Phoenix Drug Possession Attorney

It is unlawful in Arizona to knowingly possess or use illegal drugs. Penalties upon conviction depend on the type of drug, the amount in your possession, and whether you have a criminal history. If you are facing drug possession charges, contact an aggressive Phoenix drug possession attorney at AZ Defenders as soon as possible. Our legal team has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to effectively pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer for This Drug Possession Case?

• Our Phoenix drug possession lawyers understand that the criminal justice system can be intimidating and offer dedicated, white-glove service to assist you through the process.
• Arizona prosecutors are highly motivated to secure convictions – especially in drug crime cases. Our drug possession defense lawyers fight aggressively for your rights in the courtroom. We do not settle for guilty pleas.
• We have more than 20 years of combined experience successfully defending clients charged with drug possession and have an excellent reputation in the legal community.

Under Arizona Law, What Are Dangerous Drugs?

State laws on drug possession can be found in Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 13, Chapter 34, Sections 3401 – 3423. Arizona drug laws are extensive and penalties for a conviction depend on the charge as well as the type and quantity of prohibited drugs. Simple possession for personal use carries less severe penalties than possession with intent to sell. Possession in a quantity that exceeds the statutory threshold is charged as possession with intent to sell.

Drug Classifications

Under state law, illegal drugs, or controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are classified in the following six categories:

• Marijuana
• Peyote
• Prescription drugs
• Dangerous drugs
• Narcotics
• Substances that emit toxic vapors

Medical marijuana has been legalized in Arizona. However, recreational use, non-medical cultivation, and possession with intent to sell are still serious drug crimes. For more information regarding what constitutes a dangerous drug in Arizona, speak with a knowledgeable Phoenix defense attorney experienced in handling drug possession charges.

Possible Penalties for Drug Possession in Phoenix

Conviction of drug possession can seriously impact your future, including loss of money and services provided by the state, such as scholarships, tuition waivers, welfare benefits, and public housing. Since Proposition 200 was passed, nonviolent drug offenders are not sent to prison for a first or second conviction, but rather sentenced to probation and mandatory drug treatment. However, if probation is not completed successfully, the court may impose jail terms.

Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges

If you have been charged with drug possession in Arizona, it does not necessarily mean you will be convicted. Our Phoenix drug possession attorneys are well-versed in drug possession defenses that can be used on your behalf. Examples of possible defenses include:

• Illegal search: You are protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution against unlawful search and seizure. After a legal traffic stop, drugs found in plain view may be seized and used as evidence.
• Lack of knowledge: The prosecution must prove that you were knowingly in possession of illegal drugs. If you did not know the drugs were there, you cannot be convicted.
• Religious use: This is a defense to peyote possession that can be raised if the drug was used for religious purposes and posed no threat to the community.
• Medical marijuana: This affirmative defense can be raised for persons arrested on state charges for possession of less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana, who are qualifying patients and can show they obtained the drug from a licensed medical marijuana dispensary.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Being charged with a drug crime in Phoenix is a frightening experience for a good reason. A conviction can carry serious penalties and negatively impact your future. If you have been arrested or charged with drug possession, call a Phoenix drug possession attorney at AZ Defenders right away. Your best course of action is to get an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side.

What Previous Clients Think: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This group is great to work with!  Very professional and organized as well as responsive to any questions.  Along the way, I was provided with some very good tips that saved me a lot of time and hassle.  Craig is a great attorney and was able to get me a reduced outcome on my case.  I highly recommend working with them for your needs.  I wouldn’t hesitate to call them again!

– Joe T.