Have you been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance in Greeley, Colorado? If so, it is essential that you retain a top criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Weld County Courts. A conviction of Unlawful Possession can devastate several aspects of your life, including your career and personal reputation. Hiring the best criminal defense attorney is essential to protecting your future from ruin that will result from a conviction of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Colorado Definition of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, C.R.S. 18-18-403.5
In Colorado, the definition of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, C.R.S. 18-18-403.5, is:
Except as authorized… it is unlawful for a person knowingly to possess a controlled substance.
Controlled substances are only lawful for use as authorized by Colorado law. Many controlled substances are used for medicinal purposes and are prescribed to treat a variety of different conditions. When not prescribed, however, these substances are illegal to possess.
What are Controlled Substances in Windsor, Colorado?
Controlled substances in Windsor, Colorado, are drugs that are restricted for use by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Each drug is classified in a schedule based on its potential for abuse, whether it has accepted medical use in the US, and level of harm that could result if abused. Common examples of controlled substances include fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, and opioids, among many others. Whether Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance is charged as a drug misdemeanor or drug felony is based on several factors, including the schedule and composition of the substance, quantity of drugs, and number of prior offenses.
Definition of “Possession” in an Unlawful Possession Charge in Greeley, Colorado
In an Unlawful Possession charge in Greeley, “possession” is defined by a person’s control over the substance. To be charged with Unlawful Possession, the drug need not be on their person – they just have to have control over it. This can include storing the drugs in a location hundreds of miles away. You could be physically far away from the drug, but you still have control over it. It is also important to note that even if a defendant is storing the substance for a friend, they can still be charged with Drug Possession.
Weld County Jail / Colorado Prison Time + Other Penalties for Unlawful Possession
In Weld County, the penalties for Unlawful Possession – including time at the Weld County Jail or in a Colorado prison – depend partly on the quantity and type of drug involved. For example, it is a level 1 drug misdemeanor to possess less than four grams of a Schedule I or II drug or any amount of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug. The penalties for a level I drug misdemeanor include 6 to 18 months in the Weld County Jail and a fine of $500. However, it is a level 4 drug felony to possess more than four grams of Schedule I or II drugs, or any amount of Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), ketamine, or bath salts. The penalties for a level 4 drug felony include 6 to 12 months in a Colorado State Prison, $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, and 1 year of parole upon release.
Several other factors also determine the classification of a defendant’s Unlawful Possession charge, such as number of prior offenses. For that reason, contacting the best Weld County defense lawyer is essential if you have been charged.
Why Hire a Top Greeley, Colorado Drug Possession Lawyer?
If you have been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, it is imperative that you hire a top Greeley Drug Possession lawyer. Drug charges are complicated, and only an experienced lawyer will have the skill and thorough understanding of the law to represent you well. The best lawyer can advocate for you to serve probation and pursue substance treatment so that you can get the help that you may need. Don’t wait to contact a top criminal defense lawyer who will fight to protect your future at the Weld County Courts.
If you have been accused of drug possession in Weld County or you have contacted by the Greeley Police, be smart and exercise your right to remain silent. Before you head to the Weld County Courthouse, contact an experienced Greeley criminal defense attorney today at 970-616-6009 to discuss your case. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Weld County Courthouse is 901 9th Avenue, Greeley, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
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