303-825-2223

Colorado Drug Statistics

DENVER DRUG STATISTICS

Cocaine/Crack: Cocaine use in the Denver area has been trending downward
in recent years. In 2008, Denver hospitals reported 1,502 cocaine-related discharges,
compared to 1,862 in 2006. Cocaine related deaths declined from 85 to 60 during
the same time period. However, cocaine accounted for the highest percentage of drug
deaths in Denver from 2003 to 2008.

Heroin: Emergency room visits increased from 2004 to 2007, although treatment
admissions began to decline in 2008, signaling a potential easing of heroin use
in the Denver area.

Prescription Drug Abuse: The Denver area reported an increase in opiate-based
prescription drug abuse. Nationwide, prescription drug abuse represents the largest
increase of any category. Treatment admission for prescription drug abuse has increased
in Denver and throughout Colorado in every year since 2000.

Methamphetamine: Denver reported stable and declining indicators in 2008.
Treatment admissions have declined by about 10 percent between 2006 and 2008.

Marijuana: Remains the most common drug used in Colorado and throughout the
nation.

Ecstasy: Reports as a growing problem in Denver in 2008, with an increase
in emergency room visits during the last 5 years.

COLORADO DRUG USE/ARRESTS

  • 25 percent of those ages 18 to 25 admitted to illegal drug use within the past year.
  • Between 5 and 10 percent admitted to drug abuse or dependence

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; National Institute on Drug
Abuse.

The most recent nationwide survey, conducted in 2007, ranks Colorado as one of the
states with the most reported drug use. More than 10 percent of those over the age
of 12 admitted to drug use in the last month, ranking Colorado at the top of the
scale, along with Alaska, D.C., Massachusetts, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode
Island, Vermont and Washington.

The Denver defense attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann understand many of those
facing drug charges had made a mistake, or need help battling an addiction. If you
are facing drug charges, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation
to discuss your rights. Our firm handles all types of drug cases throughout the
Denver area, including Aurora, Englewood, Lakewood and Boulder.

Authorities arrested 17,851 people on drug charges in 2008, according to crime statistics
maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. About 1 in 4 arrests in Colorado
were for drug violations – more than any criminal category, except larceny and property
crimes. And many of those crimes were committed to support a drug habit.

Colorado drug arrests outpaced the combined total of arrests for murder, rape, robbery,
burglary, auto theft, aggravated assault, weapons violations and arson. Nationwide,
authorities estimate that drugs or alcohol contributed to the criminal convictions
of as many as 4 of every 5 inmates.

The state has made significant changes to Colorado drug laws in recent years. Possession
of less than an ounce of marijuana is a petty offense in some circumstances. And
possession of a small amount of cocaine or heroin has been reduced from a felony
to a misdemeanor.

But even a misdemeanor drug charge can result in up to 18 months in jail and a permanent
criminal record. An experienced Denver criminal defense lawyer may be able
to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges and keep a drug conviction from
following you through life. Some clients may also qualify for treatment alternatives
instead of jail time.

Denver drug court and other alternatives may be an available option for some first-time
offenders. Speaking to an attorney at Rosenthal & Heymann will permit you to begin
the process of putting a drug charge behind you in a manner that will not impact
your life for years to come. If you are facing drug charges in the Denver area,
contact Rosenthal & Heymann today for a free and confidential appointment to discuss
your rights.

Rosenthal & Heymann – Call 303-825-2223 – Free Consultation