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Many people use social media to stay connected in this day and age. There’s no doubt that there are very positive things about all the connectedness people share online, but there are dangers too – dangers like legal troubles if you share too much.

Police pay attention to social media posts and will seize an opportunity to pounce if they see something illegal, such as the use of controlled substances. If you post something on your social media accounts that includes the use of drugs, then it can lead to drug charges in the state of Colorado if you’re not careful.

The Problems Social Media Can Cause

If you don’t think law enforcement in the state knows their way around social media platforms, you’re wrong. They are becoming quite skilled at following social media and looking for specific things that will cause them to give your accounts more scrutiny. One of those things is an illicit activity or drug use on your social media accounts, but they also look for other, more subtle signs such as:

• Slang that indicates the use of drugs or the dealing of drugs
• Pictures of guns or cash spread out
• Advertisements of the sale of marijuana from states where it’s legal, like Colorado, to states where it is not
• Videos that advertise the sale of drugs
• Pictures of drug paraphernalia or drugs themselves

Sometimes, drug enforcement agencies create fake social media accounts to engage with people they think are breaking the law, which is another strategy they routinely use to catch people who are breaking the law.

Can the Police Arrest You?

If police investigators suspect you may have committed a crime through social media, they can arrest you. Even though Colorado has decriminalized many drugs, you can still get into legal trouble if caught in possession of controlled substances. You may also face legal consequences if the police believe you intend to sell controlled substances illegally.

In the state of Colorado, it is against the law to use, sell, possess, or manufacture some controlled substances. Even small amounts of some substances decriminalized can still result in misdemeanor charges against you that can send you to jail. It is essential to realize that some controlled substances are still illegal. If caught with substances such as LSD, heroin, or peyote, even over-the-counter cough syrups in large quantities, or some prescription medication, then you can face legal consequences.

These consequences can send you to jail for anywhere between six months and 32 years, making you responsible for fines ranging from $1,000 to well over $1 million.

The bottom line is this: If you have social media, watch what you post. Posts you think are innocent may not be in the eyes of the government, and you could end up on the receiving end of drug crimes charges.

If you or someone you love is facing drug crimes because of social media posts, or social media posts have made the case against them worse, then you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the court process. An experienced attorney can help you to understand the charges and evidence against you as well as understand what your rights are in the situation.

About the Author:

Andrew Bryant is a well-respected Colorado Springs criminal attorney who has been practicing in the area for years. A Colorado native, he returned to the home he loves after graduating from the University of Kentucky College of Law. An experienced attorney, Andrew uses the knowledge he gained as an El Paso County District Attorney to fight tirelessly for his client’s rights. He is AV-Preeminent rated, has been recognized for his work by The National Trial Lawyers, and has been named to Best of the Springs lists by The Gazette for years.