the drugs are in the open and exposed.
If authorities see drugs in plain sight or if they have another reason to believe you possess drugs (disruptive behavior, odor, etc.), it is probable cause. They can legally search your person or belongings.
It is also possible to face drug charges if the police conduct a search under probable cause for some other crime, like theft.
What You Need to Know. You can legally say no if the police come onto the bus and request to search your belongings. While the situation may be intimidating, knowing your rights will ensure you exercise them in this situation.
Related Article: What Is a Level 1 Drug Felony in Colorado?
It is not unusual to see working dogs at bus stations and airports. These dogs are specially trained to detect narcotics or explosives. The dogs can be used even if the police do not suspect anyone of possessing contraband.
The exception is once the train or bus has begun moving. At this point, it is not legally allowed to be stopped by a drug-sniffing dog. It is against the Fourth Amendment to delay a bus or another type of transit due to unreasonable suspicion. Therefore, you will typically see dogs working along the lines of passengers who are waiting to board or purchase a ticket.
Related Article: 3 Types of Drug Charges in Denver
You will probably be arrested if you are caught with drugs on a bus or other public transport in Colorado. While this is a stressful situation, it is recommended that you contact an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. With the help of an attorney, you can begin to create a strong defense for the charges you are facing.
This is a powerful defense for drugs found because of illegal search and seizure. In most cases, a quality attorney can request for the charges against you to be dismissed.
However, there are other potential defenses to these charges, including the following:
Remember, criminal charges are serious, and the penalties for a conviction are often severe. Because of this, you must find and hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you are arrested.
Related Article: Most Common Drug Arrest in Denver
Unlawful drug possession in Colorado is typically charged as a level 1 drug misdemeanor. If convicted, this charge results in up to two years of probation and fines of up to $1,000.
However, suppose you have over four grams of a schedule I or II controlled substance. In that case, it is charged as a level 4 drug felony, which is more serious and carries more serious penalties. If convicted of this charge, you can face fines of $1,000 to $100,000, six months to one year in jail, and up to one year of parole.
Colorado law states that it is illegal for anyone to possess a controlled substance knowingly.
This law applies to possessing a substance for personal use or simple possession. It applies to all types of narcotics except marijuana.
It is important to note that the specific charges you face will depend on the type and quantity of the drug you are caught with.
Related Article: Prescription Drugs and Drug Charges in Denver
If you are charged with a Colorado drug crime, you have rights. One right is to seek legal counsel. At the Law Offices of Stephen J. Pisani, LLC, we have years of experience handling drug cases in and around Denver and can help with your case.
The first step is to contact our office to schedule an initial consultation. We will learn about your case and the charges you are facing. Our legal team will begin working to build a solid defense for the charges you are facing.
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There’s no question that Colorado is laxer when it comes to drug laws than other states. While this is true, there are still laws that must be followed.
If at any time you are arrested and charged with drug crimes in Denver, you can count on the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani to help you. We can review your charges and help ensure you receive the quality legal protections and representation that you deserve.
In Denver, there are several drug offenses that you may be arrested and charged with. These include:
In most situations, the use of a controlled substance in Denver (and the entire state of Colorado), is considered a level II misdemeanor. The one exception to this level of drug charge is if you take a prescription medication without having a valid prescription or not as prescribed. It also applies to cases of using medical marijuana or any marijuana outside of your home (or the home of someone else).
It’s legal to possess up to an ounce of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado if you are over the age of 21. However, most other controlled substances are illegal.
In Denver, you can be charged with three different types or levels of possession. These include:
The possession of controlled substances beyond what is considered legal according to the law will result in you facing criminal charges. However, the level of the crime depends on what you have and how much of it you have.
Selling or manufacturing drugs can be considered a misdemeanor or felony. What you are charged with is dependent on the following:
Usually, if you are charged with a felony related to drugs in Denver, it will be related to the manufacturing or selling of narcotics. In Colorado, you will find there are four different levels of felony drug charges. These include:
This is considered the most serious drug felony that you can be charged with in Denver. This is the charge that you will face if you are caught with the following:
The penalties involved with a Level I drug felony can include fines that go up to $1 million and up to 32 jails in prison. If there are any type of aggravating factors involved in the situation, then the minimum sentence that applies to the charge is 12 years. The aggravating factors include the following:
The next level of felony drug charges is Level II. You will face this type of drug charge if you are caught selling over 14 grams of any Schedule I or Schedule II substance, if you sell or distribute materials that are used for manufacturing any controlled substances, or if you have materials for producing methamphetamine or amphetamine. If you’re charged with a felony in Denver, you’ll need even more staunch representation.
