A drug crime conviction comes with major consequences in Arizona. You will face fines and potentially time behind bars, not to mention the damage to your personal and professional reputation. No matter the facts, it may seem like the system has already decided you are guilty.
Prosecutors come down hard on suspected drug offenders, often to set an example. You may have been treated unfairly, and the authorities may have your story all wrong. You need legal help. Our East Valley Phoenix drug crimes lawyers will stand up for you and protect your rights.
Since 2007, Suzuki Law Offices has given a voice to those accused of criminal activity in Arizona. Our founding attorney, R.J. Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor. Call for a consultation and find out how our East Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers can help.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
It’s easy to feel alone when the full weight of the criminal justice system is coming down on you. Our East Valley Phoenix drug crimes attorneys are on your side.
Some of the things we can do to help secure the best possible outcome in your case include:
- Protect Your Rights: We’ll make sure the arresting officer followed proper procedures during your arrest and investigation, and take action if they didn’t.
- Evaluate the Evidence: We will dig into the prosecution’s case against you and work to have any questionable or improperly obtained evidence dismissed.
- Deal With the Prosecutor: When possible, we can work with the prosecution to secure reduced charges or an alternative option such as a diversion program.
- Build a Defense: If you choose to fight, our team will seek to create a strong, fact-based defense strategy to counter the prosecution’s version of events.
- Defend You In Court: Once your case goes to trial, we will cross-examine witnesses, scrutinize evidence, and present your defense to aim for an acquittal or a reduced sentence.
Even after your case is over, our attorneys may be able to help. We may be able to argue for lighter penalties, alternative sentencing, or rehabilitation programs instead of incarceration.
Types of Drug Charges in Arizona
Our team will explain your charges and help you understand the penalties you may be facing if convicted. Drug offenses in Arizona fall into several categories, depending on the nature of the alleged conduct as well as the type and amount of substance involved.
Common charges include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation
- Drug trafficking
- Prescription drug fraud
Misdemeanor offenses may result in up to six months in jail, fines, and probation, while felony convictions can lead to prison sentences ranging from several months to over a decade. In Arizona, certain threshold amounts increase penalties in drug crime cases.
Potential Defenses for Drug Crimes in Arizona
Law enforcement might make it seem like your conviction is all but certain, but police officers make mistakes like everyone else.
Our drug crimes lawyers in East Valley Phoenix may consider defenses like:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: Law enforcement obtained evidence against you without a valid warrant or probable cause.
- Lack of Intent: Distribution charges can be challenged if there is insufficient evidence that you intended to sell or distribute the drugs.
- Entrapment: The police improperly persuaded you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed.
- Chain of Custody Issues: Evidence that was not handled in accordance with legal protocols may be dismissed.
- Lack of Possession: There is insufficient proof showing the drugs were under your control.
- Lab Testing Errors: The lab misidentified the illegal substance, or the testing procedures were flawed.
- Legal Authorization: You had a valid prescription showing you could legally possess the drugs.
The exact strategy in your case will depend on the facts and the evidence against you. If your case goes to trial, our team will exhaust all realistic avenues and contest the prosecution’s case to secure a favorable verdict.
Get Help From Our East Valley Phoenix Drug Crimes Attorneys
A drug charge comes with a certain stigma, and some people will make up their minds about you before you ever enter the courtroom. While you can’t control what other people think, even when they are unfair, the justice system should never decide your fate beforehand.
You have the right to be heard, and the burden is on the prosecution to show you’ve broken the law. Our East Valley Phoenix drug crimes attorneys will protect your civil rights and make sure you are treated fairly before, during, and after your arrest. You don’t have to deal with this alone.
Our team at Suzuki Law Offices has decades of experience advocating for people charged with crimes. We will review the facts of your case and work for the best possible outcome, which could include your acquittal on all charges. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form