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 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.
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 can help.
