A fentanyl possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Peoria is equipped to help you when you’ve been arrested on fentanyl charges. Arizona doesn’t take these offenses lightly, and a conviction could have serious ramifications for the rest of your life. While a prosecutor’s job is to establish your guilt, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can help secure a better outcome.
Suzuki Law Offices provides top-tier criminal defense services to our clients. Our passion, compassion, integrity, and experience help us get better results for our clients regardless of their circumstances. Available 24/7, a Peoria possession with intent to distribute lawyer is ready to handle your case and defend you so you can protect your future to the best extent possible.
What to Expect Immediately After an Arrest in Peoria, Arizona
If you’ve been arrested for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute, you may be unsure what to do next. The process moves quickly, and it’s imperative to secure a lawyer right away who can speak on your behalf, manage your case, and counsel you on how to move forward. Once you have been arrested and booked, you’ll be expected to appear at an arraignment hearing within 24 hours to enter your plea.
Your Peoria federal drug crimes lawyer will advise you on how to plead before the judge. If you plead “guilty,” you will be sentenced, but if you plead “not guilty,” then your case will go to trial. Regardless of how your case proceeds, your Peoria federal crimes lawyer will present your defense, evidence, safeguard your rights, and file motions regarding actions or evidence that will protect your interests in the case.
Additionally, depending on the details of your case, you could also be offered a plea deal after your arrest. If you’re wondering if you should accept a plea deal, you should discuss the pros and cons with your lawyer. While this can be ideal for securing a reduced sentence, it also means that you would plead guilty. Your Peoria criminal defense lawyer will make a recommendation based on the charges, evidence, and other factors.
Fentanyl Use in Arizona and the State’s Approach to These Offenses
Arizona categorizes drugs as dangerous or narcotics, and fentanyl is considered the latter (A.R.S. § 13-3408). The drug is a synthetic opioid that’s addictive and dangerous, which contributes to why fentanyl is driving overdose deaths. As such, Arizona takes illegal fentanyl activity seriously, especially distribution. This means that even just an intention can have serious consequences, even if the fentanyl wasn’t sold.
Furthermore, drugs like these are subject to certain thresholds. For fentanyl, the threshold is 9 grams according to A.R.S. § 13-3401. At this amount, it is assumed that the drug is already being sold or will be sold in the future. Individuals who are convicted of possessing or distributing fentanyl are penalized with a mandatory minimum prison sentence.
Intention to distribute cases can be more complex because this element can be hard to establish, especially if no drugs were actually distributed. This places a greater burden of proof on prosecutors. They may use the fentanyl threshold or drug paraphernalia as evidence against you. However, with Richard Suzuki’s history as a federal prosecutor, our team anticipates their strategies and fights them.
Penalties for Fentanyl Possession With Intent to Distribute Carry Extensive Prison Sentences
The penalties imposed for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute depend on the severity of the offense, the quantity of the drug, whether or not the drug was going to be distributed, aggravating and mitigating factors, and whether or not the offender has priors. Each of these factors can make a difference in the duration of a prison sentence and any other penalties that may be imposed.
At a minimum, an individual convicted of a Class 3 felony offense can expect to spend anywhere from 2 years to a little less than 9 years in prison (A.R.S. 13-702). For more serious offenses, a Class 2 felony can receive a sentence between 3 years and 12 and a half years. However, if an individual is convicted of having 200 grams or more of fentanyl, they could spend 5-20 years in prison without probation.
Because fentanyl is such a powerful narcotic, it’s generally punished harshly. To fight these penalties and avoid a conviction, you need to hire a Peoria fentanyl possession with intent to distribute attorney from Suzuki Law Offices. We help you determine what course of action to take and never stop fighting for you.
Peoria Fentanyl Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer Identifies and Implements Effective Defense Strategies
Fentanyl charges are very serious, and having a strong defense can significantly impact your case and your future. A criminal defense lawyer knows what strategies will be effective and will tailor them to your situation. Lawyers take into account the details of the offense and charges, the prosecution’s arguments and evidence, aggravating and mitigating factors, and more as they identify effective defenses.
Possession and intent to distribute are two critical components of this particular charge. As such, your lawyer can argue a lack of knowledge, possession, or intent to defend you against the charges. Additionally, lawyers can also use instances of protocol violations in your defense so you are not tried unfairly. This can include illegal searches and seizures, mishandled evidence, and so much more.
Entrapment can also be used as a defense. It’s important to understand what criminal entrapment is so you’re not at a legal disadvantage in your case. This situation occurs when police pressure you into committing a crime, such as distributing fentanyl, in order to arrest you. Your lawyer can defend you against these actions and the effect they can have on your case.
Suzuki Law Offices Fights Tirelessly for You
Suzuki Law Offices understands the uncertainty you may be feeling after being charged with a drug crime. We strive to provide stability throughout the process when everything feels uncertain.
A fentanyl possession with intent to distribute attorney in Peoria fights tirelessly to secure a more favorable outcome and reduce the impact on your life. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form