fbpx
Tait & Hall Logo
Request Consultation
Practice Areas

Drug Offenses

Drug Offense Lawyers in Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona has arguably tougher drug laws than most states. Should you find yourself with drug-related charges in Arizona, you will need to find an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney immediately. 

The criminal defense attorneys at Tait & Hall have handled numerous drug crimes cases in Arizona. With almost several decades of combined experience and former county prosecutors on our team, we can guard against the potential negative impact to your life, liberty, reputation, and future. 

Our Arizona criminal defense lawyers handle a wide variety of drug-related cases, including but not limited to: 

Schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer

Drug Charges in Arizona:
Guarding against serious, long-lasting consequences 

Here in Arizona, drug crimes cover a variety of criminal offenses. Drug-related cases may be charged as misdemeanor offenses or felony cases, depending on the evidence, your defense, and other aggravating or mitigating factors.  

Drug charges in Arizona can vary based on: 

  • The substance in question 
  • The amount of drugs present 
  • The perceived intent with the drugs 
  • The location of the drugs 
  • Other unique circumstances 

Further, drug-related charges in Arizona can result from a wide variety of circumstances, and virtually anyone can find themselves facing them. Drug charges may be the result of manufacturing illicit drugs, allowing a drug-using friend or family member in your car, being under the influence of a doctor-prescribed medication, and much more. 

If you’ve been charged with drug possession, drug use, or any other drug crime in Arizona, you must choose a criminal defense lawyer you can rely on. 

call now to get help from a lawyer: (480) 405-6767

What to Do if You Are Charged with a Drug-Related Offense in Arizona

When facing drug-related charges in Arizona, there are things you can do to help mitigate the potential consequences. While Arizona’s drug penalties are strict and harsh, with the right attorney you will be much more likely to have your charges reduced or even dropped. 

Here’s what you can do to help your case:

  1. Exercise your Miranda Rights
    If the police arrest you for any of the drug offenses mentioned above, the most important thing you can do is to exercise your right to remain silent, as well as your right to legal counsel. We have defended cases in courts across the state and have a considerable track record of success.

  2. Hire an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer
    With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, individuals facing drug-related charges are more likely to succeed in court. Many cases, when fought well, reach alternative settlements– such as reduced charges, less harsh sentences, etc.

Drug Offense Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our lawyers have successfully undertaken numerous drug possession cases. In some cases, alternatives to harsh sentences are available. Many drug possession cases are eligible for special sentencing under Arizona law if they are personal possession cases and do not involve methamphetamine. 

Request a consultation

Arizona Drug Laws

Below, we’ve outlined some of the major Arizona drug laws that affect our clients:

Unlike many states that have recently lessened penalties for drug charges, Arizona law still provides harsh penalties and lengthy sentences for most drug offenses. For example, Arizona drug laws consider the possession of any “usable” amounts of illegal drugs (no matter how small) a felony. 

Unlawful possession of a drug in any amount may result in drug possession charges. In the State of Arizona, drugs are classified as: 

  • Narcotics - ARS §13-3408: Narcotics include heroin, cocaine, crack, and other opiates. Charges for possession of narcotics also include many controlled painkillers without a valid doctor’s prescription. 
     
  • Dangerous Drugs - ARS §13-3407: Methamphetamine (meth), hallucinogens such as LSD, ecstasy and other substances, may all be prosecuted as possession of dangerous drugs. 
     
  • Marijuana - ARS §13-3405: While the use, possession, and transport of marijuana (under 1 ounce) has been legalized for adults under 21 in Arizona, Arizona drug laws do regulate its use. Possession and transportation over the legal limit may still result in serious criminal charges. 

You can also be charged with drug possession without possessing drugs; possession of drug paraphernalia can result in drug possession charges in Arizona under ARS §13-3415. 

 

Drug Possession and Mandatory Prison Sentences

According to Arizona drug laws, if the amount of a drug found in your possession exceeds the “threshold amount,” a conviction will result in a mandatory prison sentence. The “threshold amount” for each drug under Arizona law is as follows: 

  • 2 pounds of marijuana 
  • 9 grams of cocaine 
  • 1 gram of heroin 
  • 4 grams or 50 milliliters of PCP 
  • 9 grams of methamphetamine 
  • 9 grams of amphetamine 

Felony Charges for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

 
It is also illegal to possess drug paraphernalia, or anything used to ingest, prepare, plant or store drugs, in Arizona. Further, such charges are automatically classified as a felony.

