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Denver Defense Lawyers Multiple Drug Arrests

Denver Drug Charges
Repeat Violators

With some exceptions, Colorado law follows federal sentencing guidelines for those
convicted of dealing illegal narcotics. Fighting to keep a drug charge off your
record is critical because of the increased penalty for repeat violations.

Cocaine/Cocaine Base

  • Less than 5 kilos: 5 to 40 years in prison.
    Second offense: 10 years to life in prison
  • More than 5 kilos: 10 years to life.
    Second offense: 20 years to life in prison.
    Third offense: life in prison.

Heroin

  • Less than 1 kilo: 5 to 40 years in prison.
    Second offense: 10 years to life.
  • More than 1 kilo: 10 years to life.
    Second offense: 20 years to life.
    Third offense: life sentence.

LSD

  • Under 10 grams: 5 to 40 years in prison.
    Second offense: 10 years to life.
  • 10 grams or more: 10 years to life in prison.
    Second offense: 20 years to life.
    Third offense: life sentence.

Methamphetamine

  • Under 100 grams: 5 to 40 years in prison.
    Second offense: 10 years
  • 100 grams or more: 10 years to life in prison.
    Second offense: 20 years to life.
    Third offense: life sentence.

Source: Drug Enforcement Agency

Colorado drug laws frequently carry stiff penalties for repeat violations. This
tiered approach to drug violations means defending your rights is critical when
facing any Colorado drug charge – including a seemingly minor charge of misdemeanor
possession.

The Denver defense attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann offer free and confidential
appointments to anyone facing drug charges in Denver and the surrounding areas,
Aurora, Englewood, Lakewood and Boulder. In the last few years, Colorado drug laws
have undergone significant changes, including the decriminalization of some types
of marijuana possession. Possession of small amounts of heroin and cocaine has also
been reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. However, the sale, distribution, cultivation
or manufacture of all drugs remains a felony offense under both state and federal
law.

And even a misdemeanor charge can result in up to 18 months in jail.

Fighting to keep a drug charge off your record is important for many reasons: Convicted
drug offenders may be ineligible for state and federal aid, including student loans.
A drug conviction can make it difficult to obtain many types of employment, and
may even disqualify you from renting an apartment or obtaining a loan.

But increased penalties for repeat violations is one of the primary reasons for
fighting to keep a drug charge off your record. Under state and federal law, a repeat
offense can carry stiffer penalties and increases the likelihood that a defendant
will face significant jail time.

In other cases, authorities my overcharge a defendant. For instance, someone may
be charged with possession and possession with intent to distribute for the same
offense. Police frequently issue charges in this manner to allow prosecutor’s a
chance at convicting a defendant on the more serious charge, while providing a lesser
charge as an alternative. Hiring a Denver criminal defense lawyer experienced
in handling drug cases offers the best chance for seeking a reduction or dismissal
in cases where a defendant faces multiple Colorado drug charges.

If you have been charged with a drug offense 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