Drug Charges

If you’re facing drug charges in Colorado, you have a right to qualified representation no matter how severe the offense.

The drug defense lawyers at Wolf Law handle a wide range of drug-related cases, including drug possession and drug trafficking offenses involving six of the most heavily trafficked drugs—methamphetamine, powder cocaine, marijuana, crack cocaine, heroin and oxycodone—as well as other controlled substances.

To learn more about your options following a Colorado drug arrest, please call Wolf Law at 720-479-8574 for a free case evaluation.

Colorado’s Drug Laws and Statistics

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, drug offenses are the most common type of federal case; drug charges represented almost one-third of all cases reported to the commission in 2015. Of these drug offenses, nearly 90 percent involved drug trafficking charges.

Colorado’s Amendment 64 was enacted in November 2012 and allows for personal possession, cultivation, and private use of marijuana for those 21 years of age and older.

Following the adoption of Amendment 64, marijuana-related charges reduced statewide (not including Denver) by 80 percent from 2010 to 2014; and all drug charges are down 23 percent respectively. The Denver Department of Safety reported a 77 percent reduction in marijuana possession offenses from 2012 to 2014.

Today, marijuana drug possession charges are namely defined by an amount in excess of 1 ounce, which is the legal limit a person may purchase from a retail marijuana store.

Compassionate Denver Drug Defense Lawyers

Drug charges often involve addiction, dependency, and abuse. At Wolf Law, we understand the sensitivity of drug crimes and how drug charges impact families and the community at large.

While other drug defense attorneys in Denver may approach drug charges with a hatchet, we prefer a scalpel; this ensures every client gets the help they need, the representation they deserve, and a fair trial.

We take every step to ensure relevant details are made clear to the judge, the prosecutor, and the jury. The social, economic, and cultural complexities of a Denver drug case should not be ignored.

Denver has distinct racial disparities among marijuana charges, which have remained constant despite Amendment 64, including a disproportionate number of offenses correlating public consumption and people of color.

If you have questions related to drug charges, we can help. Call 720-479-8574 for a free case evaluation.

Colorado Drug Schedule Classifications

Drug classes arranged by federal categorization

Colorado state statutes and the Denver Revised Municipal Code outline laws and penalties for specific drug violations.

Drug classification determines how drug offenses are categorized and sentenced. Controlled substances are defined under federal drug “schedules,” which are categorized by risk of addiction:

Schedule I drugs are considered most dangerous, highly addictive, and have “no legitimate medical use.” Schedule I drugs include controlled substances such as heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana.
Schedule II drugs are considered addictive but may offer some redeeming medicinal properties. Common schedule II drugs include morphine, codeine, and Adderall.
Schedule III drugs are considered less dangerous than those in schedules II and I. These drugs may include combination products like Vicodin, or non-narcotics like ketamine.

In Colorado, all drug possession charges are classified by schedule, with the exception of marijuana. Drugs like codeine, and other common pain medications, may be possessed lawfully with a valid prescription.

Colorado Drug Crime Penalties and Sentencing

Colorado drug penalties depend on the offense or act committed, the type of drug, and the drug amount involved in the charges. Generally, all Colorado drug charges fall into three categories: petty offenses, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Petty offenses are punishable by the fine amount assigned to the offense in the Colorado Code. Petty drug offenses include things like public consumption of marijuana or possession of drug paraphernalia.
Misdemeanors are more serious than petty offenses but less serious than felonies. Drug misdemeanors are either DM1 or DM2.
- DM1: These misdemeanors are the more serious offenses. Examples of a DM1 offense include distribution, manufacturing, or possession with intent to distribute; or cultivation of less than 6 marijuana plants.
  - Penalties for these offenses range from 6 to 18 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000.
- DM2: These misdemeanors are less serious than DM1 charges. Examples of a DM2 offense include abusing toxic vapors, use or possession of synthetic cannabinoids, and possession of 2 to 6 ounces of marijuana.
  - Penalties for DM2 offenses range from 0 to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $750.
Felonies are the most serious drug offenses and are punishable by lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. In Colorado, drug felonies have four levels:
- DF1: Examples of a DF1 offense include the distribution of any amount of schedule I or schedule II controlled substances to a minor (if the adult is at least 2 years older than the minor); or the distribution of ANY material that has specific amounts of schedule I or II controlled substance combined.
  - Penalties include mandatory minimum sentencing from 8 years up to 32 years and fines up to $1 million.
- DF2: An example of a DF2 offense includes the distribution of any amount of schedule III or schedule IV controlled substance to a minor (if the adult is at least 2 years older than the minor).
  - Penalties include sentencing from 4 up to 8 years and fines up to $750,000.
- DF3: A level 3 drug felony might include distribution of any material that weighs 14 grams or less, and the material contains a schedule I or II controlled substance.
  - Penalties include sentencing from 2 up to 4 years and fines up to $500,000.
- DF4: Level 4 drug felonies are categorized as DF3 except when distribution is for the purpose of sharing use of drugs at “a time substantially contemporaneous” with the exchange of drugs.
  - Penalties include sentencing from 6 up to 12 months and fines up to $100,000.