Drug DUI (ARS §28-1381)

Driving-under-the-influence charges are not limited to alcohol-related cases. In Arizona, those suspected of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of any drug may face drug DUI charges, in addition to other possible criminal charges.

According to Arizona drug laws, Drug DUI charges may result even with a valid prescription for possession. Many prescription medications are reputed to affect the ability to drive and the state will prosecute those suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, narcotics, or prescribed medications.

Also known as distribution charges, drug trafficking charges include the transportation of drugs, sale of drugs, or conspiracy to distribute drugs. This includes marijuana and narcotics as well as the unlawful distribution of prescription medications. Trafficking charges may be filed for the sales or transport, or an offer to engage in either under ARS §13-3405, §13-3406, §13-3407, §13-3408, §13-3411.

Depending on the substance, the quantity, and other factors (such as how the suspected drugs were packaged and stored,) trafficking charges can carry various sentencing limits. Other aggravating factors, such as the inclusion of a firearm or different violent charge, can further complicate drug trafficking charges.

The penalties for a drug trafficking conviction in Arizona can be severe. If you’ve been charged with a drug trafficking offense you need to start working on your defense immediately. It will be vital for you to hire an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney to help fight for you against drug-related charges.

In Arizona, the production or intended production of any drug or regulated substance in any amount through natural or synthetic means can result in drug manufacturing charges. Drug manufacturing charges may also be filed against people suspected of packaging or labeling drugs. Possession of the necessary ingredients for producing drugs can also result in drug manufacturing charges.

Depending on the substance, the quantity, and other factors (such as how the suspected drugs were packaged and stored) trafficking charges can carry various sentencing limits. Other aggravating factors such as the inclusion of a firearm or different violent charge can further complicate drug trafficking charges. The penalties for a drug trafficking conviction in Arizona can be severe. If you’ve been charged with a drug trafficking offense you need to start working on your defense immediately.

Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyers Prepared to Fight for You in Court  

If you’re facing drug-related charged in Arizona, it’s immensely important to hire a highly-experienced Criminal Defense team. Here at Tait & Hall, your Criminal Defense attorney will be prepared to represent you with skillfulness at every stage of your case, no matter how far it goes. 

At Tait & Hall, our attorneys have finely-tuned litigation abilities that are indispensable to our clients’ success in trial. They have excellent oral argument skills and are experienced litigating in front of the toughest judges and against the most difficult criminal prosecutors in Arizona. Further, with highly-experienced former Maricopa County criminal prosecutors on our team, we hold an advantage that many criminal defense firms do not: 

We know how prosecutors think about cases and evidence, can anticipate their next moves, and know the ins and outs of their strategies. Our Arizona criminal defense and trial lawyers know how to interpret and leverage facts, circumstances, and evidence to advocate for our clients with tremendous impact. To us, it’s vital that we go into court knowing more about a case than anyone else in the courtroom— and we’re not afraid of the hard work it takes to achieve that. 

Our team’s litigation skills allow us to approach criminal allegations, charges, cases, and trials with the tools needed to make cogent arguments and effectively fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients.  

call tait & hall today to get started: (480) 405-6767

What Our Clients Say

"I am not exaggerating when I say that choosing to hire Ryan Tait as my attorney has had a greater impact in changing the course of my life for the better than any other decision I have ever made. I retained him as my attorney during the most stressful time of my entire life--I was being investigated by law enforcement for something that had the potential for life altering consequences. Law enforcement had severe and damning evidence against me and I was absolutely terrified that I was going to lose everything. Ryan got involved and was incredibly aggressive in working with law enforcement to resolve the matter. He was able to get ALL charges dropped which was something I didn't think would ever be possible. Before hiring Ryan I had consulted with a different attorney who suggested that my best possible option was to plea to some pretty serious offenses-I was devastated at that news and continued my search for an attorney who wouldn't give up--that's when I found Ryan. I am so glad that I didn't listen to the other attorney and instead invested in hiring Ryan as my attorney. He was so easy to talk to and was compassionate and totally nonjudgmental. He believed in me and was confident and passionate about fighting for me. At the end of the whole ordeal I was told by an individual from law enforcement that I was incredibly lucky that I had such a good attorney--I believe this to be true and it is obvious that he is well known and respected and/or feared by law enforcement. If you are reading this review because you are searching for an attorney, I can say with confidence that you will not regret choosing to hire Ryan Tait."

