In Arizona, methamphetamine is classified as a “dangerous drug.” If you’re found in possession of meth with the intent to distribute, you can be arrested and receive severe criminal penalties. At this point, ask for help from a meth possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tempe.
Suzuki Law Offices has former prosecutors on staff who know what Arizona’s criminal justice system entails. We can connect you with a drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tempe who will provide exceptional legal service throughout your case proceedings. Talk with us about your meth possession with intent to distribute case.
Reasons to Hire a Lawyer to Help You with Your Meth Possession with Intent to Distribute Case in Tempe
Your Tempe meth attorney serves as your legal advocate, explaining Arizona’s criminal justice system and potential consequences of a conviction. They can teach you about Arizona’s criminal justice system and what can happen if you’re convicted of a drug crime. Your attorney can consider every possible legal avenue to minimize your risk of getting convicted.
Before your case goes to trial, your Tempe federal drug crimes lawyer accounts for your legal options. They can speak with people who saw you get arrested and collect evidence to support your case.
Meanwhile, your attorney can look at the prosecution’s body of evidence. From here, your lawyer can put together a legal strategy specifically for your case.
The Suzuki Law Offices team knows how emotionally taxing it is to be arrested for meth possession with intent to distribute. Allow a Tempe federal crimes lawyer from our team to guide you through your legal proceedings. We will do everything within our power to get you the case results you want. Contact us today for more information.
Factors That Can Impact the Criminal Penalties for a Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Conviction
Aggravating factors can prompt a court to levy harsh penalties and lengthy prison sentences on those convicted of meth possession with the intent to distribute.
Your Tempe criminal defense lawyer can give you information about these factors, which include:
- Where Your Crime Was Committed: You may face steep penalties if you are found to be in possession of meth with the intent to distribute at a school or other protected locations.
- Who Was Involved in Your Crime: The court may consider whether minors were involved in your criminal offense and whether you intended to distribute meth in your possession to people under 18.
- The Amount of Meth in Your Possession: If you are found in possession of a large quantity of meth, the court may be increasingly inclined to punish you to the full extent of the law.
Your criminal defense attorney can investigate your case. As part of your lawyer’s investigation, they can examine surveillance camera footage of your arrest and read reports from the police officers who arrested you.
Taking these and other measures may boost the likelihood that your lawyer can find evidence to dispute the prosecution.
What to Expect if You’re Convicted of Meth Possession with Intent to Distribute
Per Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3407, methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute may be treated as a class 2 felony. If you’re convicted of this offense, you may have to spend up to 12.5 years in jail. Those who have been convicted of this crime more than once may be subject to an extended prison sentence.
Outside of a prison sentence, you may have to pay up to $150,000 in fines if you’re convicted of meth possession with intent to distribute.
Alternatively, those convicted of this crime for the first time may have an opportunity to get probation in lieu of prison time. Your Tempe meth possession with intent to distribute lawyer can explain if this is an option in your case.
Beyond the criminal penalties that you may face, there are collateral consequences that come with a conviction for possessing meth with the intent to distribute it.
These consequences can include the loss of the right to vote, international travel restrictions, and a social stigma that can damage your relationships with family and friends.
How to Avoid a Meth Possession with Intent to Distribute Conviction
Remember, getting charged with a drug crime doesn’t automatically mean that you will be convicted. Your drug crimes attorney can provide legal tips that may serve you well for the duration of your litigation.
They may recommend that you do several things to improve your chances of having your charge lowered or dismissed, such as:
- Let Your Lawyer Handle Your Case Communications: Don’t risk saying anything on the record to the prosecution or the police about your case. Your attorney can discuss your legal matters with others on your behalf and keep you updated about their communications about your case.
- Build Your Body of Evidence: Use both direct and circumstantial evidence to make it clear in court that you don’t deserve to be punished.
- Challenge the Prosecution‘s Evidence: Examine the prosecution’s collection of evidence with your attorney. If your constitutional rights were violated when you were arrested, your lawyer can argue that evidence that the prosecution had intended to use against you should be suppressed, weakening their case.
- Have Your Lawyer Negotiate a Plea Deal:Find out if a plea deal is an option for you. Review a plea deal with your lawyer, as doing so can help you weigh the pros and cons of accepting this proposal and make an informed decision on it.
In addition to these things, share any legal concerns or questions that you have with your drug crimes lawyer, as they will address them right away. This can help you analyze the short- and long-term implications of any legal decisions you make during your case.
Get Legal Guidance and Support from Our Criminal Defense Lawyers
As you debate what to do following your drug crime arrest, the team at Suzuki Law Offices is here to help you. We can put you in touch with a Tempe meth possession with intent to distribute attorney who values client relationships.
Give us the opportunity to assist you with your case. To get started, request a case consultation with us.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form