Are you currently facing charges for drug possession? If so, you need an experienced West Valley Phoenix drug possession lawyer. Arizona has some of the strictest laws in the nation concerning illegal drugs, and convictions can carry consequences that last a lifetime.
Suzuki Law Offices has been protecting the rights of the accused in West Valley Phoenix for over 15 years. Drug possession charges require an aggressive defense, and we are more than equipped for the task of protecting your rights.
Contact our offices online to speak to a West Valley Phoenix drug crimes lawyer. Your freedoms may be at stake, so don’t delay.
Why Hire Us
Arizona punishes drug possession harshly, and offenders can face mandatory minimums if convicted of serious drug crimes. You need an experienced and tenacious West Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyer to provide competent legal representation.
As a firm, Suzuki Law Offices is in a strong position to defend those accused of drug crimes. Founding attorney Richard Suzuki formerly worked as a prosecutor for Maricopa County, and several team members have experience in law enforcement investigations. We understand how to approach drug crimes and structure defense arguments to effectively counter the prosecution’s narrative.
Most importantly, we have the tenacity and dedication necessary to defend our clients. We take our commitment to justice seriously and will use every available resource to secure the most favorable possible outcome.
Drug Possession Laws and Penalties in West Valley Phoenix
Arizona’s drug possession laws are mostly contained in ARS 13-3407, which lays out penalties for drug possession, use, and transportation of dangerous or narcotic drugs. Drugs under these classifications in Arizona include most types of common, recreational drugs, such as:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- LSD
- MDMA
- Ketamine
- Methamphetamine
- Peyote
Note that some types of dangerous drugs (e.g., opioids) are legal to possess if you have a valid medical prescription.
There are three types of possession charges, each of which carries a different criminal penalty:
Possession or Use of a Dangerous Drug
It is illegal for an individual in Arizona to knowingly possess any quantity of dangerous drugs. Possession in this case can mean actual possession or constructive possession. Actual possession would be having the drug directly on your person. Constructive possession would be having the drug in your immediate control (e.g., lying on the seat in your car).
Possessing a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony, which can carry a prison sentence of up to 3.75 years plus civil fines that can range in the thousands of dollars. If the offender doesn’t have prior felony convictions and didn’t have LSD or methamphetamine, the charge can be lowered to a class 1 misdemeanor instead.
Possession of a Dangerous Drug for Sale
If you possess over a certain amount of drugs, Arizona law assumes intent to sell. For instance, being arrested with over nine grams of cocaine can trigger an automatic possession with intent to sell charge. Possession with the intent to sell is a class 2 felony that can carry a maximum penalty of 12.5 years for aggravated offenses.
You don’t have to possess more than the threshold amount to be charged with possession with intent to sell. The police can look for other evidence to establish intent to sell—e.g., communications confirming a sale, eyewitness testimony, possession of weighing scales, etc.
Possession of Equipment to Manufacture Dangerous Drugs
Arizona also has laws against possessing equipment or chemicals to manufacture dangerous drugs. This could include chemistry equipment for preparing mixtures or precursor chemicals, like pseudoepinephrine.
Possessing materials for drug manufacturing is generally a class 3 felony, which can carry up to 8.75 years in prison. If the materials are for manufacturing methamphetamine, the crime is a class 2 felony instead. A drug crime can become a federal offense if it involves manufacturing.
Common Defenses to Drug Possession Charges in West Valley Phoenix
A West Valley Phoenix drug possession lawyer can use several general strategies to defend against charges or mitigate the severity of criminal penalties:
- Lack of intent. Drug possession charges require the prosecution to prove you knowingly had the drugs and intended to possess them. For instance, you may not have known that there were drugs in a shared household space.
- Illegal search and seizure. The police must have probable cause or a warrant to search your home or vehicle. If the police illegally searched you and seized your property, your attorney could suppress the evidence in court, even incriminating evidence.
- Valid possession. Some types of drugs commonly used recreationally are legal to possess if you have a valid prescription. For example, painkillers are legal to possess if you have a prescription in your name from a doctor.
Contact a Drug Possession Lawyer in West Valley Phoenix
Drug possession charges might not seem like a big deal, but the consequences can rob you of your freedoms and privileges. The team at Suzuki Law Offices can provide the legal and moral support necessary to face the charges and preserve your freedoms to the maximum extent.
Send us a message online or call by phone today to schedule a case consultation with a drug possession lawyer in West Valley Phoenix.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form