Allison

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:49:45-07:00

Allison

"I am not exaggerating when I say that choosing to hire Ryan Tait as my attorney has had a greater impact in changing the course of my life for the better than any other decision I have ever made. I retained him as my attorney during the most stressful time of my entire life--I was being investigated by law enforcement for something that had the potential for life altering consequences. Law enforcement had severe and damning evidence against me and I was absolutely terrified that I was going to lose everything. Ryan got involved and was incredibly aggressive in working with law enforcement to resolve the matter. He was able to get ALL charges dropped which was something I didn't think would ever be possible. Before hiring Ryan I had consulted with a different attorney who suggested that my best possible option was to plea to some pretty serious offenses-I was devastated at that news and continued my search for an attorney who wouldn't give up--that's when I found Ryan. I am so glad that I didn't listen to the other attorney and instead invested in hiring Ryan as my attorney. He was so easy to talk to and was compassionate and totally nonjudgmental. He believed in me and was confident and passionate about fighting for me. At the end of the whole ordeal I was told by an individual from law enforcement that I was incredibly lucky that I had such a good attorney--I believe this to be true and it is obvious that he is well known and respected and/or feared by law enforcement. If you are reading this review because you are searching for an attorney, I can say with confidence that you will not regret choosing to hire Ryan Tait."

"I will highly recommend Ryan to any one, personally i can say he is one of the best lawyers in AZ, he does his best to get the job done. He always demonstrated confidence which gave us peace of mind. He treats his clients with respect and he knows how to listen. Ryan did an excellent job in our case he persevered until the end. If you are looking for a lawyer that gets the job done and always willing to tell you the truth get Ryan."

Laura

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:52:39-07:00

Laura

"I will highly recommend Ryan to any one, personally i can say he is one of the best lawyers in AZ, he does his best to get the job done. He always demonstrated confidence which gave us peace of mind. He treats his clients with respect and he knows how to listen. Ryan did an excellent job in our case he persevered until the end. If you are looking for a lawyer that gets the job done and always willing to tell you the truth get Ryan."

"Arthur Hall used to be a former prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. As soon as I learned that he was a prosecutor, I felt that I had an advantage not many other do. I feel that his past experience gave him knowledge of the law, but also a lot of confidence and rapport with the people who had the case against me and the judges. It was nice to feel confident in someone who had my freedom in his hands. He was aggressive with his negotiations because he knew based on my case and his prosecutorial experience what the best deal was that he could get. I highly recommend AJ to defend you."

A Satisfied Client

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:53:17-07:00

A Satisfied Client

"Arthur Hall used to be a former prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney. As soon as I learned that he was a prosecutor, I felt that I had an advantage not many other do. I feel that his past experience gave him knowledge of the law, but also a lot of confidence and rapport with the people who had the case against me and the judges. It was nice to feel confident in someone who had my freedom in his hands. He was aggressive with his negotiations because he knew based on my case and his prosecutorial experience what the best deal was that he could get. I highly recommend AJ to defend you."

"I was charged with an Aggravated Assault based on a mistaken identification. It was terrifying dealing with the possibility of going to prison for something I didn’t do! The prosecutor refused to dismiss my case for a long time, but Ryan never gave up. He kept fighting with the prosecutor until eventually my case was dismissed and I was finally able to go back to living my life! I would totally recommend Ryan to anyone who is innocent of their charges."

A.G. Phoenix, AZ

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:54:02-07:00

A.G. Phoenix, AZ

"I was charged with an Aggravated Assault based on a mistaken identification. It was terrifying dealing with the possibility of going to prison for something I didn’t do! The prosecutor refused to dismiss my case for a long time, but Ryan never gave up. He kept fighting with the prosecutor until eventually my case was dismissed and I was finally able to go back to living my life! I would totally recommend Ryan to anyone who is innocent of their charges."

"My nephew was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up being charged with several serious felonies. He was facing no less than 40 years in prison! Our entire family was shocked when we found out how harsh Arizona’s laws are for people who make innocent mistakes. My nephew was such a good kid who did not deserve to be locked up for most of his life. Ryan not only answered all of our questions and helped us through the case, but truly cared about our family and my nephew. The State offered him a plea to 13-17 years. Ryan outlined all the pros and cons of going to trial, which is what my nephew did. After 3 weeks of trial, with all of us sitting on pins and needles, Ryan convinced the jury to come back not guilty on all of the most serious charges and my nephew ended up only serving a year! Our family will forever be grateful for Ryan’s passionate and caring representation." 

