Drug-related offenses in Arizona are aggressively prosecuted and severely penalized.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is vital that you get legal protection as soon as possible because time is a critical factor in building your defense. You’ll want a qualified Arizona defense attorney who has a solid track record of winning defense cases, whether in state or federal court.
In Phoenix and surrounding cities, Arizonans trust Dworman Law for our successful track record in criminal defense. Our defense attorney Howard Dworman is uniquely experienced in fighting drug charges, as he has formerly worked with the Arizona Attorney General’s office and the Maricopa County Public Defender’s office.
He has dismissed numerous criminal cases, lowered charges, and obtained Not Guilty verdicts in state and federal courts.
Call Dworman Law today at (480) 256-2449.
A variety of offenses can fall under the umbrella of drug crimes, including:
What drugs are illegal in Arizona? The Arizona Uniform Controlled Substances Act names many drugs as controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, certain opioids, and other narcotics. Prescription drugs may also result in drug charges if they are allegedly being distributed or used in unlawful ways.
Various parts of Arizona law prosecute drug offenses. Narcotic drug possession, manufacturing, possession with intent to distribute, and trafficking are governed by Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3408. Meanwhile, dangerous drug offenses fall under ARS 13-3407, prescription drug offenses under ARS 13-3406, and paraphernalia possession under ARS 13-3415.
A drug offense can either be a misdemeanor or a felony in Arizona. The severity of the drug charge depends on the classification (or “schedule”) of the narcotics involved, the amount of the substance in question, and whether this is a first-time or repeat violation.
Either way, a drug conviction in the state typically carries a mandatory minimum jail sentence, even when it is a first offense. Potential prison sentences for a state drug felony are as follows:
A serious drug conviction could adversely impact your life, especially because criminal records in Arizona cannot be expunged (erased) or sealed (hidden). After you endure the penalties of a jail sentence and fines, the record could still damage your employment prospects, housing opportunities, and relationships.
This is why you should entrust your case to a defense lawyer with proven experience. In the hands of a competent attorney, it may be possible to lower your charges or dismiss them altogether.
Talk to us at Dworman Law by calling 480-256-2449. We serve
clients in Phoenix and all throughout Arizona.
Some drug violations are prosecuted at the federal level, particularly when they involve out-of-state activity. Examples are when the substances are moved across state lines or international borders, or when email, fax, or mail is used.
Federal drug offenses are handled by national agencies such as the DEA and the FBI. They are among the most tenacious law enforcement entities in the US, equipped with a vast amount of resources to investigate and apprehend offenders. The penalties for a federal drug conviction can also be much more severe.
If you are facing federal drug charges, or even if you are only being investigated for drug-related allegations, do not wait to enlist a powerful attorney. Choosing a competent defense lawyer – and doing it fast – can help safeguard your freedom and minimize the ruinous impact of a federal conviction.
Whether at the state or federal level, drug prosecutors do not take their job lightly. To build a case against a potential offender, they employ a variety of investigative tactics such as undercover officers and confidential informants. It is common for a drug investigation to be well underway even before charges are brought. By the time you learn of your charges, a strong case may already be prepared against you.
The earlier you approach a defense attorney, the better you can protect your rights, avoid damaging mistakes, and attack the prosecution’s case.
Your attorney should also look out for the legitimacy of the law enforcement procedure. They will investigate the case based on questions such as:
Having a lawyer from the get-go can help ensure that proper procedure is followed. If there were procedural violations, this may be grounds to dismiss the charges.
To defend our clients facing a drug-related charge, we pour our skills and resources to cover the different aspects of each case. Our legal service includes:
If you work with us, you’ll be backed by a capable team led by hard-hitting criminal defense attorney Howard Dworkin. Choose Dworman Law to defend your rights and freedom.