Types of Drug Offenses We Handle in Gilbert, AZ
Our drug charge attorneys are dedicated to helping clients facing charges for drug-related offenses. We handle both misdemeanor and felony cases, including the following:
Drug Possession or Use
Possession can either be actual or constructive. Actual possession means law enforcement found the defendant with drugs on their person. Constructive possession refers to indirect possession of a substance. For example, the drugs may be in the car they were driving.
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
While the state of Arizona has now allowed and legalized both the possession of small amounts of Marijuana (since 2021) and the cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes since 2010, strict guidelines must be followed for cultivation to be legal. If someone does not follow these regulations, they face criminal charges.
Drug Possession for Sale
Drug possession charges can be heightened to drug possession for sale if a defendant is found with an excessive amount of illegal drugs. This charge typically requires evidence that the defendant intended to sell the drugs, like baggies or scales.
Drug Trafficking and Transportation
Drug trafficking and transportation are selling, importing, and transferring large amounts of illegal drugs. Trafficking charges are often paired with other charges, including possession and manufacturing, as drug trafficking is associated with participation in drug networks.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia is any object that allows someone to ingest, store, prepare, sell, or manufacture drugs. These items often include syringes, razor blades, small spoons, pipes. A defendant could face possession of drug paraphernalia charges even if law enforcement does not find actual drugs.
Types of Arizona Controlled Substances
In Arizona, a controlled substance refers to substances the government has implemented laws to control, making the possession, use, and sale of them illegal. The federal government provides a list classifying controlled substances by “schedules.” The controlled substances schedules are as follows:
- Schedule I: Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, including heroin, LSD, and peyote
- Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, including cocaine, oxycodone, and fentanyl
- Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for dependence, including ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids
- Schedule IV: Drugs with low potential for abuse, including Xanax, Valium, and Ambien
- Schedule V: Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV, including drugs used for antidiarrheal and analgesic purposes
The severity of penalties for drug crime charges depends on many factors. One of the most important factors is the classification of the narcotics possessed, used, manufactured, or sold, along with the amount and other relevant facts.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crime lawyer serving Gilbert, call (602) 237-6772 today.
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Arizona
Consequences for drug crimes depend on the specifics of your drug crime charge.
Arizona law clearly defines the penalties for drug crimes. First-time felony offense sentencing can lead to prison time, depending on the class:
- Class 2: 4 to 10 years
- Class 3: 2.5 to 7 years
- Class 4: 1.5 to 3 years
- Class 5: .75 years to 2 years
- Class 6: .5 years to 1.5 years
Repeat felony offenders with two or more felonies face more prison time:
- Class 2: 14 to 28 years
- Class 3: 10 to 20 years
- Class 4: 8 to 12 years
- Class 5: 4 to 6 years
- Class 6: 3 to 4.5 years
A drug lawsuit attorney can help you better understand your charges and the penalties you face.
Schedule a Consultation with a Drug Charges Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
When you need a skilled and experienced drug defense lawyer on your side, count on the Law Offices of Brandon White. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Gilbert Drug Crime Lawyer Near Me (602) 237-6772
What Are Drug Courts in Arizona?
When a drug crime involves a defendant who struggles with drug addiction, the case is handled in a special court. Drug courts take a different approach, aiming to help drug-addicted defendants. The court will order the defendant to be supervised and enter a treatment program. In these cases, rehabilitation is preferred over harsh punishment to provide a long-term solution for the defendant and limit the chances of future offenses.
Potential Drug Offenses Defenses
One of a drug defense lawyer’s most important tasks is creating a viable defense strategy.
Unlawful search and seizure is a common defense. Your lawyer might use this defense if law enforcement did the following:
- Conducted an illegal stop
- Entered your home without a warrant
- Did not have any other legal right to a search
Evidence found during an unlawful search and seizure is usually inadmissible in court.
Additionally, a lack of knowledge defense can be used if, for example, police find drugs you were unaware of in the vehicle you were driving.
Finally, entrapment might be your defense if law enforcement influenced you to commit a crime you would not have otherwise committed.
You can trust your drug defense lawyer to decide the most appropriate legal course of action.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Gilbert today
Why You Should Choose Our Gilbert Area Drug Defense Attorneys?
There are numerous reasons you can trust the Law Offices of Brandon White to represent you:
- Brandon White has previous law enforcement experience, providing a unique insight not many other defense attorneys have especially in picking apart an officer’s actions and investigation
- We have years of experience representing clients with their drug-related charges
- Our firm represents clients from areas throughout Arizona
- We offer free case evaluations
Our attorneys are well-versed in the laws and procedures associated with the Arizona legal system. Having a quality defense lawyer on your side to represent you can make all of the difference in your case.
If you’re facing charges for a drug crime, allow a skilled Phoenix drug crimes attorney to help you.
Call or text (602) 237-6772 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form to get started.
