For many people, prescription medications are a necessary part of life.
They help manage pain, regulate mental health, and treat chronic illnesses.
But what happens when these legal, doctor-prescribed medications become the center of legal trouble? And what happens when you are in the middle of it?
As in many states, cases involving prescription drug misuse in Colorado are more common than many might think.
What starts as a legitimate need for medication can quickly spiral into charges for possession, distribution, or even driving under the influence. Medication misuse is a growing concern and needs to be handled with compassion and care, particularly for those who have no intention of violating the law.
Navigating the complexities of Colorado’s drug laws requires understanding, support, and a proactive legal defense to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.
If you’ve found yourself on the wrong side of the law in relation to prescription drugs, it’s critical to understand what comes next and how to protect your rights.
In Colorado, prescription drug misuse is a criminal offense that can carry serious consequences.
Misuse occurs when prescription medications are obtained, used, or distributed in ways that are not in accordance with the law or a doctor’s instructions.
The definition of prescription misuse can include any of the following:
It’s important to note that – even if a medication was initially prescribed to you while under a doctor’s care – using it improperly or past its intended purpose can lead to criminal charges.
Let’s take a closer look at how prescription medications can result in legal trouble and the charges you might face in Colorado:
Even if a friend or family member offers you their medication to help with a legitimate issue like pain or anxiety, possessing it without your name on the prescription label is a violation of Colorado law. Police and prosecutors treat this the same as possession of illegal narcotics.
Selling or sharing your prescription medication—even if you feel you’re helping someone in need—is considered distribution of a controlled substance. In Colorado, this can lead to felony charges, significant fines, and even jail time.
Obtaining prescription drugs through dishonest means, such as forging a prescription or “doctor shopping” (visiting multiple doctors to acquire medications), is a criminal offense. Prescription fraud charges are taken seriously and can leave you facing severe penalties.
Many prescription medications come with warnings about operating machinery or driving under the influence. If you’re pulled over and law enforcement believes you’re impaired, you could face a DUI charge—even if the substance impairing you was legally prescribed. Colorado law treats DUI involving prescription medications just as seriously as alcohol-related DUIs.
If you’ve been arrested for prescription drug misuse in Colorado, it’s vital that you take the right steps early on. Being proactive can make a significant difference in what happens next in your case (and your future.)
Consider the following steps in order to reach the best outcome:
It’s natural to feel panicked after an arrest, but saying too much can worsen your situation. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s best to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and avoid making statements until you’ve consulted with an attorney.
One of the first things you should do is contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands Colorado’s drug laws. A skilled lawyer will assess the details of your case, explain the charges, and build a strategy to protect your rights and minimize potential penalties.
If you were arrested for possessing a prescription drug you’re authorized to use, gather documentation proving the medication was prescribed to you. This includes doctor’s notes, pharmacy records, and the prescription label.
Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, but it’s important to show up to all court appearances on time, dressed professionally, and prepared. Being respectful and cooperative in court can leave a positive impression.
Facing legal trouble for prescription drug misuse can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of your life.
The laws surrounding controlled substances are strict, and prescription medications are often treated with the same severity as illegal drugs in Colorado’s justice system.
In such situations, having an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer by your side is not just helpful—it’s essential.
Here’s why:
A Skilled Lawyer Understands the Complexities of Colorado Drug Laws: Colorado’s drug laws are intricate, especially when it comes to prescription medications. Charges can range from simple possession without a prescription to more severe allegations like distribution or prescription fraud. A skilled lawyer understands the nuances of these laws and can help you navigate them.
A Skilled Lawyer Can Help Build a Tailored Defense Strategy: Every case involving prescription drug misuse is unique. A good lawyer will carefully review the details of your case, including the evidence, arrest procedures, and your medical history, to craft a defense that addresses your specific circumstances.
A Skilled Lawyer Can Work to Minimize Potential Penalties: Prescription drug-related charges can carry significant penalties, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record. The goal of a good lawyer is to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation, whether that means avoiding jail time or getting the charges dismissed entirely.
From prescription to prosecution, finding yourself in legal trouble over medications you once trusted can be overwhelming. However, with the law firm of Geigle | Morales at your side, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Whether you’ve been charged with possession, distribution, or a DUI involving prescription medications, our skilled and compassionate criminal defense team can craft a tailored strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Let Geigle | Morales be your advocate during this tough time. Contact us today for a consultation, and take the first step toward reclaiming control of your future.