A drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Benson is ready to take swift action if you have been arrested and are facing legal penalties. They will protect your rights and the outcome of your case. Your lawyer will also take proactive steps to resolve your case as quickly as possible and minimize the collateral damage to your life. You can also expect to receive support during this uncertain time.
Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7 to respond to your requests and changes in your case. We’re your voice in action at every stage of your case, so you can be confident that nothing you say will be used against you. A Benson federal drug crimes lawyer makes sure that all processes and protocols are handled properly so you receive the due diligence you are legally owed after an arrest.
Consult a Lawyer for What to Do After You’ve Been Arrested on Drug Charges in Benson, Arizona
While getting arrested is intimidating, getting arrested for drug charges can feel even more overwhelming. Since the state cracks down heavily on these offenses, it’s important to have a legal advocate on your side so you don’t endanger your future. As such, you should avoid talking to the police after an arrest and hire a lawyer right away to speak to law enforcement and prosecutors for you.
When you retain a Benson federal crimes lawyer, they will not only represent you, but they will also prepare you for what to expect after day one of being arrested in Arizona. Since drug possession with intent to distribute is a felony offense, you will likely remain in custody until your arraignment hearing, where you will enter your plea before the judge. You may also be required to post bail before you can be released from jail.
How your case progresses will depend on the plea you entered. If you plead guilty, you will receive your sentence either immediately or at a future hearing. Conversely, if you plead not guilty, then your case will proceed to trial. This process involves both parties submitting and reviewing discovery, filing pre-trial motions, negotiating, and a court trial before a judge and jury.
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Get StartedCommon Defenses a Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute Attorney in Benson May Use to Resolve Your Case
A strong defense can go a long way in refuting the charges against you. Your lawyer will carefully review and evaluate all of the evidence and arguments against you as they determine what defense to use in your case. They will also gather evidence to support your defense and provide rebuttals to the prosecution’s case. Some common defenses that may be used in your case may include:
- Lack of knowledge, possession, and/or intent
- Entrapment
- Evidence gained through an illegal search and seizure
- Mishandled evidence
- Protocol or rights violations
In addition to building your defense, a Benson criminal defense lawyer can challenge opposing evidence. They can do this by challenging the chain of custody, demanding that evidence be properly authenticated, objecting to arguments based on hearsay or irrelevance, and protecting you from violations of your constitutional rights. Your lawyer advocates for you no matter what obstacles arise during your case.
Benson Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer Near Me (602) 682-5270
How Intent to Distribute Can Impact the Severity of Your Charges
An intention to distribute drugs amplifies possession charges because it puts the public at risk. Drugs do not actually have to be sold for prosecutors to claim that the intention was there. They will often look for drug paraphernalia (21 USC § 863) such as various types of pipes, bongs, papers, miniature spoons, and other drug-related items.
Law enforcement and prosecutors also use drug quantity to indicate that a drug wasn’t solely intended for personal use. According to A.R.S. 13-3401, some drugs have certain thresholds that show an elevated amount and receive mandatory minimum sentencing. For example, the threshold for cocaine, meth, amphetamine, and fentanyl is 9 grams, heroin is 1 gram, PCP is 4 grams, and marijuana is 2 pounds.
It’s important to consult a Benson drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer to help navigate intent to distribute charges. Even if you were charged with a quantity that falls below the drug threshold, the consequences can still be very serious and include prison time. Your lawyer will fight to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or secure a full acquittal.
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Understanding Arizona’s Penalties for Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute
Penalties for drug possession with intent to distribute charges are serious, regardless of what type of drug you were arrested for. While the type of drug still makes a difference, Arizona actively targets all illegal drug activity. These crimes are categorized and punished as either Class 2 or Class 3 felonies. This means that punishments are weightier than they would be for a misdemeanor charge.
According to A.R.S. 13-702, prison sentences for these types of felony charges can range from two years to 12 and a half years, depending on the severity of the offense, quantity and type of drug, and aggravating and mitigating circumstances. It’s important to be aware that these ranges are only for first-time offenders. Individuals with prior convictions, fentanyl, or meth can expect increased sentencing.
While every case is different, some offenders may have the option of accepting a plea deal. This means that in exchange for pleading guilty, they can have their charges and sentencing reduced. First-time, non-violent offenders may also qualify for enrollment in a diversion program or probation. To determine if these options are applicable in your case, be sure to consult your lawyer.
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Entrust Suzuki Law Offices With Your Case
Suzuki Law Offices applies our extensive legal knowledge and experience to securing you the most favorable option when you are up against drug charges.
Our team works diligently to preserve your freedom and protect your rights. Entrust your case to a skilled Benson drug possession with intent to distribute attorney by contacting us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form