A criminal charge on your permanent record can impact your ability to get a job, and in some instances even your ability to get a loan for a home or higher education. When you are facing a criminal charge in Scottsdale for a drug crime, it is essential to put forward the best possible defense in your favor to protect both your freedom and your reputation.
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The dedicated Scottsdale drug crime defense attorneys from The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer are standing by to review your case.
The charges that might emerge due to drug crimes can be substantial, with even a first-time narcotic drug charge holding the potential of up to three years of imprisonment. While you might think that the possession of just drug paraphernalia is not a major charge, it is in fact a class 6 felony and could lead to up to 1.5 years in prison. The transportation of drugs in Arizona can be charged as a class 2, 3, or 6 felony, and could lead to maximum prison sentences ranging from 1.5 to 10 years.
Arizona has an aggressive narcotics enforcement program put in place by the Arizona DPS Criminal Investigation Division. Drug crimes in the state are aggressively targeted by law enforcement through complex investigations of groups and individuals who use, manufacture, sell, or distribute controlled substances. By the time you face a charge, there could be significant evidence against you, but all of that evidence must meet the legal standards that are relevant to it, something your attorney covers for you.
Arizona has some of the harshest penalties for drug crimes in America. Most drug crimes are penalized using a chart that is organized according to the type of offense allegedly committed. While each case is unique and it is ultimately up to a judge to decide a defendant’s sentence, below are common penalties for different types of drug crime convictions in Arizona:
These penalties can be increased if you are facing multiple charges, which is common in drug crime cases. Criminal sentencing involves a number of factors, including the group of controlled substance involved, the severity of the crime, whether the drug offense involved violence or bodily injury, and if the defendant has a prior criminal record. A criminal defense attorney will advise you on the best way forward for your specific case to protect you from the worst possible criminal consequences.
When you are facing criminal charges, the best possible scenario is to have the charges dismissed, or at least the charges reduced. The prosecution can only pursue charges that they can prove each and every element of in court. When you have an experienced Scottsdale drug crime attorney on your case, you can rest assured that the prosecution’s case will be challenged at every step. The benefit of your experienced attorney is knowledge, both of prior cases and the local courts themselves, and this can lead to a better outcome in your case.
Yes. The crime of driving under the influence in Arizona does not only apply to controlled substances. It is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated by any drug, including prescription medications given to you by your doctor. Prescription medications come with warning labels if they could be dangerous for the patient to operate heavy machinery after taking the drug. It is a driver’s responsibility to heed these warnings and avoid driving after taking a prescription drug that may induce dizziness, drowsiness or other side effects that can impact driving ability.
While you may not face charges for other drug crimes – such as possession of an illegal narcotic drug – upon being arrested for a DUI involving prescription drugs, you can still face the same penalties as you would with a typical DUI. These can include jail time, hefty fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, a mandatory ignition interlock device and community service. Contact a DUI defense lawyer in Scottsdale as soon as possible if you are facing this type of criminal charge.
The strength of your defense could be all that stands between you and life-changing criminal consequences for a drug crime in Scottsdale. The right defense strategy will depend on your specific case and circumstances, such as the types of evidence the prosecution has against you and your criminal record. Potential defense options may include:
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to drug crime defense. A strong defense strategy is tailored to each unique situation. An attorney from the Law Offices of John Phebus can personalize your defense to achieve optimal results.
If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today and connect with one of our highly experienced Glendale criminal defense attorneys.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the most serious penalties assessed for drug crimes in Arizona and minimize your sentence as much as possible. This is especially important if you are facing life-altering penalties, such as time spent in jail or prison. Even if case dismissal or acquittal is not possible, your lawyer can protect you from the most severe consequences by negotiating a plea deal on your behalf.
When it comes time to consider which attorney to choose to represent you, it is important to ensure that your attorney has experience handling cases like yours. It is equally important that he or she has experience handling them in your local courts. Each court has different judges who will expect things to be done in a certain way. To ensure that your case is processed as effectively and efficiently as possible, working with an experienced attorney can be extremely helpful.
Reach out to schedule a consultation or call (623) 400-5675 to discuss options on how the experienced Scottsdale drug charge attorneys from The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer can help.
John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help. Years of experience: +30 years Linkedin Profile: John Allen Phebus Client Reviews John is an expert at what he does. If you need a great lawyer, he’s the one to call. He will guide you through difficult times with ease. His communication is excellent, always keeping you informed every step of the way. I’m grateful to have had John as my lawyer now I can move forward and leave this behind me. I highly recommend him 100%, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you, John, for your dedication and hard work! GBP Review: Luis ChavezJohn Allen Phebus – Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney
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In Scottsdale, there are several common drug charges that individuals can face. These charges include possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, manufacturing, and drug paraphernalia. Each charge comes with its own set of penalties, which can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved.
Arizona law categorizes controlled substances into six different schedules. Schedule I drugs are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule VI drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and accepted medical use. The classification of a drug into a specific schedule determines the severity of the penalties associated with possessing, distributing, or manufacturing that substance.
A skilled Scottsdale drug crime defense attorney can help reduce or dismiss charges in several ways. First, they can thoroughly analyze the evidence and determine if there were any procedural errors or constitutional rights violations during the arrest or investigation. If so, they can file a motion to suppress the evidence, which may lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea deal that may result in reduced charges or penalties. They can also challenge the credibility of witnesses or the reliability of forensic tests, which can weaken the prosecution’s case. With their experience and knowledge of the law, a drug crime defense attorney can build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances of the case.
Effective defense strategies in drug crime cases in Scottsdale vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. However, some common defense strategies include challenging the legality of search and seizure, proving lack of knowledge or intent, asserting entrapment, disputing the credibility of witnesses, and questioning the chain of custody of evidence.
Working with a knowledgeable Scottsdale drug crime defense attorney is crucial in determining the most effective defense strategy for your case.
In Arizona, drug diversion and treatment programs are designed to provide individuals charged with drug offenses the opportunity to address their substance abuse issues rather than facing incarceration. These programs typically involve a combination of drug counseling, education, and regular drug testing.
If an individual successfully completes the program, the charges against them may be dismissed. Drug diversion and treatment programs offer an alternative to traditional sentencing and aim to rehabilitate individuals rather than simply punishing them.
If someone is arrested for a drug-related offense in Scottsdale, it is crucial for them to seek immediate legal representation. Contacting a Scottsdale drug crime defense attorney with experience in handling drug crime cases is the first step towards protecting their rights and building a strong defense.
It is important for individuals to exercise their right to remain silent and refrain from providing any statements or information to the police without the presence of an attorney. An attorney will guide them through the legal process, protect their rights, and work toward the best possible outcome in their case.
Prior criminal history can have an impact on drug crime charges in Scottsdale. If an individual has a prior conviction for a drug-related offense, their penalties may be enhanced, resulting in longer prison sentences and higher fines. Additionally, a prior criminal history can affect the availability of certain diversion or treatment programs.
However, having a prior criminal history does not mean that an individual is automatically guilty of the current drug crime charges. With the help of a skilled Scottsdale drug crime defense attorney, individuals with prior criminal history can still mount a strong defense and work towards the best possible outcome in their case.
