Have You Been Charged With Drug Possession in Arizona?

Everything You Need to Know About Drug Possession in Scottsdale, Arizona

A person who has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, narcotics, prescription pills, or dangerous drug in Scottsdale Arizona receives serious consequences. It doesn’t end here as a law enforcement agency tries its best to look for drug evidence or paraphernalia to put the maximum charges on the alleged offender. Most of the charges are related to serious offenses like drug trafficking with the selling intent.

It is worth mentioning that if you’re charged with drug possession; your charges don’t necessarily lead to a conviction. The public prosecutor needs to prove that you have committed the offense of drug possession and were selling beyond any reasonable doubt.

However, if the public prosecutor fails to show proof of your involvement in the drug possession; the court may dismiss or reduce the charges against you.

That is to say, you must seek the assistance of a qualified drug defense lawyer such as Arizona Criminal Lawyer to make a legal strategy for you.

Controlled Substances H&S Code ARS §13-3401 Covers

Here is a list of drugs or controlled substances that are not allowed to keep or sell under the Health and Safety code in Scottsdale.

• Opium Derivative and Opiates: Desomorphine, Codeine Methylbromide, Heroin, methyl bromide, Morphine, methyl bromide, Nicocodeine, Hydrocodone (Vicodin), Oxycodone and Dihydrocodeine, Hallucinogenic Substances: Marijuana, Mescaline, Dimethoxy-Amphetamine, Gamma hydroxybutyric acid, Cocaine, Peyote, Psilocybin, Fenethylline, Cocaine base, Ethyl amphetamine,
• Stimulants: Methamphetamine, Amphetamine, Benzphetamine, Dimethylamphetamine, and Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
• Depressants:  In any mixture, including Phenylcyclohexyl Piperidine, Amobarbital, phenyl cyclohexyl Morpholine (PCM), Lysergic acid, Piperidinocyclohexane Carbonitrile (PCC)
• Steroids: In any mixture including Dihydromesterone, Androisoxazole, Testosterone, Nandrolone, Ketamine, Chorionic Gonadotropin

Dangerous Drug Possession in Arizona

Under ARS §13-3407, the possession of dangerous drugs is prohibited. In addition to that, the law charges offender for;

• Possessing drugs for sale
• Possessing supplies and chemicals used to make drugs
• Manufacturing illicit drugs
• Administering illicit drugs to someone
• Obtaining illicit drugs by “deceit, fraud, or misrepresentation”
• Transporting illicit drugs into or within Scottsdale, Arizona

As mentioned above, the ARS §13-3401 clearly outlines illicit drugs into different categories. The list may include anything from meth, mescaline, drugs that have depressant effects on the nervous system to anabolic steroids.

Note that with any illicit drug the use or possession in any form including chemical compounds, isomers, and salts may lead to legal consequences.

Punishment in Scottsdale, AZ for Dangerous Drug Possession

The use or possession of any dangerous and illicit drug in Scottsdale, AZ comes in class 4 felony. But if the possessor hasn’t been passed any felony convictions and the drug he had was not a type of amphetamine or meth, the act may be classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

If the defendant qualifies for Proposition 200 under Arizona laws, he/she will go through a probation period instead of prison time. In addition to that, drug possession for sale, creating substance, or administering them to others fall in class 2 felony.

Transferring or transporting a dangerous substance is a class 2 felony. Supplying chemicals to make meth also counts as a class 2 felony in Arizona. However, possessing chemicals to make drugs and procuring them by fraud are class 3 felony.

For class 4 felony, you can face probation, one-year jail, or 1 to 3 years in prison. Keep that in mind all these ranges may vary depending on your first felony convictions. The punishment you get for class 2 and 3 felonies is more severe compared to class 4 felonies.

If you’re a first-time offender, you have an option to complete a substance abuse treatment program. Treatment Assessment Screening Center (TASC), for instance, is a diversion program that uses rehabilitation strategies to help the offender recover from the substance abuse.

Whether you’re a first-time offender or have faced a drug possession case, it is better to gain hands-on knowledge on punishment and penalties for possessing or using the dangerous drugs. You can also learn from assets forfeiture in Arizona.

What Happens When You’re Arrested for Drug Possession

If you’re arrested for possessing drugs, the police in Scottsdale process the case immediately. You have to attend an allegation/arraignment hearing at court.

During the legal proceeding in court, the judge advises your rights- legal counsel, fair trial, and right to deny the charges. You will have the right to the plea of “not guilty” or guilty. You can also plead no contest if you want.

You can request a bail for your release from temporary jail during your allegation hearing. If the judge grants you the bail, you can avoid staying in a cell.

Why You Need to Hire an Experienced Attorney to Deal with Drug Charges

Whether it is narcotics or another type of drug substance, you need the expertise of a qualified and experienced attorney to help you deal with the charges. We say this because; only an experienced drug lawyer can present your case in your best interest.

The qualified attorney takes every step to give you the available defense to minimize your case’s impact and reduce punishment and penalties. Your lawyer can also help you with several other charges such as marijuana possession.

Typically, the lawyer works with a trained criminal defense team that is experienced in defending people with drug possession charges in the Scottsdale area. As drug crime is one of the most common offenses in Arizona, the team of lawyers makes sure to explore every possible avenue and legal option that can lead the case to favorable outcomes.

It puts its experience, knowledge, and skills to create the best legal strategy whether it is your first experience or you’ve dealt with prior convictions. Another reason that makes hiring a qualified and experienced attorney essential to help you with the drug charges is your lack of knowledge about the justice system in Arizona.

If it is your first time dealing with these allegations, you may find understanding the criminal justice system overwhelming. You need an attorney that specializes in criminal justice and knows the tactics to maneuver through the complex legal process that is appropriate to your case.

A good drug attorney walks you through the key steps involved in the case. He builds a defense case from the ground that works for you. An experienced attorney builds the case from the bottom. Working with a seasoned lawyer means you can rest assured that he or she has worked on plenty of similar cases like yours or the ones nearly identical to yours.

Not only experienced attorneys know how defense works but also they have the skills to use their previous cases as models to prove you right.

A good lawyer fights for your interests and helps you prove your innocence. You can seek the help of professional lawyers to dial down your charges, decrease penalties, and dismiss the case. In short, your drug attorney keeps felonies off the criminal record to help you avoid long-lasting effect on your personal life and career.

Summing Up

The article explains the laws, penalties, and punishments you should know if you have been charged with drug possession in Scottsdale, Arizona. Make sure you call your drug attorney immediately to establish your case and help you avoid the severe penalties.