Unlawful drug possession in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, or Parker involves having control over certain substances without a prescription. Other than marijuana (in specific amounts), all types of narcotics apply. The amount of cocaine, heroin, or prescription pain meds a defendant is accused of possessing makes a large impact on the charge itself, as Colorado altered these laws back in 2020. Whether you’re facing an allegation of possessing prescription pain killers that you don’t have a prescription for or stashing a friend’s party drugs, Sawyer Legal Group is here to help. Below we discuss unlawful drug possession in greater detail and possible defense strategies for your unique case.

Douglas County Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance

Douglas County’s unlawful drug possession law prohibits having or storing controlled substances without a prescription. CRS 18-18-403.5 defines unlawful possession of a controlled substance in Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert County. Law enforcement will seek charges if they believe you:

• knowingly possessed,
  • any material, compound, mixture, or preparation,
  • that contains any quantity,
  • of a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V controlled substance

Driving with a Ziploc bag of Vicodin in the console, carrying a pill bottle of unprescribed Percocet to a party, or storing a buddy’s cocaine in your safe can all lead to possession charges. Physically touching the drugs, having control over them (hiding them somewhere), or sharing control with another all apply to simple possession in Colorado.

How Serious is Unlawful Drug Possession in Colorado?

Having up to 4 grams of Schedule I or II drugs or an amount of III, IV, or V controlled substances is now a level 1 drug misdemeanor throughout CO. A conviction can lead to:

• a county jail sentence of 6 – 18 months or up to 2 years of probation,
• fines of $500 – $5,000

A probation sentence for unlawful possession usually includes some type of drug use assessment, counseling, and some community service. However, possessing more than 4 grams of a Schedule I or II drug (heroin, LSD, ecstasy, Vicodin, Oxycontin, cocaine, meth, etc) or any Flunitrazepam or ketamine is a level 4 drug felony. Penalties for a conviction in these cases may include a prison sentence of up to 12 months, a year of parole, and a fine range of $1K – $100K.

Colorado’s Top Drug Possession Lawyer

Even as the severity of drug possession crimes are changing at the state level, penalties are still impactful. Incarceration, probation, fines, and a criminal record are substantial ramifications that will affect your future. Perhaps you had a valid prescription, the drugs didn’t belong to you and you didn’t control them, or there were only trace amounts. Contact our office for a free, confidential consultation with Colorado’s top drug possession lawyers. We will carefully analyze your case and craft next steps in your defense strategy. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those facing drug charges in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Littleton, Englewood, Centennial, and Aurora.

Talk to us about accusations of drug possession – not the police. 303-265-1950

Photo by Haley Lawrence