In Arizona, fentanyl is classified as a narcotic drug. Those found in possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute can be arrested and face felony penalties. If you’ve been arrested for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, seek legal help right away. Partner with a fentanyl possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tempe to review your legal options.
Suzuki Law Offices gives you access to former prosecutors who know the ins and outs of Arizona’s criminal justice system. Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience and will do whatever we can to help you avoid a conviction. To learn more, consult with a drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tempe from our team.
Why It Pays to Have a Lawyer on Your Side if You’ve Been Arrested for Fentanyl Possession with Intent to Distribute
Do nothing after you get arrested for fentanyl possession with intent to distribute, and you will face criminal penalties that stay with you for years. On the other hand, working with a fentanyl possession with intent to distribute attorney in Tempe puts you in a better position to protect your freedom.
Your Tempe federal drug crimes lawyer will commit substantial time, energy, and resources to your case. Initially, they may investigate your arrest.
Your lawyer can talk with witnesses who saw you get arrested and review the prosecution’s evidence. Next, they may prepare your legal strategy. On top of that, they may pursue plea deal negotiations on your behalf.
Suzuki Law Offices makes it easy to connect with a Tempe federal crimes lawyer who cares about you and your case. Your criminal defense attorney will communicate and collaborate with you throughout your case proceedings. They can help you make informed legal decisions at each stage. For more information, schedule a case consultation with us.
How a Fentanyl Possession with Intent to Distribute Conviction Can Disrupt Your Life
Outside of the criminal penalties that come with getting convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute, consider the collateral consequences. Your Tempe fentanyl possession with intent to distribute lawyer can teach you about these consequences and how they can make it tough to enjoy your life.
The collateral consequences you may face include:
- Damages Job Prospects: Your felony conviction can appear on a background check, hurting your chances of landing your dream job and achieving your career goals.
- Loss of an Occupational License: Your conviction can make it difficult to work in healthcare, education, and industries where professional licenses are needed.
- Loss of Civil Rights: Your conviction can keep you from voting, holding public office, possessing a firearm, and maintaining other civil rights you had previously.
- Social Stigma: Family and friends may view and treat you differently due to your conviction, and some may choose to end their relationships with you.
Your Tempe criminal defense lawyer can describe the short- and long-term ramifications of your drug crime conviction. Meanwhile, they can offer solutions to your legal problems. In your case, they may develop a custom legal defense to fight back against the prosecution.
How You Will Be Punished if You Receive a Fentanyl Possession with Intent to Distribute Conviction in Tempe
Those convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute can be punished in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 13-3408. As a class 2 felony, the penalties for this crime can include prison time, fines, and probation.
In terms of prison time, the length of a sentence is predicated on several factors. The court will account for whether you have been convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute in the past as it decides your punishment. Also, if you are convicted of having 9 grams or more in your possession, you face a mandatory prison sentence.
The fines for a conviction of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute can total up to $150,000. Meanwhile, there are times when first offenders under the threshold amount of 9 grams may be eligible for probation. Typically, probation can require mandatory drug treatment.
Possible Legal Defenses for Your Possession with Intent to Distribute Case
The prosecution may believe they have a strong case. Regardless, you have the right to a fair trial. Your drug crimes attorney wants you to exercise this right.
They can help you do so by preparing a legal defense that may resonate in court. Some of the legal strategies that your lawyer may use include:
Unaware of Fentanyl in Your Presence
Police officers may arrest you after they find fentanyl in your car or home. Yet, if other people have recently been in your car or home, the fentanyl that was found may have belonged to them, not you. If this is the case, your lawyer can argue that you didn’t know about the fentanyl in your presence.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The police conduct a search and seizure of your property. However, this was done without a warrant. Your lawyer can show the court that you were subjected to an unlawful search and seizure.
This could lead the court to suppress evidence that the police gathered during their search and seizure, hurting the prosecution’s case.
Entrapment
You may be the victim of entrapment if the police pressure you into committing a crime against your will. Speak with criminal defense lawyers if you believe this may be the case based on the circumstances of your arrest.
If warranted, your attorney can explain to the court how the police entrapped you and that you wouldn’t have engaged in criminal activity otherwise.
If the prosecutor in your case has concerns about whether the court will convict you, they may be inclined to negotiate a plea deal with your lawyer.
With a plea agreement, you could be convicted of simple drug possession instead of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute. At this point, you may receive less severe penalties than you initially faced.
Trust an Arizona Law Firm That’s Proven, Dedicated, and Reliable
The team at Suzuki Law Offices will attack your drug crime case from every angle. With us, you can receive exceptional legal service from a Tempe fentanyl possession with intent to distribute attorney who genuinely cares about you and your case. Discuss your case with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form