Possession Of Counterfeit Or Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic or counterfeit drugs are manufactured using artificial materials to get people high. Often times these are referred to as “designer drugs.” Most, if not all, of these drugs have horrific side effects and are not safe for human consumption. Since these drugs are made and sold on the streets, there is no regulation. Oftentimes, the drugs can be different from what the drug buyer thinks they are buying to put into their body.
There are too many synthetic drugs to count, and more are created daily. Some illegal drug manufacturers even sell their products to unknowing consumers under the guise that it is a legal drug, but it is not.
In Colorado, it is illegal to possess or use “any synthetic or natural material containing any quantity of a cathinone chemical structure, including any analogs, salts, isomers, or salts of isomers of any synthetic or natural material containing a cathinone chemical structure.” This broad definition allows Colorado law enforcement to stay on top of all of the newly developing types of drugs in circulation today.
Denver Possession Of Counterfeit Or Synthetic Drugs Lawyer
If you have been arrested for possession of counterfeit or synthetic drugs in Colorado, get in touch with Denver criminal defense attorney Matthew Martin at Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. The penalties for synthetic drug crimes are just as severe as crimes involving regular drugs, so don’t entrust your case to just any lawyer – call on a proven advocate with vast experience.
Mr. Martin at Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. is prepared to take your call today so call (303) 725-0017 to schedule a free consultation with Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C.. We accept drug cases throughout Denver, CO including Adams County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Douglas County, and Boulder County.
Information Center
- Examples Of Synthetic Drugs
- Colorado’s Counterfeit Drug Law
- Penalties For Making Or Possessing Counterfeit Drugs
- Defenses for Possession Of Counterfeit Or Synthetic Drugs in CO
- Additional Resources
Examples Of Synthetic Drugs
A counterfeit drug is defined in the statute as being “a controlled substance which, or the container or labeling of which, without authorization, bears the trademark, trade name, or other identifying mark, imprint, number, or device, or any likeness thereof, of a manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser, other than the person who manufactured, distributed, or dispensed the substance.”
Counterfeit drugs can be legal drugs but labeled as something else. They can also be expired drugs or drugs that someone has copied and claims they are something they are not. All of the above are illegal in Colorado.
Although more synthetic drugs are made daily, some of the most common synthetic drugs and their features in Colorado are listed below. This could help someone identify a drug they may come across in their daily lives.
MDMA Or Molly
MDMA or Molly can also be known as Ecstasy. It is typically used as a party drug by teens and young adults. Some mild side effects include blurred visions, increased blood pressure and heart rate, teeth clenching, and dehydration. The more intense side effects include a rapid body temperature increase which could lead to muscle breakdown, stroke, seizure, and even kidney or heart failure.
Special K Or Ketamine
Special K or Ketamine could also be known as just simply K. Typically, it is sold in a liquid, tablet, or powder form. In low doses, Special K can impair memory, impair focus, and decrease learning. At higher doses, it may cause hallucinations and out-of-body experiences. Side effects of higher doses can cause depression, high blood pressure, and other potentially fatal respiratory problems.
Bath Salts
Bath salts are typically consumed in the same way as cocaine. They are stimulants that provide many of the same effects as cocaine, like increased heart rate and a hallucinogenic high.
K2 Or Spice
K2, or “spice,” is synthetic marijuana manufactured to be more than one hundred times more potent than natural, plant-based marijuana. It can be challenging to tell the difference between plant-based marijuana and synthetic marijuana before it is too late.
Smiles And Flakka
Smiles and Flakka are drugs similar to LSD and provide hallucinogenic effects. However, they can be more deadly than LSD, with a smaller amount necessary to provide the same impact.
Colorado’s Counterfeit Drug Law
The Colorado statute specifically prohibits any person from knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to manufacture or deliver a counterfeit controlled substance. The statute also prohibits knowingly or intentionally creating, distributing, or possessing a punch, die, plate, stone, or other object designed to print, imprint, or reproduce the trademark, trade name, or other identifying mark, imprint, or device which would create any drug or container labeling.
Penalties For Making Or Possessing Counterfeit Drugs
Under the current Colorado law, a violation of the law against making or possessing counterfeit drugs is a level three drug felony. The consequences include two to four years in prison with a one-year mandatory parole sentence and a fine of anywhere between $2,000 to $500,000.
Defenses for Possession Of Counterfeit Or Synthetic Drugs in CO
The defenses a skilled attorney may be able to bring for someone accused of manufacturing or possessing synthetic or counterfeit drugs are:
- Law enforcement committing a fourth amendment (improper search or seizure) violation in obtaining the drugs
- Other law enforcement misconduct like coercing a confession, planting evidence, or failing to read Miranda rights
- Incorrect identification of the substance
- The accused did not knowingly possess the drugs or devices used to manufacture drugs
- The accused reasonably believed they were manufacturing a legal product
An experienced drug crime attorney in Colorado can build a defense to help anyone charged with a drug crime.
Additional Resources
Colorado Revised Statues § 18-18-423 –This website directly links the entire Colorado statute explaining possession and manufacture of synthetic and counterfeit substances.
Rise Above Colorado – Rise Above Colorado is a statewide prevention organization that impacts teen perceptions and attitudes about the risks of substance misuse to help them make empowered, healthy choices.
Colorado Possession Of Counterfeit Or Synthetic Drugs Attorney | Denver, CO
If you’ve been charged with possession of counterfeit or synthetic drugs in Colorado, you probably have many questions about your upcoming legal battle. What types of defenses are available? What penalties will these accusations bring? Will this affect your ability to keep your job or continue to work in your current field?
Thankfully, Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. can answer all of your questions and form a strong defense for your case. Defense lawyer Matthew Martin at Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. has over 28 years of experience defending individuals with drug crime accusations. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Martin today, call (303) 725-0017.
Law Office of Matthew A. Martin, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Denver area including Golden, Broomfield, Lakewood, Boulder, Morrison, Centennial, Englewood, Nederland, Deer Trail, Louisville, and Eldora.