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Have you been arrested for or charged with a drug crime in Colorado? Are you looking for a reputable defense attorney who can protect your rights and fight your charges? If you answered yes, then you have come to the right place.
At the Law Offices of Steven J. Pisani, we have a proven track record in defending the rights of clients facing charges for drug crimes. Whether it is a misdemeanor or felony charge, our Denver drug attorney, Steven J. Pisani, will handle all aspects of your case with professionalism and compassion, ensuring that you get the top-quality service you deserve. Talk to him today so he can look into your matter.
Being convicted for a drug charge comes with severe consequences that can significantly affect your future. Regardless of the controlled substance involved, a misdemeanor or felony charge for drug crime may lead to a jail sentence, hefty fines, and even mandatory drug rehabilitation. In addition, a conviction for drug charge may impose other limitations on you, making it hard to apply or obtain:
These limitations can make life difficult for any person trying to find a job, lead a normal life, earn income, or even fend for their family after serving a term. But facing a charge for a drug crime should not frustrate you. You still have legal rights to be presumed innocent until you have been proven guilty. Contact a capable Denver drug attorney to learn how you can fight your charges.
Drug-related crimes are commonplace in Denver and all of Colorado. In fact, the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition records that the felony drug filings have surged more than 200% since 2012. Out of these felony filings, at least 75% are charges associated with drug possession.
With this acknowledgment, the Colorado governor and the state legislators have been striving to find ways to lower residents’ incarceration in Colorado facilities and relieve the overworking courts. With the signing of the recent House Bill 19-1263 into law in May 2019, the maximum penalty for Schedule I and II drugs’ possession for personal use has been significantly reduced.
If you’re facing charges for possessing Schedule I and II drugs, it is in your best interest to contact a Denver drug defense attorney who understands Colorado’s drug laws. Don’t hesitate to call Pisani Law at (303) 635-6768. He will work aggressively to reduce or even eliminate the consequences of a conviction.
Under Colorado law, drug charges will vary based on the involved type of controlled substance as well as where or how it was used. It is also important to note that there are several drug-related crimes under Colorado law. These include:
In Colorado, controlled substances fall under five “schedules,” depending on the drug’s potential for abuse. Besides, a separate schedule applies to synthetic cannabinoids and salvia possession.
Schedule 1: Drugs in this category have a high abuse potential and no medicinal use, or those considered unsafe for medical use, including under health supervision. Drugs under schedule 1 include heroin and hallucinogens like PCP, LSD, peyote, mescaline, and psilocybin.
Schedule II: 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.
Schedule III: The abuse potential of drugs in this category is lesser than that of drugs under Schedule I and II. These drugs have accepted medicinal use, which can result in high psychological dependence and moderate or low physical dependence. Examples of schedule III drugs are ketamine, barbiturates, anabolic steroids, and certain medications, such as codeine in small amounts.
Schedule IV: Are drugs whose potential of abuse is lower than that of Schedule III drugs. They have an acceptable medical use, although this could lead to limited physical and psychological dependence. Examples are anti-anxiety medications like diazepam.
Schedule V: These drugs are the least dangerous, with the lowest abuse potential. They have an acceptable medical use and can lead to limited psychological or physical dependence. Examples include over-the-counter cold medications and cough syrups with small quantities of codeine.
The drug laws in Colorado favor treatment over incarceration as far as personal use is concerned. As a result, the illegal possession of small amounts of all, except the most seriously controlled drugs, is often a misdemeanor.
When the case involves dangerous narcotics, or the offense involves manufacturing or sales, you may face felony charges.
Penalties for drug charges can range from a fine of $1,000 or/and a six-month jail term to 32 years prison term and up to $1 million.
Usually, penalties for drug charges are determined by factors such as:
If you or a loved one faces drug charges in Colorado, call us for help. Don’t lose your freedom and rights or risk being labeled as a drug offender. Call our Denver office now at (303) 635-6768.
