Have you or a loved one been accused of a drug crime in Denver? If so, it is imperative you seek legal representation right away. Cases involving drug crimes are incredibly complex and carry severe penalties if you are convicted. Call the Bendinelli Law Firm.
Common drug charges in Colorado include possession, sales, trafficking, prescription fraud, and drug cultivation. Drug charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Felonies are more serious, but misdemeanor charges can still result in prison time, expensive fines and negatively affect your reputation. The seriousness of the charge will depend on a variety of factors that can “aggravate” your sentence or result in an “enhanced” penalty. Some factors include the type of drug involved, the location where the crime occurred, whether minors or guns were involved, and your criminal record.
An experienced Denver drug crime attorney can help you understand the charges against you, identify the proper defenses, and craft a defense that fits your unique situation.
Drug-related offenses are broken down into two categories under Colorado statutory law: Drug Misdemeanors (DM) and Drug Felonies (DF). Each category is further divided into “levels.” Drug Misdemeanors have two levels, DM1 and DM2, and Drug Felonies have four levels, DF1, DF2, DF3, and DF4. Understanding these categories and levels is vital, as they will dictate the potential minimum and maximum penalties in your case.
| Level | Sentence |
| DM1 | Minimum: 6 months imprisonment, $500 fine, or both |
| Maximum: 18 months imprisonment, $5,000 fine, or both | |
| DM2 | Minimum: $50 fine |
| Maximum: 12 months imprisonment, $5,000 fine, or both | |
| DF1 | Presumptive: 8 to 32 years imprisonment, $5,000 to $1 million fine, or both |
| Mandatory Parole: 3 years | |
| DF2 | Presumptive: 4 to 8 years imprisonment, $3,000 to $750,000 fine, or both |
| Aggravated: 8 to 16 years imprisonment, $3,000 to $750,000 fine, or both | |
| Mandatory Parole: 2 years | |
| DF3 | Presumptive: 2 to 4 years imprisonment, $2000 to $500,000 fine, or both |
| Aggravated: 4 to 6 years imprisonment, $2,000 to $500,000 fine, or both | |
| Mandatory Parole: 1 year | |
| DF4 | Presumptive: 6 months to 1 year imprisonment, $1,000 to $100,000 fine, or both |
| Aggravated: 1 to 2 years imprisonment, $1,000 to $100,000 fine, or both | |
| Mandatory Parole: 1 year |
It can be difficult to think past the short-term consequences when you are facing criminal drug charges. No one wants to spend time in jail. However, before you accept a plea bargain, even if it is for a misdemeanor, you must consider the potential long-term consequences of having a conviction on your record. One of the most significant repercussions is that your job prospects can be greatly reduced. Employers don’t typically hire workers who have drug convictions. In addition, relationships, custody arrangements, and parental rights can all be permanently impacted.
Because of the potentially far-reaching consequences of a drug crime conviction, you must reach out to a Denver criminal defense lawyer who can protect your future and freedom. We will fight to have your charge reduced or get your case dismissed regardless of whether it was domestic violence or weapons charges. Call 1-800-ATTORNEY today to schedule a free consultation.
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