Tucson Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Drug crime charges are taken seriously. You’re likely feeling scared for your future and unsure of what legal steps you can take to protect your defense. Our Tucson drug trafficking lawyers can help.

The Tucson drug crime lawyers at The Law Offices of Brandon White have been helping clients since 2015. We will advocate for your defense and protect your legal rights.

Reach out today to schedule a free initial consultation.

What Are Drug Trafficking Charges in Tucson?

Drug trafficking is separate from drug possession for personal use in that it involves the selling, transporting, importing, or manufacturing of drugs. In some cases, a prosecutor will not need to prove that you sold drugs, only that you possessed large quantities with the intention of selling them.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be charged at the state or federal level. These charges are felonies and can carry severe penalties, including mandatory sentences in prison. Our Tucson criminal defense lawyers will fight for lesser charges and minimum sentences when possible.

What Are the Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Tucson?

What are Arizona’s drug trafficking laws? Under ARS 13-3407, drug trafficking in Arizona is typically charged as:

• • Class 3 Felony: May be used when there are smaller amounts of drugs involved with sales or transport.
• Class 2 Felony: The majority of drug trafficking charges are charged at this level in Arizona.

Felony charges bring longer prison sentences and other penalties. At the state level, these can include:

• Prison sentences of three to 10+ years.
• Fines of at least $1,000 or three times the value of the dangerous drugs involved, whichever is greater. 

Aggravating factors, including having a criminal history, can also lengthen the prison sentence and lead to larger fines. On a federal level, these penalties are even harsher, including life in prison.

How Can Our Drug Trafficking Attorneys in Tucson Help With Your Case?

When you’re dealing with drug trafficking charges, it’s easy to feel panicked. Our legal team is here to help you feel confident in your defense. We will carefully build your case and fight for your future and your freedom.

We can:

• Investigate the charges against you, challenging the prosecution’s evidence when possible.
• Gather evidence to support your defense.
• Represent you in court.
• Ensure you understand where your case stands and what’s happening with the process.
• Negotiate for a lesser sentence if necessary.

At The Law Offices of Brandon White, we provide client-focused services that are compassionate. We listen to your story and advocate for the best possible outcome for your case.

What Must the Prosecution Prove in Tucson Drug Trafficking Cases?

To convict you of a drug trafficking charge, the prosecutor must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt. These elements are:

• Knowledge: You were knowingly in possession of the drugs.
• Quantity beyond personal use: The amount of drugs involved went beyond possession for personal use.
• Intention: You intended to sell, transport, or manufacture drugs.

The prosecution builds its case with evidence like:

• Witness testimonies.
• Video footage.
• Digital communications, such as text messages about the drugs or their sale.
• The controlled substances found in your possession.
• Proof of financial transactions.
• Your own admissions.
• Forensic evidence, such as your fingerprints on baggies.
• Drug paraphernalia found in your possession, such as bags or scales for selling controlled substances.

Depending on your case, we may be able to challenge some kinds of evidence. Your rights as a criminal defendant in Arizona include protections against unreasonable search and seizures. If an officer did not have probable cause or a warrant when evidence was found, then we may challenge whether that evidence can be used against you. 

Potential Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Tucson

Our Tucson drug trafficking attorneys will carefully build your defense. We may use defenses like:

• Lack of knowledge: Drugs were in your vehicle or home, but you had no knowledge they were there because others use the vehicle or live with you.
• Lack of intent: You had the drugs solely for personal use.
• Violation of your rights: The arresting officer did not have probable cause.
• Coercion: You were operating under duress, such as holding the drugs for someone who had threatened you.

Evidence we may use in your defense includes:

• Witness statements.
• Messages where you were being threatened or otherwise coerced.
• Bodycam footage from the arresting officer.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Arrested for Drug Trafficking in Tucson?

If you are pulled over or an officer comes to your door, it’s easy to feel scared and not be sure what the right thing to do is. Some helpful actions that can protect your legal rights and your case include:

• Remember the reason for the arrest or pulling you over that was given by the officer. 
• Be polite. 
• Do not argue with the officer or try to resist arrest. 
• Ask to speak to a criminal defense attorney.
• Exercise your right to remain silent. Remember that any statements, even if you believe they are made in your defense, can be used against you as evidence.
• Cooperate with the booking process.
• Follow the legal guidance of your lawyer.
• Adhere to any restrictions placed on you by the court, such as the terms of your bail.
• Do not try to hide or destroy evidence.

Contact a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Tucson

Being arrested is frightening, but you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug trafficking charges, reach out to The Law Offices of Brandon White.

We will start working on your case from day one. Schedule a free initial consultation today.