If you are facing intent to distribute meth charges, you are in a very serious situation. State and federal authorities come down hard on those they believe are committing severe drug crimes. You’re looking at a class 2 felony and, if convicted, you could see over a decade in prison.
It might seem like a hopeless situation when prosecutors are trying to put you behind bars, even though they may not have the full story. Our East Valley Phoenix possession with intent to distribute meth lawyers will help you stand up for your rights and seek the best potential outcome.
Our team at Suzuki Law Offices has decades of combined legal experience, and our founding attorney, R.J. Suzuki, is a former federal prosecutor. Call for your free consultation and find out how our East Valley Phoenix drug possession with intent to distribute lawyers can help.
Possession of Meth and Intent to Distribute in Arizona
Possession of methamphetamine in Arizona occurs when you knowingly have meth on your person or property, including in your vehicle. Intent to distribute goes beyond possession and requires proof that you planned to sell, transport, or deliver the drugs. The court considers:
- The quantity of meth in your possession
- Packing materials or scales in your possession
- The presence of large amounts of cash
- Communications suggesting sales.
Law enforcement often looks for these indicators to distinguish personal use from intent to distribute. Our East Valley Phoenix federal drug crimes lawyers will review the specifics of your case and look for possible defense strategies.
How Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
Don’t try to take on the government on your own when you are accused of such serious charges. Get the legal help you need. Some of the ways our East Valley Phoenix federal crimes lawyers can help with your case include:
- Protect your civil rights and make sure you are treated fairly and lawfully.
- Review evidence and challenge anything obtained illegally.
- Push for the exclusion of weak evidence.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or a plea deal.
- Represent you in court and contest the case brought by the prosecution.
- Argue for lesser or alternative sentencing.
Potential Defenses for Intent to Distribute Meth
It’s important to understand that no sale needs to occur for you to be charged with intent to distribute meth. Prosecutors must simply show you planned to sell or participate in an action that leads to the sale.
Our goal is to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s claim that you intended to distribute meth. Examples of common strategies that our East Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers may consider include:
- Argue that the meth was not yours by showing others had access to the location or items.
- Show that the meth was for personal usage based on quantity and lack of sales evidence.
- Push to exclude evidence if procedures violated your constitutional or legal rules.
- Challenge witnesses’ reliability or motives to lie, including informants, co-defendants, or law enforcement testimony.
Penalties for Intent to Distribute Meth
Penalties for intent to distribute methamphetamine in Arizona are severe, even if it is your first offense. They vary based on the drug quantity, prior convictions, and aggravating circumstances.
Under A.R.S. § 13-3407, possessing or distributing 9 grams or more of meth is a Class 2 felony, punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison per count and fines up to $150,000. Smaller amounts may result in Class 3 or Class 4 felonies with lesser prison terms and substantial fines.
Our East Valley Phoenix possession with intent to distribute meth attorneys can help you understand your charges and potential consequences.
Federal Charges for Intent to Distribute Meth
Federal charges may increase your penalties if you are accused of meth trafficking that crosses state lines, involves large quantities, or violates federal drug statutes. Federal drug trafficking charges can follow an Arizona arrest, and you can be charged separately.
Jurisdiction often depends on where the crime occurred and whether interstate commerce or federal property is implicated. Our possession with intent to distribute meth lawyers in East Valley Phoenix can help when you are facing state charges, federal charges, or both.
Get Help From Our East Valley Phoenix Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth Lawyers
When you are arrested for possession of meth, you’ll face serious legal issues. When your charge includes intent to distribute, your situation becomes more serious. Punishments are more severe, and often include mandatory prison time, even when it is your first offense.
When it seems like prosecutors have already decided you’re guilty without even hearing your story, it’s easy to forget that you have rights. Our East Valley Phoenix possession with intent to distribute meth attorneys are here to stand up for you and make sure you’re treated fairly.
When you are looking at drug charges and serious time behind bars, you need Suzuki. Our team at Suzuki Law Offices includes former investigators and law enforcement officers. Call today for your free case evaluation and tell us about your intent to distribute charges.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form