Drug Trafficking

Arizona Drug Laws

Drug Possession vs. Drug Trafficking – What’s the difference?

Drug possession charges usually involve the possession of a small amount of a drug for personal use. Trafficking, on the other hand, usually involves larger amounts of drugs possessed with the intent to sell or otherwise transfer the drugs.

Consequences for Drug Trafficking in Arizona

While simple possession of marijuana is a Class 6 felony, trafficking of marijuana is a Class 3 felony– if the amount of marijuana is less than two pounds. If the amount of marijuana is two pounds or more, it is a Class 2 felony.

The simple possession of narcotic drugs and possession of dangerous or illicit drugs are both Class 4 felonies. Trafficking of the same drugs is a Class 2 felony.

A Class 3 felony is punishable by 2 to 8.75 years in prison. A Class 2 felony is punishable by 3 to 12.5 years in prison.

Drug Threshold Amounts in Arizona

Unless the amount of drugs found in your possession is at or exceeds what Arizona law refers to as the “threshold amount,” probation may be an alternative sentencing solution.

Alternatively, a conviction for trafficking drugs in an amount more than the threshold will result in a mandatory prison sentence.

The “threshold amount” for various drugs in Arizona 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, an amount that is valued at $1000 or more

Unique Complications Involving Methamphetamine

Different from other drug classifications, a conviction of trafficking methamphetamine in Arizona involves special sentencing terms. Arizona drug laws have determined that methamphetamine is especially dangerous, and therefore has created a separate sentencing scheme.

As a result, a person convicted of trafficking methamphetamine will be sentenced between five and 15 years in prison. If convicted a second time, the penalties are even harsher: 10 to 20 years in prison.