Denver Lawyer’s Heroin Charges Breakdown
Possession of a schedule I drug such as Heroin, is a much less serious crime than possession of Heroin for Distribution, Manufacturing or Sale. The idea seems to be that persons who make their living off furthering the dependence of others, should be punished more severely than those who simply use. Drug use is a terrible place to be hooked, and for that reason Colorado’s possession for use laws are geared toward getting people help from dependency. One example of this is the wide-spread use of drug courts, where potential penalties may be adjusted downward upon completion of treatment. Let’s look at the drug crimes related to Heroin possession, and those of Heroin distribution, manufacturing or sale. Heroin Possession and Sale.
Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance: Heroin in Arapahoe County and Douglas County, Colorado
Heroin possession is a level 4 drug felony, or DF4, in Arapahoe County and Douglas County, Colorado. C.R.S. 18-18-403.5. This means that someone can be punished by a sentence of from six months to one year in the Colorado Department of Corrections. In aggravated circumstances, this penalty can be doubled. Potential fines for a level four drug felony can be up to $100,000, for this schedule one controlled substance.
Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale of Heroin in Jefferson County and Adams County, Colorado
The stakes greatly increase if you are charged with Unlawful Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale of Heroin in Colorado. The potential classification of this Colorado crime depends on the amount involved. For example, it is a level 1 drug felony if you have more than 225 grams of a schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance, or more than 112 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine or cathinones. It is a level 2 drug felony to sell or distribute more than 14 grams up to 225 grams of a schedule 1 or 2 controlled substance; or between 7 grams and 112 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine or cathinones. The weight of a level 3 drug felony, level 4 drug felony, and level 1 drug misdemeanor all decrease in stages.
Heroin Drug Felony Sentences to Prison in Colorado
A drug felony 1 can be punished by up to 32 years in prison, a drug felony 2 is up to 8 years, a drug felony 3 is up to four years and a drug felony 4 is up to one year. Of course, crimes involving Heroin are also a federal offense. Call our Jefferson County and Adams County, Colorado, drug defense attorneys and we can help you determine the proper charges in your case, along with your best defense.
Heroin is a highly addictive and debilitating substance, and as a result the punishments associated with its use and sale are higher than less addictive controlled substances. Call our drug defense lawyers at 303-731-0719, for a confidential in-person meeting today. We care about you and want to be sure your addiction and use end quickly. Together, we can protect your future.