Possession Of Narcotics
Fighting To Reduce Or Dismiss The Charges You Face
Arizona drug laws prohibit knowingly possessing or using narcotic drugs. The “narcotic” classification of drugs incudes:
- Cocaine
- Fentanyl
- Opiates like Heroin, Oxycodone, and Morphine
The highly-experienced Phoenix narcotic drug crime and criminal defense attorneys at Tait & Hall can help fight the charges you face, using our decades of combined experience to protect your rights and future.
Arizona Drug Laws
Consequences for Felony Drug Offenses
In the state of Arizona, possession of narcotic drugs is an automatic Class 4 felony. However, the penalties for possession depend on the quantity of the drug in question. Arizona drug laws outline statutory “threshold amounts” that help make those determinations.
A few of the common threshold amounts for narcotics possessed in Arizona include:
- Heroin: 1 gram
- Cocaine: 9 grams
- Hydrolyzed cocaine or cocaine base: 750 milligrams
- Any other narcotic: Any weight having a value of over $1000
When possession is of a quantity less than the “threshold amount,” for first- and second-time offenders, probationary sentencing is offered. However, conviction for possession of an amount above the threshold allows a judge to impose a jail or prison sentence.
Our Approach to Cases Involving the Possession of Narcotics
Working to Reduce the Consequences of a Conviction
A felony conviction can have a major impact on employment and educational opportunities. Here at Tait & Hall, we will work to reduce these charges to a lesser offense, or even pursue a dismissal of the charges entirely.
Additionally, another option is negotiating entry into the TASC program– a diversion program that allows defendants to earn a dismissal of their charges by submitting to random drug tests and completing drug education and counseling. Upon completion of the program, the prosecutors will dismiss the case.
The criminal defense attorneys at Tait & Hall are familiar with the TASC program and can help guide you through the admissions process and completion of the program.
Determining A Defense Strategy Appropriate For Your Case
Outside of Prop 200 and TASC, there are many other defense strategies we can pursue.
For example, Arizona drug laws require that the narcotic drug must be possessed “knowingly” to secure a conviction. So, if a defendant did not know the drug was in his or her vehicle or home because someone else left it there, we may be able to seek a dismissal of the case.
We will always examine all defense strategies available to us in order to help mitigate the consequences for the charges you face.
Arizona Criminal Defense Attorneys
Here at Tait & Hall, our Arizona criminal defense lawyers have decades of experience handling even the most challenging cases involving the possession of narcotics. If you’ve been charged with a drug-related offense, get the help you need by discussing your case with one of our experienced lawyers.
Call our Phoenix office at (480) 405-6767 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.