A drug crime charge in Arizona can cost you years of your freedom. The state takes a strict stance on these crimes, given the significant impact of drugs throughout Arizona. If you have been arrested on cocaine charges, then a cocaine possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Goodyear can represent you and help you secure reduced or dismissed charges and punishments in your case.
Led by Richard Suzuki, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Suzuki Law Offices provides clients with a unique edge in their case. A Goodyear possession with intent to distribute lawyer uses this knowledge to build a more effective defense strategy. Paired with our extensive experience, we can secure a more favorable outcome in your case.
Why You Should Hire a Goodyear Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Attorney from Suzuki Law Offices to Represent You
Suzuki Law Offices has extensive knowledge of Goodyear’s legal system and the state’s stance on drug crimes. This means that when you hire our Goodyear federal drug crimes lawyers, you get a team that has navigated many situations and knows how to effectively fight cocaine possession with intent to distribute charges. We also provide you with the support and counsel that you need when weighty penalties threaten your future.
While our Goodyear federal crimes lawyers take the swift action that is necessary for your case, we also take the time to gain a thorough understanding of your circumstances so we can tailor your defense strategy. A well-honed defense can better target and combat the prosecution’s case against you and secure a better outcome. Since our team has worked as prosecutors or in law enforcement, we put ourselves in their shoes so we can anticipate their arguments and leverage any weakness that may be present.
Your Goodyear criminal defense lawyer works diligently throughout your case to help you get a better outcome. Plea bargains, mitigating factors, and strong defense strategies can all be effective tools for winning your case. We also help you minimize the impact of collateral consequences as much as possible so you can face less stigma and difficulty securing jobs, housing, and education in the future.
Arizona Punishes Cocaine Crimes Harshly
Cocaine and any related paraphernalia seized during an arrest can contribute to hefty punishments if convicted. Narcotic drugs, as defined in A.R.S. § 13-3408, are felony offenses and may be charged as a Class 2 or Class 3 crime. The former may face 36-150 months in prison, and the latter could range from 24-105 months in prison, according to the sentencing guidelines outlined in A.R.S. 13-702.
The amount of cocaine an individual has in their possession when they are arrested can also make a difference in the type of sentence they could be issued. According to A.R.S. 13-3401, 9 grams of cocaine is the threshold at which law enforcement infers that the drug is being distributed. The exact amount found can either increase or decrease the potential punishments in a case.
Offenders may also be required to pay a fine of $2,000 or more, or three times the value of the cocaine. Depending on the nature of the offense, some alternative options such as diversion programs or counseling may be used in place of incarceration. However, it is important to be aware that individuals with prior convictions will likely face higher fines and sentence terms.
A Skilled Lawyer Can Defend You Against Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Charges
According to your Sixth Amendment rights, you have the right to defend yourself with the help of a lawyer before a jury. The purpose of a defense is to provide evidence that supports your side of events and gives you the due diligence you deserve. It also gives you the opportunity to refute the prosecution’s arguments. A Goodyear cocaine possession with intent to distribute lawyer will help craft your defense.
Intent to distribute is the crux of this type of charge, which means showing that you did not intend to distribute cocaine can be used as a defense and help lower the charges against you. Lack of possession or knowledge of possession may also be a potential defense that a lawyer may use in your case. Whichever defense they use, though, they will tailor it to your unique situation.
Other defenses your lawyer may use may center on how evidence was obtained and handled, and whether due process or your rights were violated. For example, if law enforcement gained evidence through an illegal search or seizure or used entrapment to arrest you, then these actions can be used in your defense. They may also be used to get evidence or have your charges dismissed in some circumstances.
Individuals Can Face Collateral Consequences for Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Crimes
Whether or not you are convicted of cocaine possession with intent to distribute, there is often a stigma that comes with being charged with a drug crime and having to go to court. Even if you were falsely accused, the charges can ruin your reputation. On the other hand, if you were convicted and served time, it can make it harder to move forward when you are released.
Collateral consequences refer to the many ways criminal charges and/or a conviction can affect your life. For example, if you have been convicted of a crime, it may be hard to secure employment, housing, financing, education, and more. An individual’s criminal record is often evaluated when making these decisions, and could be the reason why these actions may be rejected.
Additionally, cocaine charges can put an enormous strain on relationships. Loss of trust and social stigma can make it difficult to retain or recover these connections. They can even impact a parent’s custody or visitation rights. Because of these and the many other unexpected consequences of criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced lawyer who knows how to reduce your charges and these effects.
Suzuki Law Offices Provides Trusted Counsel and Gets Results
Suzuki Law Offices provides trusted counsel when you’ve been arrested and charged with a drug crime. With your freedom at stake, a cocaine possession with intent to distribute attorney in Goodyear will defend you and challenge the evidence against you to reduce the impact on your life.
To protect your rights and discuss your options, schedule a free consultation to meet the Suzuki Law Offices legal team.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form