A meth charge can damage your future, your relationships, and threaten your freedom. Even if you did not commit the alleged offense, you will still need a meth possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Gilbert to represent you and guide you through the legal system. They will provide recommendations and strategies based on the situations you find yourself in.
Richard Suzuki previously served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney, and he brings that knowledge and experience to your case to enhance its effectiveness. Suzuki Law Offices works diligently to investigate the details of your charges, advise you on how to move forward, and negotiate a better outcome. A possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Gilbert will uphold your rights throughout your case.
Your Legal Rights When Charged With Meth Possession With Intent to Distribute
When you have been charged with meth possession with intent to distribute, it can feel like you are out of options. These charges can also feel overwhelming. However, you have several rights available to you, which ensure that you receive due diligence and are treated fairly. Some of these rights include:
- Miranda Rights: Often recited by law enforcement when you are taken into custody, this gives you the right to remain quiet and hire a Gilbert federal drug crimes lawyer who can represent you. They will speak on your behalf so you don’t say anything that will be used against you.
- Fourth Amendment rights: This provision in the Constitution protects you from searches and seizures conducted without just cause or a warrant.
- Sixth Amendment rights: This constitutional amendment gives you the right to hear the charges against you and defend yourself through an efficient trial.
- Fourteenth Amendment rights: This amendment ensures that you receive due process and are not deprived of your rights throughout the process.
Each one of these rights protects you from unfair treatment. In all legal proceedings, you are assumed innocent until proven guilty through the use of evidence. That is the role of the prosecution in your case, but your Gilbert federal crimes lawyer will help you understand how they can challenge opposing evidence and get you better results in your case.
A Gilbert Meth Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer Will Identify and Build a Strong Defense in Your Case
Given the extensive prison time associated with meth charges, you will want to make sure that you have a strong defense. With the help of a Gilbert criminal defense lawyer, you can refute the charges against you and undermine the prosecution’s case. Your defense should be well-suited to the details of your situation so it yields better results.
Your lawyer may choose from several potential defenses. A lack of intent to distribute meth or a lack of knowledge that it was in your possession can be strong defenses against these charges. Additionally, if any of the rights mentioned above were violated, you were arrested because of entrapment, or evidence wasn’t handled properly, then these can be used to dismiss charges or evidence.
Any mitigating factors in your case can also be used as part of your defense arguments. These elements provide context about the offense and demonstrate reasons why lesser charges should be considered. According to A.R.S. 13-701, some mitigating factors may such as age, remorse and compliance, duress, and minor involvement, can help reduce the impact of these charges on your life.
What to Expect if You’re Accused of Meth Crimes in Gilbert
Meth is a synthetic and dangerous substance that is harmful in any form. It is not only illegal to possess it, but also to intend to distribute it is considered an even more serious crime. This is because it puts other individuals at risk and is an intentional action. It also often involves individuals possessing a larger amount of the drug.
According to A.R.S. § 13-3401, any individual who possesses nine grams or more of meth is automatically subject to incarceration and mandatory minimum prison terms. Individuals charged with less than this amount may still be subject to prison sentences, but may serve less time depending on the situation. Drug paraphernalia is also often seen as an indicator that meth is intended for distribution.
If you have been arrested on these charges, you should consult a lawyer who can protect your rights, speak on your behalf, and provide an overview of criminal defense in Arizona. They will prepare you for what to expect, how to plead, and will walk you through what defense strategies will be used in your case. Your lawyer will also leverage their knowledge of local judges when building your defense.
Penalties for Meth Possession With Intent to Distribute Charges in Arizona
Crimes involving meth charges are subject to harsher punishments because it is classified as a dangerous drug in A.R.S. 13-3407. While prison sentences for most Class 2 or Class 3 felonies range anywhere from two years to 12 and a half years, meth charges can range from five years to 20 years in prison. Offenders may also have to pay fines of $1,000 or more, or three times the amount of the drug’s value.
Depending on the nature of the offense, plea bargains may be used. A plea bargain can provide a faster resolution and reduced charges in exchange for pleading guilty. If you’re offered a plea bargain, you should consult a meth possession with intent to distribute attorney in Gilbert. In some cases, a plea bargain can be beneficial, and other times, presenting your case in court may yield better results.
Regardless of whether you were falsely accused or face one of the penalties above, these types of charges have many collateral consequences. They can hurt your reputation and the relationships closest to you. If you are convicted and sentenced, you may also face challenges securing a job, housing, education, financial assistance, and more because of your criminal record.
Suzuki Law Offices Aggressively Defends You from Charges
A Gilbert meth possession with intent to distribute attorney helps you navigate the criminal defense process when you’ve been arrested on meth charges.
Suzuki Law Offices is your legal guide and defender, there to protect your rights and present a strong defense. To minimize the impact these charges have on your life, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form