Possession of marijuana in Arizona is typically charged as a class 6 felony. If the marijuana is found with other paraphernalia such as a pipe, an additional class 6 felony would be charged for possession of that paraphernalia. If you were pulled over for a DUI after smoking marijuana, then you will likely be charged with a DUI Drugs wherein your license can be suspended for 1 year and you could be facing jail and large fines.
Depending on how the case is processed and your past criminal history, if any, you may be given an opportunity to get rid of the drug charges through testing clean as part of the TASC program. You should consult with an attorney about whether or not you qualify for the TASC program and how to best handle your case.
Have a question regarding a possession charge? Contact criminal defense attorney Jeremy Geigle for a free consultation regarding your question. Or you can reach Jeremy directly at (480) 818-9943.
My son, 25, was a passenger in a van pulled over for a traffic stop while driving through AZ (he is a California resident). The officer said he smelled marijuana and conducted a search of the passengers in the van. My son had a marijuana grinder in a back pack with a miniscule amount of pot (less than a bowl-full). The officer issued him a citation, a misdeameanor in the county they were in, but the officer also told him it is a felony in AZ. before letting them resume their trip. After doing a bit of on-line research, it appears first offenders can be reduced to misdeameanor possession at the court’s discretion, and pay a fine for both the pot and the paraphanalia. If we engage your services, does he have to return to AZ or can this be done in absentia? He is not eager to have a felony on his background checks for employment, but how can he complete the TASC program to AZ’s satisfaction should they allow that? What are your fees for this type case? Thank you.
Dear Nancy,
Depending on which court your son’s case is in, or which judge is handling it, he may or may not have to come back to Arizona to deal with the charges against him. I encourage you to call us at 480-818-9943 to discuss the details of his case with our attorney. Our first initial phone or in-person consultation is free.
Thank you for your comment, we look forward to assisting you and your son with this matter.
JacksonWhite Criminal Defense Team