K.E. Phoenix, AZ

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:54:51-07:00

K.E. Phoenix, AZ

"My nephew was in the wrong place at the wrong time and ended up being charged with several serious felonies. He was facing no less than 40 years in prison! Our entire family was shocked when we found out how harsh Arizona’s laws are for people who make innocent mistakes. My nephew was such a good kid who did not deserve to be locked up for most of his life. Ryan not only answered all of our questions and helped us through the case, but truly cared about our family and my nephew. The State offered him a plea to 13-17 years. Ryan outlined all the pros and cons of going to trial, which is what my nephew did. After 3 weeks of trial, with all of us sitting on pins and needles, Ryan convinced the jury to come back not guilty on all of the most serious charges and my nephew ended up only serving a year! Our family will forever be grateful for Ryan’s passionate and caring representation." 

"When time is against you in the worst possible way, you find yourself wishing two things:

  1. Wishing you knew a criminal Attorney before you got in trouble.

  2. Wishing your best friend was a criminal Attorney


That’s where Arthur comes into play.. Expect the same representation from start to finish as if your life long best friend was standing next to you fighting for the best possible achievable outcome.

The ending result will provide two additional life long benefits

  1. You have a new best friend

  2. If you ever find yourself in a bad spot again… Your best friend is a criminal defense Attorney."


 

A Satisfied Client

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:56:04-07:00

A Satisfied Client

"When time is against you in the worst possible way, you find yourself wishing two things: Wishing you knew a criminal Attorney before you got in trouble. Wishing your best friend was a criminal Attorney That’s where Arthur comes into play.. Expect the same representation from start to finish as if your life long best friend was standing next to you fighting for the best possible achievable outcome. The ending result will provide two additional life long benefits You have a new best friend If you ever find yourself in a bad spot again… Your best friend is a criminal defense Attorney."  

"AJ Hall was INCREDIBLE from the minute I called him and told him my situation until the very last court date where he got me an incredible deal… More than I could have ever hoped for. AJ took on my case and made me feel comfortable right away and never made me promises he couldn’t keep. He guided me and never mislead me even good news or not. Throughout my whole very long ordeal he was so professional, informative, compassionate, and fought so hard to get me what I needed!! Although the battle was rough he never gave up and was willing to do whatever I wanted, take it as far as I wanted to get the outcome I wanted/needed! And I can’t be more thankful. He went to court so many times for me to fight my battle and to get me the best possible outcome and he did!!! The very last court date when it seemed the outcome on everything would be great except for 1 thing my worst fear jail time me having to leave my children and go there (I even had a date picked to check in) he got it over turned and save me from it and for that I am forever grateful. He handles everything with care and compassion. I highly recommend him!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!"

Michelle

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:57:46-07:00

Michelle

"AJ Hall was INCREDIBLE from the minute I called him and told him my situation until the very last court date where he got me an incredible deal… More than I could have ever hoped for. AJ took on my case and made me feel comfortable right away and never made me promises he couldn’t keep. He guided me and never mislead me even good news or not. Throughout my whole very long ordeal he was so professional, informative, compassionate, and fought so hard to get me what I needed!! Although the battle was rough he never gave up and was willing to do whatever I wanted, take it as far as I wanted to get the outcome I wanted/needed! And I can’t be more thankful. He went to court so many times for me to fight my battle and to get me the best possible outcome and he did!!! The very last court date when it seemed the outcome on everything would be great except for 1 thing my worst fear jail time me having to leave my children and go there (I even had a date picked to check in) he got it over turned and save me from it and for that I am forever grateful. He handles everything with care and compassion. I highly recommend him!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!"

"I hired this lawyer to take on my case that didn't look like it was a winning case he won my case for me and I'm a free woman today to be able to speak of it. "

Aaronessa

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:58:26-07:00

Aaronessa

"I hired this lawyer to take on my case that didn't look like it was a winning case he won my case for me and I'm a free woman today to be able to speak of it. "

"We would like to write a review for Ryan Tait as we are extremely pleased with his very professional representation on our family case. Thank for always keeping us informed . We would definitely recommend him as he has all of the necessary knowledge and experience to be an outstanding legal adviser. Thank you for always. "

Heidi

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:59:01-07:00

Heidi

"We would like to write a review for Ryan Tait as we are extremely pleased with his very professional representation on our family case. Thank for always keeping us informed . We would definitely recommend him as he has all of the necessary knowledge and experience to be an outstanding legal adviser. Thank you for always. "

"We were referred to Tait & Hall through friends. We are so happy we chose this legal team to represent my son, as well as, helping us through the process of legal action. Their defense knowledge and experience put us at ease. We worked with Mr. Tait...who was very confident, yet realistic. I plan to refer anyone in the issues we faced to use Tait & Hall."

