Cocaine charges can be overwhelming for many individuals. They may wonder what it means for their future and what steps they need to take to navigate the legal system.
If you are in this position, the most important decision you can make is to hire a cocaine possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Peoria to represent you and guide you through the process.
Suzuki Law Offices founder Richard Suzuki has prior experience as a federal prosecutor, and he applies his skills and knowledge of prosecutorial strategies to creating strong defenses for clients.
This means that your defense will anticipate the opposition’s arguments and undermine or refute them with greater efficiency. Your Peoria possession with intent to distribute lawyer will be a strong advocate in your case.
A Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Attorney in Peoria Works to Improve the Outcome of Your Case
Drug crime charges can be overwhelming and daunting, and securing a better outcome requires the aid of a skilled lawyer. Efforts to defend yourself can hurt the outcome of your case and be turned against you. A lawyer knows how to communicate with law enforcement and prosecutors in a way that protects your rights and can improve the outlook of your case.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our Peoria federal drug crimes lawyers provide unwavering support as we defend and advocate for you. We are ready to act and provide you with strong representation throughout the entirety of your case. When you have been taken into custody, we walk you through what to expect after day one of being arrested in Arizona and what to expect as your case moves forward.
Based on the charges against you, evidence, and other circumstances, we counsel you on how to plead in your case. We also weigh your options to determine if a plea bargain or trial may be more beneficial for your situation.
Our Peoria federal crimes lawyers work diligently to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or acquitted so the impact on your reputation, future, and relationships is minimized as much as possible.
The Importance of a Solid Defense Strategy
A Peoria cocaine possession with intent to distribute lawyer will defend you from cocaine charges so you can avoid as many penalties or collateral consequences as possible. They will also make sure that you receive a fair hearing and that none of your rights are infringed upon.
Your Peoria criminal defense lawyer will take great care in reviewing the case and developing a solid defense. Some common defenses may include:
- Lack of possession of cocaine
- Lack of knowledge about the presence of cocaine
- Lack of intent to distribute cocaine in any of its forms
- Entrapment
- Evidence obtained illegally
- Search and seizure without a warrant
- Mishandled evidence or procedures
- Violations of your constitutional rights or Miranda rights
The exact defense used will depend on your circumstances and the evidence available. Your lawyer will walk you through what you can use as evidence in your criminal defense case, so your defense is as strong as possible.
Documents, surveillance, visual aids, witness testimonies, and physical evidence are just a few forms of evidence you can use in support of your defense.
Cocaine Use is Elevated Throughout Arizona
The use of cocaine is highly prevalent throughout Arizona. In fact, data on the highest drug use by city shows that 23.3% of the population in nearby Phoenix uses cocaine.
Other cities throughout Arizona also face similar problems and are the focus of ongoing law enforcement efforts to get the drug off the street and apprehend offenders. This means that possession and intention to distribute are heavily targeted.
Considered a powerful stimulant, cocaine is addictive and has a powerful effect on the body and brain. The drug can come in several forms and be used in several ways, and all illegal forms of the drug can result in serious penalties if arrested and convicted. These drugs can cause serious harm to the public, which is why Arizona takes a strong stance against them.
When it comes to an intent to distribute, law enforcement will look for indicators such as paraphernalia and drug quantity to demonstrate intention.
For example, if an individual possesses a minimum of 9 grams of cocaine (A.R.S. 13-3401), then it can be inferred that the drug is or will be distributed to others. Additionally, meeting this threshold means mandatory minimum prison terms if convicted.
Cocaine Possession With Intent to Distribute Penalties are Significant in Arizona
If you are convicted of cocaine possession with intent to distribute, you could be looking at a class 2 or class 3 felony. This means that you will likely be required to serve a prison sentence as part of your punishment. This is especially true if you met or exceeded the drug threshold for cocaine.
According to A.R.S. 13-702, offenders could be subject to a prison sentence ranging from two years to 12 and a half years for a first-time offense.
The length of your sentence could be increased if you had prior felony convictions on your record or if there were aggravating circumstances involved in your case. Conversely, mitigating factors could also help reduce the duration of your prison sentence if convicted.
Your lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf to get a reduced sentence in your case. They will present arguments during your case and sentencing hearing that will lead to a better outcome.
They may be able to secure probation or a diversion program in conjunction with incarceration to help reduce time spent in prison.
Suzuki Law Offices Fiercely Defends You Against Cocaine Charges
With so much on the line, Suzuki Law Offices works diligently to defend you against cocaine charges. You are innocent until proven guilty, and we protect your right to a defense and fair trial so you have the opportunity to have your say.
A Peoria cocaine possession with intent to distribute attorney is ready to talk with you when you schedule a free consultation with our team. Reach out to us today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form