Sentencing is also determined by a range of factors that can be either “presumptive” or “aggravated.”

Presumptive sentencing is most common and the default sentencing range; however, aggravating factors, such as the offender’s criminal history, parole status, etc., may persuade a judge to apply an aggravated sentence, which favors tougher sentencing and fine requirements.

A trial by jury is available to people who are charged with a Colorado drug crime. For first- and second-time drug offenders, Colorado has implemented special “drug courts” where defendants can enter into treatment programs in lieu of fulfilling a sentence.

Get the Drug Defense Lawyer You Deserve

Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes bad things happen to good people.

Colorado drug laws are complicated, but we can help. Knowing who to call, when to call them, and what not to say to law enforcement is the first step in building your defense.

What you don’t know about Colorado’s drug laws can hurt you. When you need a Denver criminal defense lawyer, you need Wolf Law.

Call our law firm at 720-479-8574 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Drug cases are one area of the law, where you can really be charged at any level. You can be charged at the petty offense level in municipal court, at the misdemeanor level in county court or at the felony level in the district court. All of those charges can come with different sets of penalties and it’s important to have an attorney who understands the difference. At Wolf Law I handle all types of cases and drug classifications from pills, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, any drug offense that you have and any type of charge you’ve accrued, from any type of drug there is, at Wolf Law I can handle that type of case. It’s important to have an attorney who understands the drug laws, understands search and seizure law, which is so huge in drug cases and that’s something I do for my clients. I understand that sometimes my clients are dealing with dependency issues; addiction, things like that. And those are things that need to be handled sensitively, delicately, but not ignored. Too many lawyers go in with a blunt instrument, rather than coming in with a scalpel to try and deal with dependency and addiction issues, make the judge aware of it, make the prosecutor aware of it, and get someone the treatment they need. At Wolf Law, I always want to make sure that when you come in, I understand what’s going on in your life, what’s caused the issue to happen and try to find a way to help you.

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Fantastic Attorney, Thorough and Knowledgeable

When I had charges pending against me, I had a free consultation with many attorneys and ultimately hired Jeff wolf as my formal representation. Most of the attorneys’ capabilities were relatively equal, but what stuck out with Jeff was his ethics and personal investment in my outcome.

From the beginning he tried to get a thorough sense of who I was in society and represent that to the judge for sentencing. In court he pleaded my case and balanced remorse for the action with any positive attributes to gain a favorable outcome. He is well spoken and respected in court.

I liked that his payment model worked through stages that he “earned” along the way. I had a clear understanding of what to expect from him, from the court, and the most likely requirements of my sentence. And when I didn’t understand or had additional questions on one part (and I had many) he took the time to explain and discuss the options and his recommendation with me.

He had a thorough knowledge of the system and its players as well as knowledge on unusual factors related to my specific case, and he made well-thought-out recommendations with reasoning but ultimately let me make the final decision.

The result of my case was quite favorable thanks to Jeff. Great lawyer, highly recommend.

