In recent years, Arizona has increased its targeted approach to reduce drug-related deaths and crack down on drug crimes. If you’ve been charged with one of these types of crimes, it’s essential to hire a skilled drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in South Tucson who can help you combat the strength of the charges you’re facing.
Suzuki Law Offices has more than 25 years of legal experience helping clients during challenging moments in their lives. We fight to make sure that you receive the most favorable outcome possible. A South Tucson federal drug crimes lawyer prepares you for what to expect, provides trusted counsel, and makes the legal process less daunting.
What to Expect After Being Arrested on Drug Charges
If you’ve been arrested and charged with intent to distribute, understanding the criminal process can help prepare you for what to expect so you aren’t blindsided throughout the legal process. You should request a South Tucson federal crimes lawyer right away and wait to speak with law enforcement until your lawyer is present, so you don’t hurt the outcome of your case.
Your lawyer will assess the charges against you and communicate with law enforcement about your situation. They will provide you with legal guidance and will negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. This may also include a plea bargain, depending on your situation. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your defense in court and fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Depending on your situation, if you plead guilty or are convicted at the end of a trial, then a judge will determine a sentence based on the details of the case, mitigating or aggravating factors, and any other relevant information that could impact the outcome of your case. If you are convicted, your South Tucson criminal defense lawyer will fight to minimize your potential sentence so you retain as much of your freedom as possible.
Drug Crimes are a Serious Issue and Can Have Serious Consequences
According to data provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons on inmate offenses, drug crimes represent the majority of offenses for which individuals are imprisoned. The most recent data shows that 61,472 individuals were sentenced for drug offenses, making up 42.8% of inmates. These numbers show how common these offenses are in the U.S. and the attempt to curb these crimes.
When it comes to drug possession with intent to distribute offenses, the amount of the drug is evaluated to determine if it indicates personal use or distribution. This is known as the threshold, and A.R.S. § 13-3401 outlines how much of each drug must be found before law enforcement considers the drug being used for distribution. Punishments result in mandatory minimum prison sentences.
An intent to distribute is often punished more harshly than possession, making it a more serious offense. The reason behind this is that drug distribution puts more people at risk of harm and criminal activity. Because of the gravity of the charges, an experienced and skilled lawyer should handle your case for you so you can receive a more favorable outlook in your case.
Potential Penalties for Possession With Intent to Distribute Charges in Arizona
In Arizona, a drug possession with intent to distribute offense is classified as a Class 2 or a Class 3 felony, depending on the severity of the offense. According to A.R.S. 13-702, an average sentence for a Class 2 felony can range between three years and 12 years and six months, while a Class 3 felony offense can range from two years to eight years and nine months for a first-time offense. Fines may also be administered.
These prison sentences are general guidelines, as judges may decrease or increase sentences at their discretion based on the details of the case. Additionally, drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine generally receive more significant prison time. An individual’s criminal history can also play a role in the specific penalties that a judge may impose.
A South Tucson drug possession with intent to distribute attorney will work diligently to reduce the potential penalties you could be facing. With the help of representation, a criminal defense lawyer can negotiate a plea deal for you. While this means you may have to plead guilty, it is generally to a lesser charge and can mean reduced penalties and a faster resolution in your case.
Common Defenses a Drug Possession With Intent to Distribute Attorney in South Tucson May Use in Your Case
Drug possession with intent to distribute charges are serious and warrant a strong and solid defense. Arizona doesn’t take these offenses lightly, so it’s imperative that you have an experienced lawyer by your side to fight for you. They will select and tailor your defense based on your specific circumstances and the prosecution’s case against you.
Primarily, your lawyer will work to show that you didn’t have knowledge that drugs were in your possession, and/or that you didn’t intend to distribute them to others. Knowledge and intent are often at the heart of these types of cases, and your lawyer will leverage the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to refute these claims so you can receive a better outcome.
Additionally, your lawyer will examine how your case has been handled by the police and prosecutors. Your lawyer will fiercely defend you from infringements on your rights. Entrapment, mishandled evidence, illegal searches and seizures, and more can be used as a defense if they affect your case. Your lawyer can file motions to suppress or dismiss evidence, or even to drop the charges against you.
Hire an Experienced Legal Team Today to Defend You
Suzuki Law Offices helps you fight back and defend yourself when you’re being charged with possession with intent to distribute. We provide you with experienced service and aggressive strategies that get results.
We have many relationships throughout the legal community that we utilize when defending you. Contact a South Tucson drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer for a free consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form