What are level 3 drug felonies in Colorado?
Colorado law categorizes drug felonies into four classes, from level 1 to level 4. Level 3 felonies are the second-least serious category of Colorado drug felonies. Common examples of level 3 drug felonies in Colorado include:
- The Colorado crime of attempting to commit a level 2 drug felony
- The Colorado crime of selling controlled substances (not more than 14 grams and contains a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II of Part 2 of Article 18 of Title 18;)
- The Colorado crime of distributing an imitation controlled substance to a minor (if the adult is at least two years older than the minor
See the official list of Colorado level 3 drug felonies.
What are level 3 drug felony penalties in Colorado?
Colorado law provides two sentencing ranges for drug felonies: “presumptive” and “aggravated.” Presumptive is the default sentence. But the judge may impose a harsher sentence if there are “aggravating factors,” such as if the defendant was:
- on parole,
- on probation or bond for another felony,
- in confinement for a felony,
- an escapee from confinement for a felony
Presumptive level 3 drug felony penalties
- 2 to 4 years imprisonment, and/or
- $2,000 to $500,000 in fines
There is also a mandatory parole period of 1 year.
Aggravated level 3 drug felony penalties
- 4 to 6 years imprisonment, and/or
- $2,000 to $500,000 in fines
There is also a mandatory parole period of 1 year.
Other level 3 drug felony facts in Colorado
People charged with any drug felony in Colorado have the right to a twelve-person jury trial. (With the court’s okay, the defendant can instead choose to have a bench trial–with only a judge–or a tinier jury of at least six people.) The defendant might be able to get the case sealed from his/her criminal record, depending on the case.
Some level 3 drug felonies may be legally considered as deportable offenses or crimes involving moral turpitude. Consequently, non-citizens charged with level 3 drug felonies should retain attorneys to discuss how to try to avoid getting thrown out of the U.S.
Arrested in Colorado? Call us . . . .
Our Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready and eager to try to negotiate a drug charge reduction or dismissal, or, if you want, to take it all the way to a trial. Call us at (303)222-0330 for a free strategy session about what we can do to fight your drug charges and keep you from getting a criminal record.
- Return to our Colorado drug crimes main page