If you are facing drug charges in Denver, it’s important to get in touch with us at the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani. We will review the facts of your case and provide you with a strong defense for the charges you are facing.
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Denver is known for many things: its 300 days of sunshine, the 16th Street Mall, and its high altitude. One thing that often surprises people is that Denver is also home to a significant number of drug arrests.
This has become a problem because it creates an environment where people are more likely to be convicted of a crime, even if they have not committed one. It also wastes law enforcement’s time and resources when they could be focusing on other issues.
What does this mean for those charged with a drug crime? How can a drug crime lawyer help? How can you protect yourself if you are accused of a drug crime? Read on to find out.
The following types of arrests for allegedly possessing common illicit substances are most common in Denver:
It is a crime to have any degree or amount of drugs on one’s person. If an officer sees you with even a small amount, he may arrest you for possession. You may also be charged with possession if an officer sees residue in a baggie, pipe, or bong that can be tested and identified as one of these substances.
Possession charges often come about after a stop by police. Oftentimes Denver Police Department officers will get calls from concerned citizens about individuals suspected of trespassing or loitering in a park or other public place at night. If a suspect is approached by officers and appears nervous, the officer may order a search of their belongings.
In addition to possessing drugs, an individual may be charged with this offense if they are found with what the police believe to be evidence of an intent to sell or distribute.
These charges often come from leaving paraphernalia such as baggies, scales, pipes, etc., out in the open and visible and/or if there are large amounts of money present. These types of arrests can result from investigations that last for days and involve many undercover purchases by police officers.
This type of drug arrest involves any individual caught using or possessing drug paraphernalia. The definition of drug paraphernalia is broad and may include any items related to the ingestion or storage of an illegal substance.
If an officer believes that you have items used to ingest, plant, cultivate or store marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or psychedelic mushrooms, he may charge you with this offense even if there are no drugs on your person.
Knowledgeable legal advice is critical to ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process. At this time, you might be wondering how a drug crime lawyer could help your situation. The following list provides nine ways that a drug crime lawyer can assist you:
When you’re facing an uphill battle against some of the toughest laws in this country, make sure to get an experienced Denver drug crime lawyer on your team who knows what they’re doing and will use their experience and knowledge to work in your favor. If you want the best possible chance of keeping your record clean, then look no further than Pisani Law.
We have been fighting for our clients at every turn from our office in Denver. In that time, we’ve garnered a reputation as one of the premier drug crime law firms operating today. Not only will you receive unmatched representation when you choose us, but you’ll also benefit from our collective experience.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Get a taste of first-hand experience by visiting us online or giving us a call today!
There’s a big difference between prescription drugs and illicit drugs. Most importantly, as long as you use prescription drugs as intended, there’s no concern about running into trouble with the law.
However, there are times when prescription drug use can result in criminal charges. And if that happens, you could soon find yourself facing a variety of consequences such as prison time, a fine, and/or community service.
In Colorado, there are five “schedules” of controlled substances varying by the drug’s potential for abuse.
Many prescription drugs fit into Schedule II, with this passage from our website explaining more:
These drugs have high abuse potential but acceptable medical use. If a person abuses these drugs, they can experience severe physical and psychological dependence. Examples include opium and prescription-based opioid pain tabs like oxycodone, morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. Schedule II drugs also include stimulants such as methamphetamines and cocaine.
So, while you’re permitted by law to use these prescription drugs, you must do so as prescribed by your medical professional.
It doesn’t matter where you live in Colorado, you could be charged with one or more of the following crimes should you violate the law:
For example, if you’re prescribed prescription-based opioid pain tabs, they’re for your use only. You are not permitted to sell or distribute them to other individuals.
Even though the drug laws in Colorado are among the most lenient in the United States — as they favor treatment over incarceration — this shouldn’t invite you to take a risk.
Minor infractions, such as possession of a small amount of a Schedule V drug, almost always result in a misdemeanor.
However, if your case involves a more serious drug, such as Schedule II opioid pain medication, you could face felony charges with much more serious consequences.
Penalties for prescription drug charges in Denver range from a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail to 30+ years in prison and a fine up to $1 million.
There are five basic factors that the court system takes into consideration when determining your penalty:
Even if one or more of these factors is working against you, there are steps your legal team can take to minimize your penalties and help you get your life back on track.
In addition to a fine and/or time in jail or prison, there are other consequences of a drug conviction. These include but are not limited to:
In short, if you have a drug conviction on your record, it will show up on a simple background check. So, it’ll follow you wherever you go.
