{"id":371940,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-cocaine-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-24T15:11:05","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T20:11:05","slug":"colorado-cocaine-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-cocaine-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Cocaine Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Cocaine Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Connecticut drug possession laws are complicated. State laws attempt to give drug abusers a chance for rehabilitation through drug intervention programs<\/a>. Connecticut\u2019s drug laws treat possession of narcotics and other scheduled controlled substances as misdemeanors for first offenders.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut is unusual among states in that it has different sale and distribution laws for drug-dependent individuals and others. A drug-dependent person may receive a lower penalty for a first offense than a non-addicted individual for a similar offense.<\/p>\r\n

Connecticut law defines cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin as narcotics. The legislature makes updates to the Connecticut General Statutes<\/a> for drug issues such as sales and distribution. For example, the distance prohibiting sales of cocaine within 1500 feet of a school zone, daycare center, or public housing project was decreased to 200 feet.<\/p>\r\n

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor. The penalties increase if the defendant is transporting the items or using them in or near a school. Paraphernalia can be any item used to ingest illegal drugs. A spoon or straw is an ordinary kitchen item unless it’s used in connection with cocaine.<\/p>\r\n

Cocaine Statutes in Connecticut<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The charges and penalties under Connecticut cocaine laws are listed below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Connecticut Cocaine Possession Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

First offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Second Offense<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Subsequent Offenses<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-279<\/b><\/a> Simple Possession<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Class A misdemeanor<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Treatment program<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Persistent offender (53a-40)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-277<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale (drug-addicted person)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

15 years\/$50,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

30 years\/$100,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

30 years\/$250,000<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-278<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale, narcotics (not addicted)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

(a)(1) (A) (i) one ounce or more of heroin or methadone, or (ii) one-half ounce or more of cocaine or cocaine in a free-base form:<\/p>\r\n

five years to life<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-278a<\/b><\/a> Possession for distribution or sale to minor (not addicted)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Two years<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

\u00a7 <\/b>21a-267<\/b><\/a> Possession of drug paraphernalia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n

Class C misdemeanor<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Many of these are mandatory minimum sentences. Unlike some states, Connecticut has not abolished mandatory minimums. Possession charges<\/a> and penalties remain steep for the distribution and sale of all drugs except marijuana. Cocaine possession is also a federal crime. Federal prison sentences are longer than those given by the states.<\/p>\r\n

Facing Cocaine Charges in Connecticut? Get Legal Advice From a Criminal Defense Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing drug charges in Connecticut, you need legal advice from an experienced Connecticut drug crime attorney<\/a>. An expert in drug cases and criminal law can put their experience to work for you. <\/p>\r\n

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