Have you been charged with a crime involving prescription medication? In Arizona, it is illegal to possess or distribute prescription drugs without proper authorization, and doing so can result in felony charges, though it all depends on the type and quantity of the medication.
No matter if your situation involves opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, these cases often involve both legal and medical matters that can impose serious consequences on your freedom and reputation. But you’re not alone—a Tucson drug possession defense lawyer can help.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we have decades of experience representing people in your position, and our founder, RJ Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor. If you’re looking for legal representation from a Tucson prescription drugs charges lawyer, you need Suzuki. We’re always available, and we treat our clients like you’d treat your family.
Understanding Prescription Drug Offenses in Arizona
Arizona law outlines several unlawful activities concerning prescription drugs:
- Possession or use of a prescription-only drug without a valid prescription
- Possession for sale of prescription drugs without the appropriate license
- Manufacture of prescription drugs without proper authorization
- Administration of prescription drugs to another person unlawfully
- Obtaining prescription drugs through fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- Transporting, selling, or transferring prescription drugs without authorization
- Possession or use of misbranded drugs
Engaging in any of these activities can result in criminal charges. You could be facing either a misdemeanor or a felony, but don’t lose hope. A Tucson criminal defense lawyer can let you know more about your case when you tell them about the nature and severity of your offense.
Classification of Offenses and Penalties
The penalties for prescription drug offenses vary based on the specific violation. Let’s take a look at the difference between various types of offenses:
Class 1 Misdemeanor
This includes the following offenses:
- Possessing or using a prescription-only drug without a valid prescription
- Possessing equipment and chemicals for manufacturing drugs without a license
- Administering a prescription drug to another person unlawfully
- Obtaining prescription drugs through fraudulent means
Convictions can lead to up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Class 2 Misdemeanor
This entails the possession or usage of a misbranded drug. It often carries penalties of up to four months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Class 6 Felony
This refers to the possession of prescription drugs for sale or the transportation of them for sale without proper authorization. Convictions can result in anywhere from four months to two years in prison as well as a $1,000 fine.
Class 4 Felony
Manufacturing, selling, or distributing misbranded drugs is considered a Class 4 felony. A charge like this often carries penalties of anywhere from one to just under four years in prison on top of a $1,000 fine.
Legal Defenses Against Prescription Drug Charges
Let’s take a look at examples of legal defenses your prescription drugs charges attorneys in Tucson might apply to your case when representing you as their client.
Lack of Knowledge
If the defendant was unaware that they were in possession of a prescription drug, this could serve as a defense. For instance, if someone unknowingly carries a prescription drug left behind by another person, they may not be legally responsible.
Invalid Search and Seizure
If law enforcement officers conducted an illegal search or seizure without a proper warrant or probable cause, any evidence they obtained in the process might be inadmissible in court.
Prescription Validity
Challenging the validity of the prescription—such as questioning whether or not a licensed prescriber issued it—can be a viable defense.
Entrapment
If law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed, an entrapment defense may be applicable.
Federal Implications
In certain cases, prescription drug offenses can transcend state laws and become federal matters. For example, physicians operating “pill mills”—or clinics that prescribe large quantities of controlled substances without legitimate medical purposes—can face federal charges.
These charges may include conspiracy, racketeering, and violations of federal drug laws. The outcome is often lengthy prison sentences and costly financial repercussions.
Diversion Programs and Alternative Sentencing
Arizona offers diversion programs for eligible individuals charged with prescription drug offenses. These programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment and may lead to the dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
Your eligibility for a program like this will often depend on factors such as the nature of your offense, any prior criminal history on your record, and your willingness to undergo treatment.
Reach Out to Our Prescription Drugs Charges Law Firm in Tucson for More Information Today
If you’re facing charges related to prescription drug possession or distribution, you’re likely dealing with stress, uncertainty, and fear about what comes next. But you don’t have to go through it all alone. That’s what Tucson prescription drugs charges attorneys are for.
Contact Suzuki Law Offices. Our Tucson prescription drugs charges lawyers know the stakes involved, and we are prepared to defend your rights under Arizona law. Don’t delay. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start working on your case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form