Drug Sales & Distribution
Navigating The Complexities Of Felony Drug Charges in Arizona
According to Arizona drug laws, if you are found in possession of large quantities of drugs, police and prosecutors will argue that the drugs found in your possession are for sale. These kinds of charges may potentially expose you to a mandatory prison sentence.
Due to the serious and lengthy terms of prison sentences, it is imperative that you understand Arizona drug laws and know your rights. Additionally, you MUST have a knowledgeable Arizona criminal defense lawyer on your side for charges of drug sales and distribution.
At Tait & Hall, our Arizona criminal defense lawyers are highly experienced and skilled in defending people accused of selling drugs, as well as other drug-related crimes. We will thoroughly investigate your case to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges when possible.
Arizona Drug Laws
The Consequences for Drug Sales & Distribution in Arizona Depend on the Threshold Amount
If the amount found in your possession is at or exceeds what Arizona law refers to as a “threshold amount,” prosecutors will presume that you possessed the drug for sale, rather than for personal use. 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
- For all other drugs, it is the amount valued at $1,000
Conviction for drug sales and/or distribution, with an amount above the threshold, will result in mandatory prison time.
The Classification Of Drug Sale & Distribution Charges in Arizona
According to Arizona drug laws, the penalties for drug sales or drug distribution vary depending on the type of drug at hand.
- Marijuana: The possession of marijuana for sale is a Class 4 felony if the marijuana possession is less than 2 pounds, and it is punishable by one to 3.75 years in prison.
- Narcotics: The possession of narcotic drugs for sale, as well as possession of dangerous drugs for sale, are both Class 2 felonies and punishable by three to 12.5 years in prison.
- Methamphetamine: For a person convicted of selling methamphetamine, there is a special sentencing scheme. A person convicted of sale of methamphetamine will be sentenced to five to 15 years in prison. Further, if someone is convicted a second time, the penalty is 10 to 20 years in prison.
Our Approach to Cases Involving Drug Sales & Distribution
Identifying The Right Defense Strategy For You
In a case involving drug charges, there are many defenses we can use throughout negotiations or at trial. The attorneys at Tait & Hall will employ every defense strategy possible, according to the details and circumstances surrounding your case, and fight for the best possible outcome.
For example, the state must show that a person possessed the drug “knowingly” and intended to sell it. If a friend or family member possessed the drug, we will work to prove you were unaware of the situation. This could lead to a dismissal of the case or not guilty verdict.
Additionally, other possible defenses available include investigating any violations of your constitutional rights. We will always thoroughly investigate to determine whether such issues are present in your case.
Speak With An Experienced Attorney Today
Tait & Hall’s Arizona Drug Crimes & Criminal Defense Lawyers
Call our Phoenix office at (480) 405-6767 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.