In Weld County, if a person brings prohibited items into the Weld County Jail, they could be criminally charged with Introducing Contraband in the First Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-203, or Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-204. These crimes can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor, and depending on the item brought into the detention facility, a defendant can face up to 6 years in prison if convicted. Below, the Weld County’s leading criminal defense attorneys discuss Introducing Contraband and why it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney involved in your case.
La Salle, Greeley and Frederick Legal Definition of Introducing Contraband in the First Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-203 and Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-204
In La Salle and Frederick, Introducing Contraband is divided into two degrees, depending on the object that is introduced into the detention facility. Introducing Contraband in the First Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-203, is defined as:
(1) A person commits introducing contraband in the first degree if he or she knowingly and unlawfully:
(a) Introduces or attempts to introduce a dangerous instrument into a detention facility or at any location where an inmate is or is likely to be located, while the inmate is in the custody and under the jurisdiction of a political subdivision of the state of Colorado or the department of corrections, but not on parole; or
(b) Being a person confined in a detention facility, makes any dangerous instrument.
Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree is defined as:
(1) A person commits introducing contraband in the second degree if he or she knowingly and unlawfully:
(a) Introduces or attempts to introduce contraband into a detention facility; or
(b) Being a person confined in a detention facility, makes any contraband, as defined in subsection (2) of this section.
(1.5) A person confined in a detention facility commits introducing contraband in the second degree if he or she knowingly and unlawfully introduces or attempts to introduce contraband into a detention facility or at any location where an inmate is likely to be located, while such inmate is in the custody and under the jurisdiction of a political subdivision of the state of Colorado or the department of corrections, but not on parole.
How Does Weld County Define Contraband in C.R.S. 18-8-204? Examples of Contraband
Under C.R.S. 18-8-204, Weld County legally defines contraband in a number of ways, including these examples:
- Keys, lock picks, and other tools that can be used for escaping detention
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia, including controlled substances (unless prescribed), alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes
- Money
- Anything that can be used for the purpose of disguise
- Obscene material, such as pornography
- Cell phones
- Combustible material
- Forged identification documents
- Chains, ropes, and ladders
- Postage stamps
The list of contraband prohibited from introduction to a detention facility is vast. If you have concerns about Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-204, it is best to call the leading criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office who can answer your questions.
What is the Difference Between Introducing Contraband in the First and Second Degrees in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, the difference between Introducing Contraband in the First and Second Degrees depends on the type of contraband that is brought in. Introducing Contraband in the First Degree is charged when someone brings any dangerous object that could harm another inmate, law enforcement officer, or any other person into a detention facility. Dangerous items include guns, ammunition, and knives, but also includes anything that could cause bodily injury or death. By contrast, Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree is charged when any piece of contraband that is not a weapon is brought into a detention facility.
It is important to note that a detention facility is any place where a person can be detained, including a vehicle, structure, enclosure, or other place where a person is in police custody.
What are the Sentences and Penalties for Introducing Contraband in Weld County?
The sentences and penalties for Introducing Contraband in Weld County depend on the degree of contraband charged. Introducing Contraband in the First Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-203, is a class 4 felony with penalties of 2 – 6 years in a Colorado State Prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and mandatory parole for 3 years. Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree, C.R.S. 18-8-204, can be charged as a class 6 felony or class 2 misdemeanor, depending on the contraband. Felony Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree charges entail penalties of 1 year to 18 months in a Colorado prison, up to $100,000 in fines, and one year of mandatory parole. Misdemeanor Introducing Contraband in the Second Degree involves much less severe penalties – a maximum of 120 days in a Weld County jail and $750 in fines.
Why Hire a Top Greeley Criminal Attorney for an Introducing Contraband Charge?
The top criminal defense attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office in Greeley know that facing charges for Introducing Contraband can be terrifying and costly. After all, if you are convicted, you could lose years of freedom in a Weld County Jail or Colorado state prison and thousands of dollars. Regardless of the degree of your Introducing Contraband charges, it is always wise to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer with the dedication, expertise, and compassion to defend your case vehemently. After more than 30 years working with judges and district attorneys, we understand how the court system works. The likelihood of your charges being mitigated or even dropped completely increases greatly when you have a leading criminal defense attorney handling your case.Don’t go it alone with the consequences of a wrong move or missed opportunity are so great.