If you’ve been arrested for possessing or distributing meth in any of its forms, you could face serious penalties, including a significant amount of time in prison.
Remaining silent and hiring a meth possession with intent to distribute lawyer in South Tucson to defend you can help get your charges reduced or dismissed. They will also work to help minimize the collateral impact of such charges.
Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7 and works diligently and with integrity to support and fight for our clients when they’re faced with an uncertain future.
A South Tucson possession with intent to distribute lawyer will help you understand what to expect during your case as you navigate the legal system. They will also discuss how various factors can impact the outcome of your case.
Why You Should Hire a South Tucson Meth Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer Right Away
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you may be unsure what legal rights you have and what steps you should take next. The first and most important decision you can make is to hire a knowledgeable and skilled South Tucson federal drug crimes lawyer.
You also have the right not to talk to the police until your lawyer is present. Once your lawyer arrives, they can take over your case, safeguard your rights, and defend you.
Suzuki Law Offices makes sure that you receive the due diligence you are owed and that you have the opportunity to present a strong defense.
We know how damaging these types of charges can be for your future and relationships, and our team fiercely fights to secure a better outcome. As we leverage the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, we can negotiate a more favorable outcome.
One of the many advantages of working with our South Tucson federal crimes lawyers is that you can benefit from our team’s backgrounds as law enforcement investigators.
Additionally, founder Richard Suzuki has previous experience working as an Assistant United States Attorney. This experience allows our South Tucson criminal defense lawyers to better anticipate and refute the charges and arguments against you and preserve as much of your freedom as possible.
Arizona Cracks Down on Meth Offenses
Meth acts as a stimulant in the body and is very addictive. This drug runs rampant across Arizona and poses numerous dangers. Meth is not only dangerous on its own, but can be even more harmful when mixed with fentanyl and/or other drugs.
When looking at methamphetamine-related overdose deaths in Arizona, meth by itself caused 645 deaths, and 510 deaths were caused by meth and fentanyl combined.
Given the potent dangers of this drug, Arizona takes a very strict approach and targets possession, use, and distribution of meth. Intending to distribute meth is a more serious charge than illegally possessing the drug for personal use.
These charges are further exacerbated if an individual reaches the drug threshold for meth, which is 9 grams (A.R.S. § 13-3401).
Drug thresholds automatically qualify for mandatory minimum sentencing lengths. Possessing this quantity also generally indicates that the drug is not for personal use, which prosecutors may use to strengthen their case against you.
Even if you didn’t meet the drug threshold, you could still be subject to steep fines and a prison sentence, so it’s important to talk with a lawyer about your options.
Penalties for Arizona Meth Crimes Are Strict
Because drug trafficking and drug possession laws in Arizona are very strict, meth possession with intent to distribute is subject to harsh penalties. Arizona classifies meth as a dangerous drug (A.R.S. 13-3407) and applies increased prison terms for these offenses. The state generally considers these crimes to be Class 2 or Class 3 felonies, depending on the circumstances involved.
If you are sentenced for meth possession with intent to distribute, you could be facing anywhere from five years to 20 years in prison.
Furthermore, if the amount of meth met or exceeded the drug’s threshold, then you may be prohibited from probation, sentence suspension, or early release until the full sentence term has been served.
To avoid these penalties, it’s important to talk with a South Tucson meth possession with intent to distribute attorney right away.
Not only will they work to minimize charges, but they will also fight to negotiate a more favorable sentence if you are convicted. You can trust that your case will be in strong and capable hands and that your lawyer will aggressively fight for you.
Lawyers Evaluate Your Case to Determine Effective Defense Strategies
A lawyer works diligently to build a strong defense that will secure you a better outcome. A lawyer will evaluate the charges against you, investigate the offense, gather and review evidence, and assess what aggravating or mitigating factors (A.R.S. 13-701) may be involved. This information is vital for determining what defense strategies will be most applicable and effective.
Since intent is a key component in these types of cases, your lawyer may argue that you didn’t have any intention to sell or distribute meth.
They may also be able to argue that you didn’t have any knowledge that drugs were in your possession. Your lawyer can use these defenses to reduce your charges or try to get them dismissed.
Additionally, lawyers can use rights violations or mishandled evidence and process as defenses. If you were arrested as a result of entrapment or because police conducted an illegal search or seizure, then your lawyer can petition to get charges and/or evidence dismissed. This also applies if law enforcement, prosecutors, or juries do not follow proper protocols or handle evidence incorrectly.
Suzuki Law Offices Defends You and Your Rights
Suzuki Law Offices tailors our defense strategies so we can maximize the results in your case. We work diligently and provide sound recommendations that keep your best interests in mind throughout your entire case.
To talk with a meth possession with intent to distribute attorney in South Tucson about your legal rights, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form