Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a drug crime, such as possession or trafficking, you have a long legal road ahead of you. Our Tempe drug crime lawyers can help. 

The Tempe criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Brandon White will fight to protect your future. Our founder is a former state police officer, so we have firsthand knowledge of how investigations work. We also know how high the stakes are for you.

Reach out today to schedule a free case consultation.

What Drug Crimes Can You Be Charged With in Tempe?

The type of crime you are charged with will depend on the type and quantity of the drugs involved. Here are some of the common types of drug crime charges in Tempe:

Possession

Having illegal drugs or prescription medications without a valid prescription can result in a possession charge. Lower quantities will typically be charged as possession for personal use, while larger quantities may trigger a possession with intent to sell charge.

Manufacturing or Cultivation

This includes creating or growing drug substances for personal use or with the intent to sell.

Transportation / Trafficking of Drugs

This can include distributing or importing drugs. It can also include driving over state lines with drugs in your possession.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

If you are found with drug paraphernalia in your possession, even without the presence of drugs, you can be charged with a drug crime.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Tempe?

The penalties for drug crimes depend on the type of crime and whether it is charged as a felony or a misdemeanor. Examples include:

Marijuana Possession

Possession of over one ounce of marijuana may result in a Class 6 felony. A Class 6 felony is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of at least $2,000.

Dangerous Drugs Possession

When dangerous drugs are involved, penalties become more severe. A Class 4 felony may be punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison alongside higher fines. If this is your first offense, your lawyer may be able to have the charge reduced.

Drug Paraphernalia Possession

While this can be charged as a Class 6 felony, it may be reduced to a Class 2 misdemeanor in certain circumstances. Do you always go to jail for a felony? Not always, which is why a strong defense is essential.

Selling, Manufacturing, or Trafficking Drugs

The illicit sale of drugs is taken seriously in Arizona. If you are convicted of this type of drug crime, you may be charged with a Class 2 or Class 3 felony. With these felony charges, you can face three to over 23 years in jail.

Additional Consequences of Drug Crimes

In addition to jail time and fines, you may also face effects on your life like:

• Probation.
• Loss of professional licenses.
• Job, housing, or immigration status impacts.

How Can a Drug Crime Attorney in Tempe Help With Your Case?

Whether you’re facing prison time or are worried about the other impacts a conviction can bring, we’ll fight for the best possible outcome. Our legal team builds a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to the specifics of your case.

Our in-house investigative perspective can help us identify weaknesses in the evidence and case against you. Our staff also includes a former prosecutor, so we have insight into how these types of cases are built.

We will also protect your legal rights. What rights do criminal defendants have in Arizona? These include protections against unlawful search and seizures. If we discover that your rights were violated, we can use this to have evidence (or your case) dismissed.

What Evidence May Be Used Against You in a Drug Crime Charge?

Common types of evidence include:

• The drugs or paraphernalia found in your possession.
• Witness statements, including testimony from arresting officers.
• Your own admissions when arrested or questioned.
• Video evidence, including bodycam footage from the arrest.
• Financial documents.
• Digital communication, such as a text message setting up a drug deal.

The prosecution will need to build a strong case against you. They will also need to show your knowledge and intent with regard to the drugs.

Common Defenses

After we understand the evidence against you, we can build our defense. Some common defense themes include:

• Lack of knowledge. For example, there were drugs in your home, but they didn’t belong to you.
• Evidence was gathered unlawfully, violating your rights.
• Insufficient evidence.
• Coercion or entrapment.

What Should You Do if You Are Arrested for a Drug Crime?

If you are pulled over or arrested for a drug crime, there are some important steps to take to protect your legal rights and your defense.

You should:

• Remain calm. Do not try to argue with the officer.
• If the officer gives a reason for pulling you over, remember what was said.
• Never resist arrest. This can add additional charges.
• Ask to contact a Tempe drug crime attorney.
• Remain silent. It is your right to do so, and anything you say can be used against you.
• Cooperate with any booking procedures.
• Follow all legal restrictions placed on you by the court.
• Never attempt to destroy evidence, such as deleting text messages or computer files.

Talk to your attorney about additional actions you should take. 

Contact a Drug Crime Lawyer in Tempe Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug crime, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our legal team is here to guide you through the legal process and advocate for the best outcome in your case.

Contact The Law Offices of Brandon White today. We can get started on your case with a free consultation.