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Colorado criminal charge

Unlawful use of a controlled substance in Colorado

level 2 drug misdemeanorCurrent through 2026 Colorado legislative session

Unlawful use of a controlled substance is a level 2 drug misdemeanor under Colorado criminal law, defined by C.R.S. § 18-18-404. As a level 2 drug misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Colorado sets for that offense class. Colorado sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.

Defined by C.R.S. § 18-18-404.

What is the penalty for unlawful use of a controlled substance in Colorado?

Penalties for Unlawful use of a controlled substance
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 364 days (no statutory minimum)discretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-501
Fine50 usd to 750 usddiscretionaryC.R.S. § 18-1.3-501

Applies to offenses on/after 2013-10-01.

Common questions about unlawful use of a controlled substance in Colorado

Is unlawful use of a controlled substance a felony or a misdemeanor in Colorado?

Unlawful use of a controlled substance is a level 2 drug misdemeanor in Colorado under C.R.S. § 18-18-404.

What are the penalties for unlawful use of a controlled substance in Colorado?

As a level 2 drug misdemeanor, unlawful use of a controlled substance carries up to 364 days (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of $50 to $750 under C.R.S. § 18-1.3-501 (offenses on/after 2013-10-01).

Which Colorado statute covers unlawful use of a controlled substance?

Unlawful use of a controlled substance is governed by C.R.S. § 18-18-404 (Unlawful use of a controlled substance).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.