Sometimes, a man’s best friend can be his worst enemy. Last week, I read an article about a man who was being chased by the police. According to the news article, two police officers showed up at a man’s home with a search warrant. Instead of complying, the man took off. Before taking chase, one of the officers turned to the man’s dog in the home, and told him “go get him!” The dog took off, eventually stopping in a field of tall grass, where he proceeded to wag his tail. The police were able to arrest the man after his dog found him. He was charged with multiple felony drug offenses. Let’s take a look at drug crimes in Denver, Arapahoe, and El Paso County, and also what you would be charged with if you took off running when the police show up.
Felony Drug Offenses in Denver
Sweeping new drug laws went into effect late last year in Colorado. Distinctions were drawn between Felony Drug Crimes, and Misdemeanor Drug Crimes. Whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor depends on what type of drug you are in possession of, and whether or not you are manufacturing it. If you are charged with a felony drug offense in Adams, Jefferson, or Douglas County, it will fall into one of four categories:
- Drug Felony Class 4
- Drug Felony Class 3
- Drug Felony Class 2
- Drug Felony Class 1
A conviction of any of these categories carries a possible sentence to the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC). Sentences for felony drug offenses range from 6 months to a year (for Drug Felony Class 4), up to 8 to 32 (for the Drug Felony Class 1).
Run from the Police: Face Additional Charges
If, like the man in the story above, you try to run from the police, you could face additional charges. Obstruction of a Police Officer – C.R.S. 18-8-104 is charged when a person:
“hinders the enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer, acting under color of his or her official duty,” but using “violence, force, physical interference, or an obstacle.”
Another possible charge would be Resisting Arrest – C.R.S. 18-8-103, which is charged when a person:
knowingly prevents a police officer, “acting under color of his official authority, from effecting an arrest of the actor” by using or threatening to use “physical force or violence.”
No matter what you are charged with, any crime involving police officers is serious. You need the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight for you in the courtroom.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Felony Drug Offense
If you’ve been charged with a felony drug offense in Colorado, don’t hesitate to contact an understanding, passionate criminal defense lawyer. We take every aspect of your case into account, and look for the best ways to defend you in the courtroom. We care about each of our clients, and focus on getting them the help they need to have a better life. Don’t ignore the charges against you or plead guilty: fight for your future by working with a criminal defense attorney who fights to win.