Scottsdale Drug Crimes Lawyer

The State of Arizona takes drug crimes very seriously. Penalties for violating the state’s drug laws are some of the most severe in the nation, including terms of incarceration for 15 years or longer in some cases. The state prosecutes drug crime cases heavily, with the full force of the law behind it. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, you must lodge a strong defense against these charges. AZ Defenders can help you build a strong defense that prioritizes your interests.

AZ Defenders has a long history of helping defendants who are facing serious Arizona drug crimes. You can trust our Scottsdale drug crimes lawyer with your future because we have the skill, knowledge, and experience to skillfully resolve these charges. We will pursue every possible avenue to eliminate or mitigate the consequences of a conviction against you. If you are facing drug crime charges in Scottsdale, contact us right away for a confidential case consultation by calling us at (480) 456-6400.

Scottsdale Drug Crimes Resources

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Why Choose the AZ Defenders?
Types of Drug Cases We Handle
What Are Controlled Substances in Arizona?
Potential Consequences for Drug Crime Charges
How Will a Lawyer Help You?
Defenses to a Drug Crimes Charge
Speak to an Attorney Today

Why Choose the AZ Defenders for a Drug Charge?

• We understand Arizona criminal law and drug charges. We know how to aggressively defend against these charges.
• We make ourselves available to our clients 24/7. We provide personalized attention and care to each and every client. We work hard to deliver the highest quality legal representation in Scottsdale drug crime criminal defense.
• We have the resources to build a strong defense in your case. Our team will work diligently to protect your legal rights.

Types of Drug Cases We Handle

At AZ Defenders, we fervently believe that every citizen of the United States has a legal right to a defense to criminal charges against them. When you are facing tough and unyielding drug laws, you need a legal team in your corner who understands the nature of the charges against you and the high stakes involved.

Our team is prepared to mount a vigorous defense in your case against charges such as:

• Drug distribution – Drug distribution charges may apply if you are found in possession with any of the following:
  • ½ gram of LSD
  • ¾ gram of cocaine in rock form
  • 1 gram of heroin
  • 9 powdered grams of cocaine
  • 9 grams of methamphetamine
  • Over 2 pounds of marijuana
• Drug trafficking – Knowingly transporting, importing, transferring, or selling drugs can result in charges of drug trafficking, a class 2 felony in Arizona if the drug is considered dangerous.
• Drug possession – Arizona penalizes the possession of controlled substances. There are different schedules of these substances, and stiffer penalties are associated with more dangerous types of drugs.
• Possession for sale – Possession with the intent to sell charges are often made when law enforcement finds a person in possession of a large amount of drugs. These charges can result in more serious penalties than mere possession. The potential penalty depends on the type and amount of drugs involved.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia – Possession of drug paraphernalia charges may also apply if a person is found in possession of any item that could be used to store, prepare, sell, or plant drugs. These charges can result even if the item would otherwise be legal to possess and even if the defendant is not found in possession of any drugs. This crime is a Class 6 felony in Arizona.
• Fraudulent prescription – Using a fraudulent prescription to obtain drugs is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona while forging a prescription is classified as a felony. It is also illegal to possess prescription drugs without a valid prescription.

What Are Controlled Substances in Arizona?

Controlled substances are those chemicals, substances, and combinations that the government enforces laws for. Controlled substances are classified into different schedules, based on the potential danger of the drug, as follows:

• Schedule I – Schedule I substances have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, peyote, LSD, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II – Schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II substances include methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, and opium.
• Schedule III – Schedule III substances have less potential for abuse and abuse, but abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Some examples of Schedule III substances include ketamine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV – Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse and include Valium®, Restoril®, and Xanax®.
• Schedule V – Schedule V substances have a low potential for abuse and are mostly made up of preparations of limited quantities of certain substances. Schedule V substances include cough medicine and codeine.

Potential Consequences for Drug Crime Charges

Drug crimes are heavily punished in Arizona. The potential penalty depends on the drug involved, the quantity, and the charge. Some drug crimes are classified as felonies while others are considered misdemeanors.

Possible levels of charges and consequences involving Arizona drug charges include:

• Class 2 felony – Up to 10 years’ imprisonment
• Class 3 felony – 2 ½ years to 8 ¾ years’ imprisonment
• Class 4 felony – 1 ½ years to 3 years’ imprisonment
• Class 5 felony – ¾ years to 2 years’ imprisonment
• Class 6 felony – ½ year to 1 ½ years’ imprisonment
• Misdemeanor – A fine up to $2,000 or three times the value of the drug, whichever is greater, along with possible jail time

These sentences are for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties. Whether you require a Scottsdale marijuana defense attorney or are facing charges for another substance, the AZ Defenders are prepared to take on your case.

How Will a Scottsdale Drug Crimes Lawyer Help with Your Case?

An experienced Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer can help with your case by:

• Explaining Arizona’s drug crime laws to you and using our knowledge to defend against the charges
• Giving you a straightforward assessment of your case, the viability of possible defenses, and an opinion about the best path forward
• Negotiating a reduction in charges or penalties, when possible
• Explaining the next steps in the judicial process
• Defending you inside and outside the courtroom
• Tailoring a criminal defense strategy to your unique situation

Defenses to a Drug Crimes Charge

There are various defenses you may be able to raise if you are facing drug charges, depending on the circumstances. Some defenses we may raise might include:

• You were not aware the drugs were in your possession
• The drugs belonged to someone else
• Police conducted an illegal search or seizure
• You legally possessed the substance
• The substance is not actually a controlled substance
• Law enforcement entrapped you

Our experienced Scottsdale drug crimes lawyer is well-versed in all possible defenses to these charges.

Speak to a Skilled Scottsdale Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

If you are facing drug charges in Arizona, AZ Defenders is here to help. Call or email our Scottsdale drug crimes lawyer to request a confidential consultation.