{"id":371975,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:37","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-heroin-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-08T08:47:14","modified_gmt":"2024-10-08T13:47:14","slug":"colorado-heroin-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/colorado-law\/colorado-heroin-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Penalties for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Colorado Penalties for Heroin, Fentanyl, and Other Opioids<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, 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

Colorado addresses the challenges of opioid use with stringent laws and penalties. Recent statistics have shown an increase in drug-related incidents, and opioids play a notable role. The state is particularly concerned with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Meanwhile, heroin and other opioids continue to be a persistent issue.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a picture of Colorado’s criminal laws related to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids. It explains how the state classifies controlled substances and outlines the legal consequences of the drug crimes associated with opioids.<\/p>\r\n

Colorado’s Controlled Substance Classifications<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Colorado law classifies controlled substances according to drug schedules. It ranges from Schedules I to V. The drug laws base the drug schedule on the substance’s likelihood of drug abuse and its medical use.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule I<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Schedule I substances<\/a> are drugs that do not have accepted medical use and have a high risk for drug abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. A recent federal law also classifies all fentanyl-related substances<\/a> as Schedule I drugs.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule II<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Schedule II substances<\/a> generally have a high likelihood of drug abuse but have accepted medical use. Examples of Schedule II drugs are oxycodone, methadone, morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and codeine.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule III<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Schedule III substances<\/a> present a moderate risk for drug abuse and psychological dependence but have current medical use. Examples of Schedule III substances include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and barbiturates.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule IV<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Schedule IV drugs<\/a> are those with a low likelihood of drug abuse and psychological dependence. Examples of these types of prescription drugs are Valium and Ambien.<\/p>\r\n

Schedule V<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Schedule V substances<\/a> have the lowest potential for drug abuse and psychological dependence. Cough syrup is a common example.<\/p>\r\n

Penalties for Drug Offenses<\/h2>\r\n

Colorado Revised Statutes impose strict penalties for drug offenses. The severity varies depending on the quantity of drugs and the type of drugs involved:<\/p>\r\n

Drug Possession<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Possession of a controlled substance<\/a> is a Level 4 drug felony in Colorado. <\/i>Penalties include <\/i>six months to a year jail time and between $1,000 and $500,000 in fines.<\/p>\r\n

Drug Use<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Unlawful use of a controlled substance<\/a> is a Level 2 drug misdemeanor. Penalties include three months to one year of imprisonment and a fine of between $250 and $1,000.<\/p>\r\n

Distribution, Manufacturing, Dispensing, or Sale<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Penalties for distributing, selling, or manufacturing controlled substances<\/a> vary based on several factors. Distribution or sale of a controlled substance is a Level 1 drug felony if:<\/p>\r\n