 

 

A Satisfied Client

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T13:59:40-07:00

A Satisfied Client

"We were referred to Tait & Hall through friends. We are so happy we chose this legal team to represent my son, as well as, helping us through the process of legal action. Their defense knowledge and experience put us at ease. We worked with Mr. Tait...who was very confident, yet realistic. I plan to refer anyone in the issues we faced to use Tait & Hall."    

"Ryan Tait did an excellent job for our family. Ryan was very cordial and professional. He answered every single phone call of mine and took all the time I needed to talk about our case. Ryan called me exactly when he said he would call and he would have all the information he said he would have for me. We are very satisfied with Mr. Tait and his fine associate Mr. A.J. Hall. The outcome of our case was far better than we expected. We would highly recommend Ryan Tait to anyone who needs a very competent and aggressive attorney."

Frank

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-06-24T14:00:16-07:00

Frank

"Ryan Tait did an excellent job for our family. Ryan was very cordial and professional. He answered every single phone call of mine and took all the time I needed to talk about our case. Ryan called me exactly when he said he would call and he would have all the information he said he would have for me. We are very satisfied with Mr. Tait and his fine associate Mr. A.J. Hall. The outcome of our case was far better than we expected. We would highly recommend Ryan Tait to anyone who needs a very competent and aggressive attorney."

My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member. Ryan was very confident in our case. He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing. Ryan has knowledge on both sides as a prosecutor and defense as well. Ryan has a lot of patience. The first attorney want a year in prison and Ryan at the was recommending no prison only time served. When the case was near the end. There was only probation that was going to be offered. Thank you so much Tait and Hall for all your hard work and time including your staff. May God Bless your firm abundantly and always watch over your firm.

C Such

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-09-28T23:11:35-07:00

C Such

My family hired Ryan Tait to fight for my family member. Ryan was very confident in our case. He went over all the pros and cons. He answered all our questions and calls. He knows what he is doing. Ryan has knowledge on both sides as a prosecutor and defense as well. Ryan has a lot of patience. The first attorney want a year in prison and Ryan at the was recommending no prison only time served. When the case was near the end. There was only probation that was going to be offered. Thank you so much Tait and Hall for all your hard work and time including your staff. May God Bless your firm abundantly and always watch over your firm.

Absolutely The Best Lawyers in the Valley, I've used them for multiple things over the years and they always come through. No one in this field is more trustworthy than Ryan and AJ

Nick Knudsen

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-09-28T23:14:28-07:00

Nick Knudsen

Absolutely The Best Lawyers in the Valley, I've used them for multiple things over the years and they always come through. No one in this field is more trustworthy than Ryan and AJ

Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm! Thank you Ryan!

Qian Chen

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-09-28T23:15:50-07:00

Qian Chen

Ryan is absolutely awesome and professional. He gave me all detailed advice I needed. He is nice and patient. I definitely recommend Ryan and his law firm! Thank you Ryan!

I hired Tait & Hall to fight a case for me, and they won my case without me ever having to go to court. I'm happy I hired them, I would highly recommend Tait & Hall.

Angela Agramonte

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-09-28T23:20:43-07:00

Angela Agramonte

I hired Tait & Hall to fight a case for me, and they won my case without me ever having to go to court. I'm happy I hired them, I would highly recommend Tait & Hall.

This morning I met with AJ Hall and I felt very comfortable and confident with the consultation I received. Extremely knowledgeable advice and legal coucel and I highly recommend Tait & Hall and their legal team. Thank you!

Sidney Lang

Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI
5
2019-09-28T23:23:31-07:00

Sidney Lang

This morning I met with AJ Hall and I felt very comfortable and confident with the consultation I received. Extremely knowledgeable advice and legal coucel and I highly recommend Tait & Hall and their legal team. Thank you!
5
16
Five star reviews Criminal Law & DUI

Our Office

  • Tait & Hall Law Firm
    4455 E. Camelback Rd. Suite C250
    Phoenix, AZ 85018
  • Monday - Friday
    8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • (480) 405-6767
Contact Us
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Parking Map
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yelp

Need a Consultation?

Tait & Hall Law is always available to help you with your legal questions.

Request consultation
Tait & Hall Logo

The Attorneys at the Law Firm of Tait and Hall understand the formula for successful legal representation requires exceptional client service, professional dedication and outstanding results.

Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yelp

Get in Touch

  • Tait & Hall Law Firm
    4455 E. Camelback Rd. Suite C250
    Phoenix, AZ 85018
  • Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • (480) 405-6767
Contact us
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Parking Map

Copyright © 2022 Tait & Hall Law Firm All Rights Reserved