{"id":19350,"date":"2022-07-06T22:02:43","date_gmt":"2022-07-07T05:02:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?page_id=19350"},"modified":"2023-11-20T17:10:41","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T00:10:41","slug":"narcotic-drugs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/mesa\/narcotic-drugs\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesa Narcotic Drug Crimes Attorney"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Which Substances Count as Narcotics?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Penalties for Narcotic Drugs in Mesa<\/h2>\n

Possession:<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Selling or Distributing Narcotic Drugs:<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Manufacturing:<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

*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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Drug Court in Maricopa County<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 it will be become a misdemeanor.<\/p>\n

Those who are eligible for Drug Court are:<\/p>\n