Charges of drug possession are serious. If law enforcement has any reason to believe you planned to sell those substances, you could face significantly higher penalties. At Suzuki Law Offices, our drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tucson works with those facing such charges to protect your rights.
If you are facing accusations or questioning, ask to speak to your lawyer. Then, call us. Our Tucson federal drug crimes defense lawyer will vehemently fight to defend your rights. Our team has decades of combined experience as defense attorneys and former prosecutors.
Why Choose Suzuki Law Offices for Drug Crimes in Tucson
When you are facing serious drug crime charges in Arizona, you need an attorney with exceptional skill and experience in this particular area of the law. Prosecutors can be aggressive, wanting to close their case fast. Hire our legal team to fight for you.
Our Tucson federal crime defense lawyers bring decades of experience to your case. Our founder, RJ Suzuki, is a former Assistant United States Attorney who worked on the prosecution side for years. We know what the prosecutor expects from your defense and which legal strategies we can use to mitigate some of your risk. Experience in cases like this is paramount to your long-term outcome.
Most importantly, our Tucson drug possession with intent to distribute attorney is your advocate. We are compassionate professionals who care about ensuring you get fair treatment as the law requires. Set up a time to speak with our Tucson criminal defense lawyer to learn how we can guide you.
Understanding the Charge of Intent to Distribute
Arizona law 13-3407 makes it illegal to possess or sell controlled substances. If you are arrested and charged with possession with intent, the court will consider the type of substance, such as if it was a dangerous drug, a narcotic, or marijuana, and the amount of the substance you have.
Even if you have an amount under the threshold, you may still be charged with intent to distribute. They look at factors such as the following to make this decision:
- Large amounts of cash on hand
- Possession of baggies or other packaging materials
- Possession of a scale
- Containers that could be used to hold substances for sale
Even if you do not have a substantial amount of the substance on hand, you could likely be charged with intent. Because of this, we strongly recommend speaking to our legal team about your rights, limitations, and defenses that may help minimize the negative outcome you could face.
Potential Penalties for Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute in Tucson
The court sees all drug crimes as serious charges, but those involving intent to sell typically are given a closer look. The key here is that the court believes you are putting others at risk to profit. That elevates the case to a Class 2 felony charge.
If this is your first offense and you are charged and convicted with intent to distribute, you could face a prison sentence ranging from one year to 12.5 years.
If the threshold was met, and this was your first offense, then your sentence ranges from three years to 12.5 years.
You may face additional consequences if you have previous felony convictions or charges. With one prior felony, you face 4 to 23 years in prison, or up to 25 years in prison if you have two felonies.
Think about the ongoing complications of a drug conviction. That could make it impossible for you to maintain some types of employment, and it may impact relationships you have or could have in the future.
There is a great deal at risk. Hiring a Tucson drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer becomes a valuable investment.
What to Do Now if You Are Facing Drug Crimes Charges
The sooner you take action to protect your rights, the better. With the guidance of our legal team, we will help you build a strong defense strategy. However, there are several steps we encourage you to take right now:
- Do not speak to the police about what is occurring or what they believe. Instead, ask to speak to your attorney. This is not an admission of guilt, but a strategy to protect your rights.
- Contact us immediately. Note that it is important to choose an attorney with drug crimes experience in Arizona, as these are some of the strictest laws and consequences you could face.
- Provide us with information and proof. If you have any information about what occurred or any type of proof that could back your defense, let us know about it. You are fully protected under the attorney-client privilege, and we are here to represent you.
Talk to our team about what happened openly and honestly. Let us then work closely with you to build a defense that may be applicable in your case.
Our goal is always to get charges dropped, prove your innocence, or, when impossible, get charges reduced and penalties limited. Expect us to work hard to build your case.
We Investigate Every Detail of Your Case
Even if there is substantial evidence against you, there is value in hiring a skilled legal team. When you hire our lawyers, you can expect us to investigate the details of your case, such as:
- Did the police have the right to search you? Did their search exceed the scope of the warrant?
- Does the amount of drugs on you truly represent an intent to sell them?
- Did the police have probable cause to even question you?
Expect us to turn over every stone possible to find mistakes and break the confidence of the prosecutor’s case. Our courtroom skills and experience should give you confidence. Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about these charges.
Set Up a Consultation with a Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute Attorney in Tucson
Suzuki Law Offices is committed to providing you with exceptional legal support at the worst times of your life.
Our experience, compassion, and persistence mean we will work tirelessly to build your case defense. Contact our drug possession with intent to distribute lawyer in Tucson now.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form