Opioid usage, abuse, and dependency are presently at an all-time high.

To, put things in viewpoint: overdosing on drugs is the leading reason for unexpected death here in the United States. Where does opioid dependency fit into that? It is accountable for almost half of these deaths. In raw numbers, of the 52,404 deadly drug overdoses in 2015, 12,990 deaths related to heroin, and 20,101 related to prescription painkiller.

Here in Colorado, the overall of all opiate deaths fell 6 percent from 472 deaths in 2015 to just 442 in 2016. This marked the very first time because of around 2000 that opiate deaths reduced. That seems like terrific news, right?

The surprise in this decline, however, is that heroin overdose deaths have increased by 23 percent – from 160 deaths to 197 deaths.

It’s for this factor that more than 135 police throughout our state now bring a remedy referred to as Narcan or naloxone to conserve individuals who remain in the throes of an opiate overdose. Naloxone works by obstructing opiates from brain receptors for as much as 90 minutes. After that, the user will lapse into withdrawal.

Authorities in Eagle County just recently utilized naloxone at a house where 2 guys were discovered dead and a 3rd wound up hospitalized.

Eagle County Sherriff James van Beek stated, “It’s here, carfentanyl and other unsafe opioids are here. Possibly not in the quantities it remains in other locations around the state and nation, however, it’s here, and we require to be trained and prepared.”

An opioid overdose can be fatal, however, the drugs can trigger issues for you in other methods too. Specifically, remaining in belongings of, offering or trafficking opioids is thought about a criminal offense here in Colorado.

Let’s take a look at the law and the charges connected with opioid drug criminal activities in case you’re ever charged.

Opiates and the Law in Colorado

In our state, we categorize illegal drugs into various schedules based upon their capacity for abuse and medical usage.

Heroin and artificial opiates are Arrange I drugs – high abuse capacity and no medical usage – whereas opium and its derivatives are Set up II drugs – high abuse capacity with physical and mental reliance, however with an accepted medical usage.

Under our drug ownership laws, any quantity of Arrange I or II drugs – even if it becomes part of a mix – is a Class 4 drug felony. Class 4 felonies are punishable by 2 to 6 years in jail with fines from $2,000 to $500,000.

Utilizing heroin, opioids, and other controlled substances is likewise versus the law. Anybody who utilizes an illegal drug, other than when provided by a physician or lawfully recommended, dedicates a class 2 drug misdemeanor, punishable by 3 months to one year in prison and fines in between $250-$ 1,000.

Additionally, it is illegal for anybody to intentionally “manufacture, give, offer, or disperse, or to have with intent to make, give, offer, or disperse, an illegal drug.” Depending upon the quantity in concern, the charges can be rather extreme:

• More than 112 grams: Class 1 drug felony punishable by 8-32 years in jail and approximately $1 million in fines.
• 14-112 grams: Class 2 drug felony, punishable by 4-8 years in jail and as much as $750,000 in fines.
• Under 14 grams: class 3 drug felony punishable by 2-4 years in jail and as much as $500,000 in fines.

As you can see, heroin and other opioid belongings, usage, and circulation are major criminal activities with life-altering charges. Reach out to a knowledgeable Colorado drug lawyer who can assist you combat for your rights if you’re dealing with opiate charges.