The second you’re arrested with a prescription drug-related crime is the second you should begin to think about consulting with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Don’t assume that you’re on your own, as this is likely to result in more harm than good as your case moves through the court system.
Here are some questions to ask during your search for the perfect Denver drug defense attorney:
If you want answers to these questions, you’re in the right place. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, you can rely on our entire team during this difficult time of your life. We’re here to answer your questions, represent you in court, and minimize the impact of your charges on your future.
If you’re ready to discuss your prescription drug criminal charges, contact us online or via phone at (303) 529-1424. Our team is standing by!
Any type of drug charge has the potential to change your life forever, and that’s definitely the case with drug trafficking. In Colorado, authorities are on the lookout for drug trafficking throughout the state.
For example, the Colorado Attorney General and DEA Task Force recently wrapped up a nearly two-year-long investigation that involved 77, 000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, 60 pounds of heroin, and $931,000 in U.S. currency.
Keep in mind, even though drug trafficking is a serious criminal charge, your charges don’t necessarily have to result in a conviction. Our Denver drug charges lawyer explains possible legal defenses to help dismiss or reduce the charges against you.
There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to defending against drug trafficking charges in Colorado. Instead, you must consider all of the possible defense strategies available to you, including:
Your drug attorney may choose one or a combination of the above legal strategies to help you avoid a conviction in relation to your drug trafficking charges. Even if you can’t avoid a sentence, your attorney may be able to secure you a lesser penalty, such as probation instead of a prison sentence.
When combined with other approaches, such as submitting character letters, you position yourself to avoid a conviction or at the very least reduce your punishment.
Either way, make sure to consult with a skilled Denver drug defense lawyer who can determine the best route to take in your Colorado drug crime case.
Penalties associated with felony drug convictions are among the most serious. However, they vary based on many factors, including the type of crime, your criminal record, and the type(s) or drugs that were involved.
Let’s start with outlining the five schedules that define the different drug types:
Now, here are some examples of the types of drugs that fit into each schedule:
When the case involves higher level drugs such as Schedule I or II, or the offense involves manufacturing or sales, you may face felony charges. Penalties for drug trafficking can range from a fine of $1,000 and/or a six-month jail term to 32 years in prison and up to a $1 million fine. Repeat offenders are more likely to receive the harshest penalties allowed by Colorado law.
Yes, a drug trafficking charge in Colorado is a serious crime, but there are ways to beat a conviction. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, LLC we have the experience and knowledge you’re looking for in a skilled drug defense lawyer.
Over a decade, we’ve successfully helped good people get through tough times involving serious drug charges including drug trafficking. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. We’ll discuss your drug charges and explain the best options for moving forward.
Whether you’re sentenced on a felony offense or misdemeanor offense in Colorado, your sentence is likely to include a period of probation (supervised). Many probationers have been frustrated for many years as the probation statute is broad, and many probation officers prohibited the use of marijuana entirely.
The law previously allowed probation to impose different conditions that would help the accused lead a law-abiding life. One of the common complaints of probationers is that they were not allowed to use marijuana for medical reasons.
The good news is that Colorado’s new law allows parolees and probationers to use medical pot, weed, or marijuana. Pay attention to the word ‘medicinal’ as it means all the difference between what’s legal and illegal when it comes to marijuana use. In May 2015, Governor Hickenlooper reviewed and signed the changes to marijuana-related law into effect.
Currently, the court of probation in Adams and Jefferson counties cannot prohibit the use or possession of medical marijuana as a mandatory condition of probation or parole. This is a relief to patients who desperately need weed for medical reasons such as pain management.
If you, the defendant, violate your probation terms, you are likely to face a probation revocation proceeding. Probation can be violated in two different ways. First is the technical violation, and the second the new law violation.
Generally, technical violations stem from your failure to comply with your probation’s specific conditions. Some of these failures include missed classes, monitored sobriety, inability to pay necessary fees, and other offenses. On the other hand, new law related probation violations occur when you, the defendant, are charged with a new crime while already serving an active probation period.
The good news is that the recent changes in Colorado’s probation statute allow medical marijuana use. This doesn’t constitute a technical violation or a new offense. Thus, it can’t be the basis of the revocation of probation. If you have been threatened with a probation revocation of proceedings because of a failed UAs and you have a valid medical marijuana license, it is essential to consult with a reliable criminal lawyer.
