Introduction
If you’re facing charges for a narcotic drug offense in Mesa, Arizona, you may be facing serious consequences, including hefty fines and possible imprisonment. With the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney, you may be able to build a strong defense and potentially avoid conviction or minimize the penalties imposed. In this article, we will discuss narcotic drug offenses in Mesa and what you can do to protect your rights and freedom.
Which Substances Count as Narcotics?
Narcotics refer to a specific class of drugs that includes opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, and various prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone. These substances are highly regulated and any unauthorized possession, distribution, or use can result in serious legal consequences.
Penalties for Narcotic Drugs in Mesa
Possession:
Simply possessing cocaine, heroin, or prescription opioids can result in a Class 4 felony charge and penalties that include up to 3.75 years in jail and fines up to $150,000.
Selling or Distributing Narcotic Drugs:
Engaging in the sale or distribution of narcotic drugs may result in Class 2 felonies with penalties that include up to 12.5 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
Manufacturing:
Narcotic drug production can also result in Class 2 felonies. Penalties for manufacturing range up to 12.5 years in prison and fines can go as high as $150,000, as can aggravating factors.
*Selling drugs to minors or selling near schools may result in enhanced penalties, while violations that took place within a drug-free zone or have prior convictions may bring even harsher sanctions.
Drug Court in Maricopa County
Many drug offense cases begin in what was called Drug Court. Nowadays, the court system that handles these cases is referred to as Early Disposition Court or EDC. These courts try to expedite cases and will only provide you with one or two continuances at most. The goal of this court is to quickly move your case through the system. Understandably, it is critical that you quickly hire an experienced attorney so that you get the best possible outcome.
This drug court will have certain qualified individuals attend a one year program. Through this program, individuals must complete all requirements to graduate. Upon graduation, the individual is discharged from probation and if the offense is an undesignated one – it will be become a misdemeanor.
Those who are eligible for Drug Court are:
- Probation eligible drug related felonies with at least two years’ probation
- Scored as a medium-high or high risk on the OST/FROST and spiked 67% or higher on the drug domain
- Has a history of moderate to severe substance abuse
- Must reside in the Drug Court supervision area
JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.
From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.
JacksonWhite Mesa Office
Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.
The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
