Being charged with a drug crime in Arizona comes with the potential for serious penalties. If you’ve been arrested, a Scottsdale drug trafficking lawyer can help.
At the Law Offices of Brandon White, our Scottsdale drug crime lawyers are committed to delivering true five-star service at every stage of your case. Reach out today to get started on your case with a free initial case consultation.
What Are Drug Trafficking Charges in Scottsdale?
Drug trafficking typically involves one or more of the following:
- Possessing a large quantity of drugs with the intent to sell them.
- Moving drugs around within or into/out of the state.
- Manufacturing drugs.
In Arizona, drug trafficking is charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor. Felonies come with harsher prison sentences and fines.
Your Scottsdale criminal defense lawyer will advocate for lesser charges and sentences whenever possible.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Scottsdale?
Arizona takes drug trafficking charges seriously, and the penalties are harsh. Possible penalties will depend on the class of felony. The class of felony will typically be based on factors like the type of drug involved, the quantity involved, and whether there were any aggravating factors.
Some examples include:
Class 3 Felony
Class 3 felonies are typically those that involve marijuana or cocaine in smaller quantities than for other felony types. If convicted of a class 3 felony, you could face over eight years in prison.
Class 2 Felony
Crimes involving heroin, fentanyl, or methamphetamines generally result in class 2 felony charges. If convicted, you could face over 12 years in prison.
It’s important to note that methamphetamine drug trafficking charges can carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.
Aggravating Factors
Dealing near a school or drug-free zone or having minors involved adds mandatory additional prison time to your sentence.
If you transported drugs across the border, you will likely be charged at the federal level. Our Scottsdale federal drug trafficking defense lawyers can help if this is the case.
Additional Penalties
In addition to prison time, you may also face:
- Fines up to $150,000 or three times the street value of the drugs involved.
- Probation.
- Permanent criminal record.
- Impacts on jobs, housing, and immigration status.
- Loss of professional licenses.
- Social stigma.
For a free legal consultation with a drug trafficking lawyer serving Scottsdale, call (602) 237-6772 today.
How Can Our Drug Trafficking Attorneys in Scottsdale Help With Your Case?
Facing drug trafficking charges is a life-altering time. You’re likely scared for your future and worried about serving extended time in prison. Our legal team is here to fight for your defense and give you peace of mind during the legal process.We can:
- Investigate the case against you, gathering evidence to build our defense.
- Negotiate plea deals when applicable.
- Ensure you understand the process and that your legal rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
- Represent you in court when necessary.
- Advocate for a lesser sentence if you are convicted.
At The Law Offices of Brandon White, we have a former prosecutor on staff, which means that we have unique insight into how these types of cases are built against our clients. We offer empathetic and understanding legal representation.
What Should You Know About the Legal Process for Drug Trafficking Crimes in Scottsdale?
Understanding what is happening with your case can be essential for building confidence and staying calm during the process. Below, we’ll go through a few important considerations.
Your Rights
What rights do criminal defendants have in Arizona? One of the most important rights is the presumption of innocence. This means that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime.
They may use evidence like: the arresting officer’s report, witness testimonies, video footage, physical evidence like the drugs or paraphernalia, forensic evidence like fingerprints, financial transaction records, and digital communications.
What’s Needed to Prosecute You
The prosecutor will use evidence to build their case against you. They will need to not only prove that you had drugs in your possession, but that you also had knowledge of them and intent to traffic them.
They may use evidence like: the arresting officer’s report, witness testimonies, video footage, physical evidence like the drugs or paraphernalia, forensic evidence like fingerprints, financial transaction records, and digital communications.
Defenses That We May Use in Your Case
Depending on the specifics of your case, we may use defenses like:
- No knowledge: The drugs were in your possession, such as in your vehicle or home, but you were not aware they were there.
- Lack of intent: You had the drugs for personal use, but were not intending to sell them.
- Lack of evidence: The prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Coercion: You were acting while under threat.
- Our Scottsdale drug trafficking attorneys will build a case strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.
Scottsdale Drug Trafficking Lawyer Near Me (602) 237-6772
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Arrested?
If you’ve been arrested for drug trafficking in Scottsdale, you should:
- Remain calm and do not resist arrest.
- Take note of the reason the officer gave for pulling you over or searching your belongings.
- Ask to speak with a criminal defense attorney.
- Invoke your right to remain silent.
- Do not try to hide or destroy evidence.
- Follow the legal advice of your lawyer.
Contact a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Scottsdale
If you’ve been arrested or charged, our legal team is here to help. We prioritize communication, so you’ll never be left in the dark about your case.
Reach out to The Law Offices of Brandon White today.
Call or text (602) 237-6772 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form to get started.
