Police arrested a Colorado man on a warrant from a previous case earlier this week, and he has now been charged with several drug offenses. The 22- year-old Aspen man was allegedly carrying cocaine and ecstasy, which police say appeared to be packaged for sale.

After their initial search of his person, the police searched his car and home. Police claim they found a total of 1.5 ounces of cocaine, 130 grams of ecstasy, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and a small amount of other drugs. Lab tests that will definitively identify the substances are pending. Police also say they found about $9,000 in cash.

The man was charged with possession and distribution of controlled substances, tampering with evidence and general criminal contempt. His bail was set at $67,000.

Drug laws are changing quickly in Colorado, not only for marijuana possession, but also for the penalties imposed for other types of drugs. Current penalties for drug offenses often result in felony charges, which carry extended jail time and large fines.

However, some lawmakers are pushing for reform that would allow offenders found with smaller amounts of drugs to attend a drug treatment program instead of jail. These reforms are still pending and may not become law. It's important to have an experienced attorney who knows the law and will protect your rights if you are a suspect in a drug crime or have been charged. An effective advocate may be able to help mitigate penalties and can give you all of the information you need to make the prudent decisions.

Source: Denver Post, "Aspen Police Charge Man with Possession of Multiple Drugs," Feb. 6, 2012.