A drug arrest is a big deal in Arizona. If convicted, you could see prison time and fines, and you’ll carry a criminal record with you for the rest of your life. The police and the prosecution might tell you it’s a hopeless situation, and there is no way to avoid punishment.
Don’t listen to them, and never try to deal with the government by yourself. You have the right to legal representation. Our West Valley Phoenix possession of dangerous drug lawyers will make sure you are treated fairly and push for the best potential resolution in your legal case.
At Suzuki Law Offices, founding attorney R.J. Suzuki is a former Assistant United States Attorney. Our team has decades of legal experience, and we’re ready to fight for you. Call for a free consultation and learn how our West Valley Phoenix drug crimes lawyers can help.
Why You Need a Possession of a Dangerous Drug Lawyer
It can feel like the world is against you when you’ve been arrested for dangerous drug charges in Arizona. The police aren’t likely to give you a break once they’ve decided you’ve broken drug laws, and prosecutors may seek to make an example of you.
You need a law firm on your side that has a strong history of providing quality legal representation. Some of the ways our West Valley Phoenix criminal defense lawyers can help include:
- Our legal team will review the actions of the arresting officers to make sure they followed the law and respected your rights.
- We will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s case and challenge any evidence obtained illegally.
- Our attorneys will negotiate for reduced charges or, if possible, a diversion program instead of sentencing.
- Our team can handle all communication with the prosecution and the court.
- We’ll build a solid defense strategy to contest your charges and potentially raise questions about the custody of the dangerous drugs.
Definition of a Dangerous Drug in Arizona
Under Arizona law, a dangerous drug is any drug that is not classified as marijuana or a narcotic drug, yet still has a potential for abuse and can pose significant health risks. Drugs that meet this definition may include:
- Methamphetamine
- LSD
- Ecstasy
- Prescription medications possessed without a valid prescription
- Certain stimulants or hallucinogens.
- MDMA
- Steroids
Whether a substance qualifies as a dangerous drug depends on statutory classifications, not street names. Proper identification and chemical testing are typically required before charges are formally filed.
Possession of a Dangerous Drug Explained
In Arizona, you can be charged with possession of a dangerous drug if you knowingly control a prohibited substance. The prosecution must show that you were aware the substance was there and that it is a dangerous drug. There are different types of possession.
- Actual possession is when you have a dangerous drug physically on your person.
- Constructive possession means you did not have the drug on you physically, but had control over it, such as when it is located in your vehicle or home.
- Joint possession arises when two or more people knowingly share control or ownership of a dangerous drug, even if only one person physically holds it.
Sharing, transporting, or holding drugs for someone else may also qualify as possession under Arizona law. Our West Valley Phoenix possession of a dangerous drug attorney can help you understand your charges.
Penalties for Possession of a Dangerous Drug
Possessing a dangerous drug under A.R.S. § 13-3407 is usually treated as a felony in Arizona. A first-time offense is often considered a Class 4 felony. The penalties can vary based on your criminal history and the details of the case.
- Probation
- Mandatory drug treatment
- Fines
- Jail or prison time
A conviction can also cost you a professional license and harm your future employment opportunities. Our possession of dangerous drug lawyers in West Valley Phoenix will work to reduce or eliminate the penalties you are facing.
Contact a West Valley Phoenix Possession of a Dangerous Drug Attorney
If you’re facing drug charges in Arizona, it’s important to consider your situation very carefully. One conviction is all it takes to ruin your life and potentially label you a felon from that day forward. It’s a harsh penalty for one mistake you likely won’t make again.
The prosecution may have made a mistake, or the police might have violated your rights and treated you unfairly. When your future is on the line, you’ll want to explore all possibilities. Our West Valley Phoenix possession of dangerous drug attorneys are on your side.
At Suzuki Law Offices, we treat our clients like you’d treat your family. Our team has advocated for the rights of Arizona residents accused of criminal actions since 2007. Call today for a free consultation and find out how we can help with your possession charges in Arizona.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form