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The State of Arizona does not take drug crimes lightly. The penalties for committing drug crimes are some of the most severe in the country. The state investigates and prosecutes these cases heavily, with the full force of the law. If the police have arrested you for a drug crime, it is critical to protect yourself by hiring a Phoenix drug crimes attorney with a history of helping defendants in similar situations.
AZ Defenders has the skill, experience, passion and track record to give you confidence in your legal representation. Our drug crime defense lawyers are dedicated to their clients, seeking every possible way to lighten the consequences of drug crime charges. If you or someone you love is facing drug crime charges in Phoenix, contact us right away for a free defense consultation. We may be able to help you during this difficult time. Call (480) 456-6400 24/7.
Every citizen of the United States has a legal right to a legal defense attorney during a criminal case. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the courts will assign a public defender to take your case pro bono or for a reduced fee. Hiring the private attorney of your choice, however, could give you more power during negotiations. The right Phoenix defense attorney can make an enormous difference to your case and future – especially in the face of Arizona’s tough and unyielding drug laws. A drug crime defense lawyer can assist you in many ways throughout your case.
If you believe hiring a private Phoenix drug crimes attorney is the right move for your drug crime case in Phoenix, request a free consultation with AZ Defenders today. Tell us a little about your case and give us your contact information. We will get back to you promptly to discuss your situation in further detail. If we accept you as a client and you choose to retain our firm, we can start defending you or your loved one right away. We aim to provide valuable peace of mind in the face of drug crime charges in Arizona.
At AZ Defenders, we are passionate about protecting the rights of those accused of all types of drug crimes. Our Phoenix drug crimes lawyers are constantly seeking ways to further help their clients. We stay on top of changing drug crime laws in Arizona. If you are facing any type of drug offense charge, contact us for a free consultation.
Some drug charges in Arizona are misdemeanors while others are felonies. A qualified Phoenix drug crimes attorney may be able to negotiate your drug charges down to a lesser degree if you have no prior criminal record. Otherwise, your lawyer can work hard to help you in other ways, such as pursuing a not-guilty plea, convincing the courts to dismiss the charges against you or negotiating for lighter penalties. Your attorney will start your case with a comprehensive look into the specific drug offense prosecutors are accusing you of, then create a defense strategy accordingly.
In Arizona, a controlled substance is any substance the government enforces laws to control in terms of possession, sale and use. The federal government lists all controlled substances in the U.S, from acetorphine to zopiclone, in its Controlled Substances Act. It breaks controlled substances down into five different schedules based on the potential danger of the drug.
The classification of the narcotic involved in your Phoenix drug crime case can determine the severity of the penalties you might face if convicted. Alleged crimes involving Schedule I drugs come with harsher penalties than other schedules. The penalties will also depend on the amount of drug involved, as well as the harm inflicted. If a drug crime causes serious bodily injuries or deaths, for example, the punishment will increase. To learn more about controlled substances in Arizona, speak with an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Phoenix.
The penalties for committing drug crimes in Arizona are severe and wide-ranging. They can change significantly depending on the type of charge and the circumstances. The crime of drug possession in Arizona is a felony but can be reduced to a misdemeanor in some situations. It comes with a fine of $2,000 or three times the value of the drug (whichever is greater), as well as potential time in jail.
Other types of crimes can come with stricter penalties. For a first-time offender, a Class 2 Felony drug crime can come with up to 10 years behind bars. A Class 3 Felony comes with 2.5 to 8.75 years, Class 4 1.5 to 3 years, Class 5 0.75 to 2 years and Class 6 0.5 to 1.5 years. If you are a repeat drug crime offender, you could face even greater penalties. A prior record of drug crimes could immediately escalate the level of charges against you, as well as the amount of potential fines and jail time you face.
Speak to an attorney about your individual case to discuss the penalties you might face according to the types of charges against you, kind of drug involved, the severity of the charges and your past criminal record. Remember, the penalties you could face are not necessarily the sentence you will receive. Hiring a Phoenix drug crimes attorney from AZ Defenders could help you decrease your penalties even with a drug crime conviction. Your lawyer may also be able to protect you from any penalties at all with a successful not-guilty plea. The circumstances of your criminal case and defense depend on your unique situation.
One of the most important reasons to hire a lawyer is for a tailored defense strategy based on your individual case and circumstances. The right strategy could protect you from experiencing the full force of Arizona’s criminal justice system. Rather than receiving the maximum penalties for a conviction, for instance, your lawyer might succeed in reducing your sentence or arranging a lighter plea deal. It may also be possible to use a defense with the strategy of achieving a not-guilty verdict.
Always be honest with your drug crime defense lawyer. Your lawyer is there to help you, not incriminate you. Without all relevant information, your lawyer might not be able to create a strong strategy in your defense. If the other side of the case knows something your lawyer does not, for example, this could hurt your case. Your lawyer will ask you several key questions at the beginning of your case. Answer them completely and honestly so your attorney can properly prepare your defense.
A drug crime conviction in Arizona can have many life-changing penalties. You may have to spend time in jail, pay thousands of dollars in fines, lose your job, lose security clearance, lose a professional license and/or suffer the consequences of a criminal record. A felony conviction could strip you of certain rights, such as the right to vote and bear arms. It may also make it harder to find a job or housing. Finally, a criminal conviction could cost you personal relationships.
We do not say all this to scare you, but to express the importance of hiring a high-quality defense attorney. The lawyers at AZ Defenders are committed to representing those accused of drug crimes in Phoenix, Arizona. Our Phoenix drug crimes lawyers can help you fight back against drug charges, jail sentences and hefty fines. You are innocent until proven guilty. Our attorneys can review your case for free and give you personalized legal counsel on what to do next.
If we decide to take your case, we will assist you with each step of the justice process while ensuring the protection of your rights. We can create as strong a defense as possible to minimize the consequences of your drug arrest. If you or someone you love is facing a drug charge, contact the Phoenix drug crimes attorneys at AZ Defenders today. Call (480) 456-6400 any time, night or day, to speak to a defense attorney near you. We also respond promptly to messages sent via our online intake form. Contact us today.