Colorado law makes it a crime to use or possess hydrocodone (also referred to as Vicodin or Norco) without a lawful prescription. The black market sale (or possession for sale) of the drug carries even more serious penalties:
| Unlawful use of hydrocodone | level 2 drug misdemeanor:
However, the court may instead impose up to 1 year of probation, up to $500, and possibly 120 days in jail (or 180 days in jail for a 3rd or subsequent offense) |
| Unlawful possession of hydrocodone | For 4 grams or less, a level 1 drug misdemeanor:
For more than 4 grams, a level 4 drug felony:
|
| Unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, or sale of hydrocodone | class 3 felony:
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In this article, our Denver Colorado criminal defense lawyers will explain:
- 1. What is hydrocodone?
- 2. The unauthorized use, possession or sale of hydrocodone in Colorado
- 3. Unlawful use of hydrocodone
- 4. Defenses for Colorado hydrocodone charges
1. What is hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a multi-purpose opiate drug that is often prescribed by physicians to serve as an effective cough suppressant and pain reliever. Deriving from a mixture of codeine and oxygen, it was concocted to be potent without the damaging side effects associated with high levels of potency.
Its ability to produce varying degrees of euphoria has made the narcotic increasingly popular, especially amongst those with the intention to use it for recreational purposes. It is combined with acetaminophen – another addictive narcotic – to create the prescription medication labeled and sold as Vicodin.
Possession of hydrocodone without a prescription in Colorado is a crime.
Similar to other opioid drugs, those who use hydrocodone for extended periods of time can eventually become physically dependent on them which can cause the users to yearn for higher dosages. The feelings hydrocodone induces result in the widespread clinical and unlawful use of prescription medicines containing this substance.
Since it is been deemed a controlled substance by the nation’s Drug Enforcement Administration, Colorado law prohibits the selling, distributing or possession of hydrocodone. If you are accused of any unlawful conduct involving prescription drugs that contain this narcotic, you can face serious consequences under Colorado law.
1.1 Hydrocodone drug classifications in Colorado
Colorado categorizes hydrocodone and other controlled substances into various “hydrocodone” in accordance to their likelihood of being abused by users. The schedules consist of hydrocodone that range from the most dangerous substances to the least dangerous. (There is also a separate schedule for the possession of synthetic cannabinoids and salvia.)
Hydrocodone can fall in either Schedule II or Schedule III depending on the amount of drugs discovered when you are arrested.
- Schedule II: Substances in this schedule are highly addictive, but are generally used for legitimate clinical purposes. Acute physical and psychological dependence is likely if abused. Hydrocodone (Vicodin) along with other opioids like oxycodone (Oxycontin), morphine, methadone and fentanyl are included in this schedule, as are stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Schedule III: Substances in this schedule have less potential for abuse than Schedule II and are generally used for medical purposes. There is a low or moderate likelihood of physical dependence but a higher chance of psychological dependence. Drugs included in this category are small amounts of hydrocodone, barbiturates, anabolic steroids and ketamine.
The amount of hydrocodone, its schedule classification, and the intent of the accused to distribute or possess the drug, are all factors that can determine the penalties you could receive if found guilty of hydrocodone drug possession offenses in Colorado.
2. The unauthorized use, possession or sale of hydrocodone in Colorado
2.1 Unlawful possession
According to Colorado law, it is illegal to knowingly possess a controlled substance like hydrocodone. You can be convicted of the unlawful possession of a controlled substance if you unlawfully obtained:
- Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation weighing four grams or less in schedule I or II
- Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation weighing more than four grams in schedule I or II
- Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation that contains any quantity of a controlled substance listed in schedule III, IV, or V1
2.2 Unlawful possession penalties (as a schedule II drug)
- When the hydrocodone weighs four grams or less, possession is a level 1 drug misdemeanor. The sentence is 6 to 18 months in jail; and/or $500 to $5,000 in fines. Though the judge may grant probation instead.
- Otherwise, possession is a level 4 drug felony, carrying 6 to 12 months in prison (plus 1 year of parole), and/or a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
2.3 Unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, or sale
In Colorado it also considered to be unlawful to knowingly conspire to, or possess with the intent to do any of the following with hydrocodone:
- sell
- distribute
- dispense
- possess for sale
- possess one or more chemicals or supplies or equipment with intent to unlawfully manufacture2
2.4 Unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, or sale penalties
The unlawful distribution, manufacturing, dispensing, or sale of this controlled substance is classified as a Colorado class 3 felony. This is punishable by a fine of $3000-$750,000 and a prison sentence of 4 to 12 years.
You may possess hydrocodone if you have a current and valid prescription.
3. Unlawful use of hydrocodone
In Colorado, it is against the law to use a controlled substance unless legally authorized to do so. Thus, if you do not have a prescription for hydrocodone but are using the substance anyway, you can be charged with this offense.
3.1 Penalties for the unlawful use of hydrocodone
The use of a controlled substance is classified as a Colorado level 2 drug misdemeanor, which carries:
- Up to 12 months in county jail, and/or
- $50 – $750 in fines
However, the court may instead impose the following, lighter penalty for drug use:
- Probation of up to 1 year;
- Possibly 120 days in jail (or 180 days in jail for a 3rd or subsequent offense); and
- Up to $500.3
Colorado takes a more rehabilitative approach to drug addiction. If caught consuming the substance, the court has the option of granting you treatment at your own expense. If the treatment is successfully completed, misdemeanor charges will be dismissed.
4. Defenses for Colorado hydrocodone charges
There are no affirmative defenses for charges involving the substance of hydrocodone. Since these cases are often individualized, the facts and circumstances of the case will determine the best types of defenses to pursue.
4.1 Unwitting Possession
One defense that is commonly applied in cases where the actual user of the drug is up for debate is called the “unwitting possession” defense. You would contest that you were in unauthorized possession of a controlled substance.
Example: You give a friend a ride to their house after work and they leave their drugs in your car by mistake. Oblivious to the presence of the unauthorized prescription drugs, you end up getting stopped by an officer. He noticed the substance in your car and you are apprehended on a prescription drug charge.
If this were to happen, you could raise the unwitting possession defense due to the fact you were not aware that the prescription containing hydrocodone was in your possession.
4.2 Other Defenses…
A few more common defenses often used in these cases include, but are not limited to:
- Police misconduct (false evidence, failure to read rights, coerced confession etc.)
- The drugs were discovered in violation of Colorado’s search and seizure laws
- There is no evidence you used a controlled substance
- A drug tested violated your constitutional rights
- The drug test was unreliable
- There was a legitimate prescription and you used the drugs instructed and prescribed by your doctor
Call our law firm for legal advice. We offer consultations.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug offense in Denver, contact our office today. Our skilled and understanding Colorado criminal attorneys will fight for your rights. Call our home office at (303) 222-0330 for a consultation. We also assist with bail and release issues at all Colorado jails, including the Elbert County Jail.
In California? See our article on California Vicodin laws.
In Nevada? See our article on Nevada Vicodin laws.
Legal References
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-18-403.5 (1)(2); House Bill 19-1263.
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-18-405 (1)(a).
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-18-404(1)(a).