Being charged with possessing or distributing anabolic steroids is a criminal offense in Colorado, and if the amount of steroids in question is large enough, the charges can be filed at the federal court level.
Anabolic steroids are drugs that act in a similar way to testosterone and, therefore, can greatly enhance muscle mass and physical performance; as a result, use of anabolic steroids within the athletic community is, unfortunately, common and is referred to as “doping.” Just as the amount of anabolic steroids will play a role in the severity of the charges filed against the accused, so too will the following factors:
- Whether the anabolic steroid crime was committed across state or national borders.
- Whether the accused has a criminal record with prior drug convictions.
- Whether the accused is younger than 18 years (and therefore a minor).
- Whether other crimes, such as assault or illegal weapons possession, were also allegedly committed in conjunction with the anabolic steroid crime.
- Whether anyone was injured or killed in the commission of the alleged anabolic steroid crime.
Anabolic Steroid Penalties For Possession Versus Trafficking Charges
Because every anabolic steroid case is unique and complex, so too are the possible penalties upon conviction, as juries and judges will have a number of different factors to take into account; however, if there are not any other aggravating factors associated with a case (i.e., no other charges were filed against the defendant), the following outlines the penalties upon conviction on anabolic steroid possession charges:
- A first-time anabolic steroid possession conviction can result in up to 12 months in prison and/or fines up to $1,000.
- A second-time anabolic steroid conviction can result in up to two years in prison and/or fines up to $1,000.
- A third-time anabolic steroid possession conviction can result in up to three years in prison and/or $1,000 in fines.
When it comes to anabolic steroid trafficking convictions, the penalties are significantly more severe and are as follows:
- A first-time anabolic steroid trafficking conviction can result in up to five years in prison, followed by two years of mandatory parole and/or fines up to $250,000.
- A second anabolic steroid trafficking conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison and even steeper court-imposed restitution fines.
Contact Flesch & Beck Law If You’ve Been Charged With A Crime Related To Anabolic Steroids
In addition to these punishments, those convicted of these drug charges will also have a permanent criminal record that can be a serious detriment when trying to secure work in the future. If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of anabolic steroid charge, contact our Denver drug defense attorneys at Flesch & Beck Law today by emailing us or calling (303) 806-8886.