— Pam

Great experience – very satisfied

I could not be more pleased with the service I received from Jeff for my legal matter! It was apparent when first speaking with him that he is knowledgeable about the system and has experience with complex situations, and that he also the care and concern for his clients’ matters. He maintained constant, clear communication throughout the process about what was needed to be done to prepare for the court case, and was quick to respond to any questions. Jeff had the confidence that it would be possible to achieve or come close to achieving my desired outcome, and he in turn made me confident about my case, too. When people around me were asking if I was stressed or nervous about my court date, I was telling them that I was actually feeling pretty at ease having Jeff there to advocate for me. He handled the case very smoothly and professionally, spoke strongly yet eloquently for my case, and we ended up achieving the best possible outcome, which I am very happy about. Thank you so much to Jeff as well as his staff for being prompt, professional and easy to work with!!

— Radhika Kalra

Colleen is one of the best!! Goes Above and Beyond

I had to use legal services regarding a personal matter and I contacted 3 other lawyers. Colleen was the only one who took time to understand the issue but only explain legally how it can be addressed.

Also, I was surprised when she got me the desired result but she kept moving forward to make sure I had material for a potential criminal case. It shows that she cares and understands legal strategies.

— Anonymous

Wolf Law

I contacted Wolf Law about a question of law for a personal situation. I was quoted a fee and a timeline for the research. I was contacted by Cassandra Monahan from Wolf Law well within the estimated timeline. She presented an overview of her research and how it affected my situation. Her briefing was clear, concise, and while she cited a couple of relevant cases, the information was easily understandable by a non-lawyer. I am very satisfied with the work result and the value.

— Daniel H.

Representation by Jeff Wolf

Counselor Wolf was very professional, and each time we met to discuss my case he was patient and explained what we could expect and what might happen through each step in my proceedings. Counselor Wolf presented himself as very knowledgeable, confident and professional throughout our dealings in this matter. Thank you Jeff, I appreciate your attention to detail and adept representation.

— Jack O.

Wolf Review

I hired Jeff Wolf to represent me in a DUI case where I was charged, but was not the one that was driving the vehicle. From the very beginning I felt that I was in good hands because he made me secure in the fact I was innocent and that, though I was drunk, I did not do anything against the law. Every time I emailed him, I received a response immediately. I felt that he knew the system well, and how to handle this “game” of law. When he had to deal with a health emergency, he made me aware of my options and what he thought would be my best choice, which was being represented for court by another attorney that knew my case inside and out. He just called me this past Monday to let me know my case was dismissed! I would recommend Jeff Wolf to anyone being charged with anything in Colorado. He knows the laws of Colorado and will keep it real with the possible outcomes of your case.

— Stephanie

Highly Recommended

First of all, I would like to thank Colleen Kelley and all the staff at Wolf Law for helping me greatly with my legal matters. I called and was able to get consulted that same day, and the prices are very manageable. Colleen did an awesome job and took her time reviewing all the evidence and negotiating with the DA. In my first case she was able to get the charges completely dismissed, which was very impressive. I had a second case where she got me a deferred judgment deal, which was great considering the charges pending. I am very pleased with her efforts and time spent working on my case. Again, I would highly recommend Wolf Law, giving them 5/5 stars!

— Michael

Professional and empathetic

I contacted Wolf Law for legal assistance with a case that had extenuating circumstances requiring someone experienced and understanding. When I first spoke with Jeff, he helped put me at ease and on the path to a resolution. Jeff promptly informed me of each new development in the case, while being sympathetic to my situation and advocating on my behalf. I’m incredibly satisfied with the result of the case and the speed at which Jeff achieved that outcome. Jeff was able to rectify a life changing event to just be a bump in the road.

— Mark Horgan

Professional, Thorough and Successful

Jeff handled my case with expertise and professionalism. He examined my case quickly and accurately then presented me with sound options and advice going forward. Very satisfied with the almost immediate responses to phone calls and emails. Pleased with the outcome Jeff was able to provide in my case.

— Charlie G.

Complete Professionals

This law firm is the true example of professionalism. They are very responsive, very up front and extremely respectful. Colleen is an amazing attorney who truly enjoys what she does. I would recommend Colleen to anyone. She is honest, hard working, no BS, and gets the job done. She knows what to say and when to say it. She definitely went above and beyond for me. I would 100 percent use her again without a doubt.

— Zach