The annual 4/20 smoke-out planned at the University of Colorado has campus officials promising Colorado drug charges for anyone caught smoking in public.

Our Colorado Springs medical marijuana attorneys know that you have a right to consume medically-prescribed marijuana, and it’s an issue many are passionate about. However, your use should be restricted to the guidelines laid forth by the state.

Absent that prescription, if you are caught with less than two ounces, it’s considered a petty offense that will result in your paying a $100 fine. Same thing if you’re caught with paraphernalia. If you display or use it in public, it’s considered a misdemeanor, for which you could be sentenced to 15 days in jail.

If you possess between 2 and 8 ounces, it’s considered a felony punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $500 fine. If you’re caught with more than 8 ounces, it’s a felony that could result in a three-year prison sentence.

The University of Colorado event has become known throughout the state as somewhat of an annual marijuana activists’ festival. However, university officials want it known that they don’t sanction the event – more so because revelers have become a nuisance than the fact that they’re using marijuana.

Even student leaders are imploring people to avoid it this year, saying it has become a stain on their reputations, affecting their viability as future job candidates.

An alternate event is being offered – a free, Wclef Jean concert – from 2 to 6 p.m. Doors will lock promptly at 4 p.m. to prevent students or other attendees from leaving to light up at 4:20 p.m. The university has approved $150,000 to fund the concert, according to The Daily Camera student newspaper.

Additionally, administrators are warning that there will be far greater enforcement this year than in years past. Police will be patrolling for marijuana law violators, and be handing out $100 tickets to anyone caught smoking. There will also be increased enforcement efforts from state troopers to nab those suspected of marijuana DUI. State regulators will also be posted at local dispensaries to ensure there are no violations related to the event. Parking enforcement efforts will also increase, and professors are being urged not to cancel classes or cut them short for student attendance.

However, if you are arrested for a marijuana-related crime in Colorado Springs, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.