The War on Drugs has been going strong ever since it began in the 70's. Law enforcement agencies and federal organizations have been trying to deter people from involving themselves with potentially dangerous substances in any way they can. For the most part, however, the only way they can discourage drug use and drug involvement is to slam offenders with harsh consequences, and continue to add more and more to their list of illicit substances.
Some of the more commonly-known illegal drugs – according to Colorado State law – include:
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- PCP
- Crystal meth
What most people do not realize is that marijuana – a substance that is sometimes used in medical treatments – may be considered an illicit drug when used or distributed in unregulated ways. Additionally, even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as sleeping pills or steroids, could constitute an illegal substance if handled improperly.
Drug Crimes and Penalties
There are three main forms of criminal activity involving an illegal drug:
- Possession: Having it on your person or in your property.
- Distribution: Selling or moving an illicit substance knowingly.
- Manufacture: Creating or growing an illegal drug.
In the aforementioned order, the seriousness of the crimes escalates accordingly. That does not mean, however, that drug possession charges do not carry serious consequences in Colorado. To put it into perspective, carrying only a few ounces of an illegal drug could hit you with 6 to 18 months in prison and a $5000 fine; the punishments only get steeper from there for selling or trafficking charges.
For many people, the penalties surrounding drug offenses do not fit the crime; people can be locked up for the rest of their lives for committing a violation that involved zero acts of violence. Here at Castle & Castle, our Denver drug crime attorneys believe that everyone should be given a fair chance in court, and that no one deserves to have their rights disrespected or ignored. With more than 55 years of combined legal experience, we have been able to defend a long history of clients from harsh charges.
Call (303) 800-3273 today to schedule your free case evaluation with our knowledgeable and compassionate team.