If you were previously convicted of a marijuana-related offense, you’ll be prohibited from using it on parole or probation. Other essential things that you must remember while using medical marijuana include;
Colorado HB 1267 applies to the use and possession of medical marijuana only. As such, recreational weed users who are on parole or probation are not protected under this law. It’s important to mention that the terms of parole or probation vary from person to person, and in most cases, recreational weed use is prohibited.
Suppose you are unaware of the specific terms of your parole or probation. In that case, you could find yourself in trouble if you just assume that the new law applies in every situation involving the use of recreational or medical marijuana. Violation of parole or probation terms might lead to severe ramifications like jail time or an extended period of probation. So, consult with an experienced attorney if you still have questions about your parole or probation.
Dasha Fincher spent three months in jail after two Georgia deputies said a field test of a blue substance found in her car turned up positive for methamphetamine. But it wasn’t meth. It was cotton candy.
While in jail she missed the birth of her twin grandchildren, could not help with her daughter’s miscarriage, and was refused medical care for a broken hand and ovarian cyst.
However, the substance in her car was not methamphetamine. In fact, it was not an illegal substance at all. It was cotton candy. But despite professing her innocence repeatedly to officers, Fincher was arrested for possession and trafficking of narcotics due to an incorrect field test.
She was then forced to wait in jail until the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had time to test the substance, as she could not pay her $1 million bail. When the GBI finally confirmed that the substance did not contain any narcotics, Ms. Fincher was still forced to wait almost two more weeks before she was released.
Now, she is suing Monroe County and the three officers involved for wrongful imprisonment and violation of her civil rights. Her lawsuit is also directed towards Sirchie Acquisition Company, the maker of the field kit that the deputies used to “test” the cotton candy.
Ms. Fincher hopes that her case can spark some changes within the justice system, especially in terms of drug testing and the length of time that was necessary for her release.
Hopefully, her case also changes the way in which the field test kits are used, as clearly, they are not the most reliable method for drug detection.
Generally, the field kits have a solution that changes color when certain drugs are placed inside. The problem is that dyed cotton candy or any other dyed substance can easily create a false positive. The Law Offices of Steven J Pisani specialize in DUI, traffic, and criminal defense.
If you have been accused of a drug crime, call our Denver office today for a free consultation at 303-635-6768.
CNN, Dakin Andone and AJ Willingham, November 27th, 2018
Link: https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/27/us/cotton-candy-meth-dasha-fincher-trnd/index.html
The legalization of marijuana has swept across the country recently, gaining more and more traction with each passing day. That being said, it has not come without its share of problems. One such problem is intoxicated drivers on the road.
Cannabis has not been studied as extensively as other intoxicants and a common question is how long one must wait to drive after smoking? This problem has plagued researchers for a while now, as it is much harder to determine the degree of impairment caused by Marijuana than alcohol.
An individual may have THC in her/his system, but not have her/his ability to drive affected in the slightest. Conversely, another individual may have a very minute amount of THC present in her/his system and be completely unable to drive. Luckily, researchers at the University of California San Diego are conducting a new study aimed at answering how long someone must wait to drive after smoking. Participants will be asked to smoke marijuana and complete a driving simulator, as well as take a performance assessment on an iPad that is designed to measure the individual’s memory, attention, and motor control.
Hopefully the study can lead to answers regarding how THC affects an individual’s driving abilities, as well as how long it takes one to regain her/his normal mental faculties after consuming marijuana. This could then aid police officers in determining if a driver who had consumed marijuana was actually driving while impaired.
The Law Offices of Steven J Pisani specialize in DUI, traffic, and criminal defense. Call our Denver office today for a free consultation at 303-635-6768.
Newsweek, Kashmira Gander, July 16th, 2018
Link: https://www.newsweek.com/how-soon-it-safe-drive-after-smoking-cannabis-california-study-aims-find-out-1025556
Apparently, one should not call the police if her/his illegal drugs are stolen. A self-described Florida drug dealer, found this out the hard way the other day when he called 911 to report a robbery.
When the police officers showed up he told the responding deputy that someone broke into his car and took some money and about a quarter ounce of cocaine.
The deputy then looked around the car and found some crack-cocaine and a crack pipe, and the reporting party was arrested on the spot. He is charged with possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) and resisting arrest without violence, which is inevitably going to cost him far more than just the quarter ounce of cocaine.
We specialize in Colorado Drug Defense. Call our Denver office today for a free consultation at 303-635-6768.
NY Post, Associated Press, 7/19/2017
Link: http://nypost.com/2017/07/19/drug-dealer-learns-why-you-dont-call-cops-when-someone-steals-your-cocaine/