Introduction
The possession of illegal drugs or legal drugs without a valid prescription may lead to criminal drug charges. In the United States, illegal drugs are federally categorized into schedule classes I (1) through V (5), with schedule I drugs being the most severe and schedule V drugs being the least.
Penalties for drug crimes depend on the drug’s type, quantity in possession, and whether the individual is suspected of manufacturing, distributing, trafficking, or fraudulently obtaining the drug without a prescription. In Arizona, the law regarding drug crimes is very explicit, and anyone found with drugs may face felony drug possession charges.
Given the gravity of the offense, a robust defense is necessary to mitigate or dismiss potential fines and jail time resulting from a conviction. If you are facing drug charges in Arizona, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a skilled Peoria drug crime defense attorney to mount a strong defense.
Drug Crime Laws in Peoria, Arizona
In Arizona, the law regarding prohibited drugs has been subject to updates and modifications. The state categorizes controlled dangerous substances (CDS) many groups, which include marijuana, dangerous drugs, prescription drugs, peyote, narcotic drugs, and illegal substances that emit toxic vapors.
The law now specifies different types and quantities of drugs that are prohibited, along with their corresponding penalties. Additionally, the law allows for enhancement of charges based upon the drug type, quantity, purpose, etc. For instance, if you possess an amount of a drug that exceeds its statutory weight threshold, you are presumed to be selling that drug. These threshold levels include:
- 2 pounds of marijuana
- 9 grams of amphetamine
- 9 grams of methamphetamine
- 9 grams of cocaine
- 4 grams of PCP
- 1 gram of heroin
Additionally, the presumption of sales can lead to more severe punishment for individuals convicted of drug crimes.
Dangerous Drug Charges in Peoria
Peoria state law recognizes several chemical compounds as dangerous drugs. Simply stated, such an offense has the potential to significantly compromise an individual’s health or well-being. Dangerous drugs include substances like mushrooms, methamphetamine and PCP. Possessing, manufacturing or trafficking these dangerous drugs carries severe penalties that must be observed and respected. Possession of dangerous drugs can result in a class 4 felony charge punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. Penalties escalate if more than nine grams of methamphetamine is found, increasing to class 2 felonies that carry prison terms up to 12.5 years and $150,000 fines.
Narcotics Charges in Peoria
Narcotics are also statutorily defined and organized based upon their chemical makeup. Most people think of these drugs as those that are derived from opium, including heroin, morphine, and codeine. The penalties for narcotics offenses in Peoria are some of the most severe. Possession of a narcotic drug can result in a class 4 felony, punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. Similar to dangerous drugs, if the threshold is exceeded it can result in a class 2 felony, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years and a $150,000 fine. Trafficking narcotics can also result in harsh penalties. For example, trafficking more a narcotic drug is a class 2 felony, which could lead to a prison sentence of up to 12.5 years and a $150,000 fine.
Marijuana Charges in Peoria
Possession, use, and distribution of marijuana are illegal under federal law; however, several states such as Arizona have legalized it for medical and/or recreational use. Even where marijuana use and distribution are legalized there are still restrictions limiting its use and distribution – in Peoria for instance possession with intent to sell could lead to a class 2 felony and 12.5 years in prison as well as a $150,000 fine; transporting or producing marijuana could incur class 5 felony to class 2 felony penalties depending on its quantity involved.
Drug crime penalties in Peoria can be harsh regardless of the drug involved, which makes enlisting the aid of an experienced defense attorney for defense against drug charges a necessity. An attorney can help explain what penalties you could be subject to while building an effective case for protecting your rights and liberties.
Peoria Most Trusted Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with a drug crime, time is of the essence. At our Peoria, Arizona location, our team of dedicated defense attorneys has vast experience in defending alleged drug crime offenders. Speak with a JacksonWhite defense attorney today to discuss your case.
Call the Peoria JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
