Drug Crimes Consultation

Colorado Drug Crime Penalties

Colorado law recognizes different felony levels for certain drug crimes.

• Level 1 Drug Felonies: level 1 drug felonies are the most serious in Colorado, and can include selling more than 225 grams of a schedule I or II controlled substance, or selling marijuana to a minor. A conviction can result in up to 32 years in prison and $1 million in fines.
• Level 2 Drug Felonies: include selling between 14 and 225 grams of schedule I or II controlled substances; selling material for manufacturing drugs; possessing material to make methamphetamine. A conviction can result in up to 8 years in prison, and $750,000 in fines.
• Level 3 Drug Felonies: include the attempt to commit a level 2 drug felony; selling no more than 14 grams of a schedule I or II controlled substance; distributing imitation controlled substances to a minor. Level 3 drug felonies are punishable with up to 6 years in prison and $500,000 in fines.
• Level 4 Drug Felonies: include attempting to commit a level 3 drug felony; selling up to 4 grams of a schedule III or IV controlled substance; possessing a controlled substance. A level 4 drug felony conviction can result in up to 1 year in prison and $100,000 in fines.

Other Penalties and Programs

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you could face significant penalties, like jail time and fines. However, if you have an otherwise clean criminal history, you might have an opportunity to keep your record clean. Colorado recognizes the importance of giving drug offenders an opportunity to address drug addiction and abuse through programs like pretrial diversion and deferred sentencing.

• Drug Offender Public Service: Under Colorado law, drug offenders are required to complete at least 48 hours of public service for committing a drug felony in addition to any sentence rendered by the court.
• Pretrial Diversion: In exchange for agreeing to enter a drug treatment program, the court can stay criminal proceedings for up to 2 years for eligible defendants. This alternative to prison time and fines are often available to first-time offenders involving a misdemeanor drug offense.
• Deferred Sentencing: The court may stay sentencing for up to 4 years for certain eligible drug felony offenders if they agree to complete a drug rehabilitation program.

Drug charges are a serious concern. Thankfully, Colorado law recognizes that many drug offenders are also victims in the ongoing war on drugs. To determine your eligibility for a pretrial diversion or deferred sentencing, you should consult an experienced drug crime lawyer in Denver for advice. At Trial Lawyers & Legal Services of Colorado, LLC, we are dedicated to preserving your right to seek rehabilitative treatment for drug use.