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Scottsdale Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

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.

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.

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Charges for Drug Crimes Can Be Extensive in Arizona

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.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Arizona

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:

  • Personal possession or use of a narcotic drug: Class 4 felony, punishable with up to 2.5 years in jail and/or $750 in fines.
  • Possession of a narcotic drug for sale or distribution: Class 2 felony, punishable with 5 years in jail and/or $750 in fines.
  • Possession of equipment or chemicals to manufacture a narcotic drug: Class 3 felony, punishable with 3.5 years in jail and/or $750 in fines.
  • Manufacture of a narcotic drug: Class 2 felony, punishable with 5 years in jail and/or $750 in fines.
  • Transportation of a narcotic drug to sell: Class 2 felony, punishable with 5 years in jail and/or $750 in fines.

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.

Drug Crime Charges Demand an Aggressive Defense

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.

Can You Get a DUI for Prescription Drugs?

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.

Common Defenses for a Scottsdale Drug Crime

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:

  • Unlawful search and seizure
  • Civil rights violations during your arrest
  • The substance in question is not a drug
  • Missing or lost drugs
  • Mistakes made in the chain of evidence
  • Insufficient evidence
  • The drugs were not yours
  • The drugs were planted
  • Entrapment
  • Medical marijuana exception

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.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

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.

Discuss Your Drug Charge With a Scottsdale Criminal Defense Attorney

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make for your future. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to hire an attorney as opposed to handling the case without a lawyer. First, some personal injury cases involve complex legal concepts that may be difficult for you to understand if you don’t have a legal background.

Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.

Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.

Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.

If you have been injured, hiring a personal injury attorney is one of the best decisions that you can make for your future. There are a number of reasons why it is beneficial to hire an attorney as opposed to handling the case without a lawyer. First, some personal injury cases involve complex legal concepts that may be difficult for you to understand if you don’t have a legal background.

Personal injury attorneys can also ensure that you accurately calculate the value of your claim. If you have sustained a serious injury that will continue to affect your life in the future, it can be very difficult to calculate how much you will need to cover medical expenses and lost wages in the future. But if you don’t calculate this accurately, you may end up accepting a settlement that does not cover all of your expenses. Don’t make this mistake – let an attorney analyze your case and help you determine the true value of your claim.

Personal injury lawyers can also handle the negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are notorious for their attempts to get victims to accept unfair settlements or admit fault for the accident that caused their injuries. Saying the wrong thing to an adjuster could impact the rest of your case, which is why it’s so important to let an attorney speak to the insurance company on your behalf.

Having an attorney by your side is crucial if your case ends up going to trial. Most personal injury cases can be settled outside of the courtroom, but this is never guaranteed. You will need an attorney who can handle your case regardless of where it ends up. For these reasons – and so many more – it is crucial that you work with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.

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