{"id":17075,"date":"2019-10-21T14:17:54","date_gmt":"2019-10-21T21:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?p=17075"},"modified":"2024-09-19T14:49:18","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T21:49:18","slug":"first-offense-felony-drug-charge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/first-offense-felony-drug-charge\/","title":{"rendered":"Consequences for a First Offense Felony Drug Charge in Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arizona is a state with some of the strictest laws regulating the possession of drugs and narcotics which can be legally used, as well as the drugs that can never be used or in your possession. In an effort to ensure that the strict laws regarding drugs are clear, Arizona has published<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/az\/title-13-criminal-code\/az-rev-st-sect-13-3401.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> detailed lists<\/a> outlining the types and quantities of drugs that are prohibited in the state, as well as the punishment that corresponds to the possession of each drug.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This strictness in the laws is believed by many to exist as a form of protection for Arizonans from the terrible side effects and dangers that surround many harmful drugs. However, this strict view on drugs also leads to harsh penalties and even incarceration for many unknowing individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Criteria for Felony Offense Drug Charge in Arizona:<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession or use of a prohibited drug, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, and marijuana in certain cases, with intent to use or sell.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use or sell.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sale or distribution of prohibited drugs, including narcotics and dangerous drugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Manufacturing or producing prohibited drugs, including narcotics and dangerous drugs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Transporting or importing prohibited drugs, including narcotics, dangerous drugs, and marijuana in certain cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession or use of prohibited drugs within a designated drug-free school zone or public housing project.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession or use of prohibited drugs while armed with a deadly weapon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Repeat drug offenses or prior convictions for drug-related crimes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Determining if the Drug Possession Charge is a Felony<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drug possession charges differ widely depending on several important variables in Arizona; charges depend on factors like the type and quantity of drugs present as well as how they were intended to be used.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Variables allow judges to be flexible and fair in their sentencing as they can take into account individual facts when making a sound decision instead of employing a cookie-cutter approach. A great example of how variable &#8220;type&#8221; impacts charges would be the disparate charges between marijuana and methamphetamine use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of Marijuana\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Arizona has legalized medical marijuana, yet recreational use remains illegal in the state. Arizona may classify marijuana differently than other drugs, but possession without valid medical authorization remains illegal and penalties for possession will vary based on weight and circumstances of each case.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of Methamphetamine<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For drugs considered to be dangerous, such as methamphetamine, the charges are much more severe and there is often little to no leniency that can be offered by a judge. Possession of methamphetamine is a felony that comes with both mandatory and maximum prison time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Due to the complex differences in drug categories and the major impact the charges surrounding the illegal possession of drugs can have on your life, it is extremely important to hire a competent and experienced defense attorney to assist you with your legal matter ASAP.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Difference Between Drugs and Narcotics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Unlike drugs, which are illegal in every form (except for marijuana), narcotics,\u00a0 commonly referred to as opioids, can be legally obtained and kept in your possession so long as they were obtained with a valid prescription from a doctor. Even though narcotics can be legal to possess, their addictive nature has caused them to be heavily regulated in an effort to prevent abuse but this heavy regulation has lead to harsh charges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Narcotics Possession<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Due to tight regulation, possession of the following common narcotics without a prescription is a felony in the state of Arizona according to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.azleg.gov\/ars\/13\/03408.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">A.R.S. 13-3408<\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Methadone<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vicodin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Percacet<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Xanax<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Codeine<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Morphine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you are found to be in possession of an illegal narcotic, A.R.S 13-3408 outlines the following penalties:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession or use of a narcotic drug \u2013 Class 4 Felony<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of a narcotic drug for sale \u2013 Class 2 Felony<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of equipment or chemicals, or both, for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug \u2013 Class 3 Felony<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/services\/possession-narcotic-drugs\/\">Narcotic possession charges<\/a> are not taken lightly in Arizona, and unlike a first time offense for drugs, such as marijuana, the first offense with possession of a narcotic is a felony and has serious consequences. Due to the wide range of potential consequences stemming from a narcotic related arrest, it is recommended to contact a skilled Arizona criminal defense attorney to ensure you receive the best sentencing available.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Possession of Drugs or Narcotic with Intent to Sell<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The third variable used to determine the charge for possession of a drug or narcotic is the intended use. More often the not, the amount police find helps them to determine the intended use; small amounts are seen as personal use, while large amounts are viewed to be possessed with an \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/statelaws.findlaw.com\/arizona-law\/arizona-drug-distribution-laws.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">intent to sell<\/a>.\u201d If it is determined that the possession of drugs is with an intent to sell, the charges become more severe and a felony conviction warrants serious jail time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">FAQ about Felony Drug Charges in Arizona<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Q: What is a dangerous drug charge?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In Arizona, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/services\/possession-dangerous-drugs\/\">dangerous drug<\/a> is any drug or narcotic other than marijuana and possession of a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Q: Is drug possession a felony in Arizona?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Drug possessions are considered to be felonies in the state of Arizona, however depending on the type, amount and intent, the charge can be lowered to a misdemeanor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Q: What is the penalty for possession of narcotics?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Narcotics are extremely addictive drugs, and therefore they are highly regulated. All narcotics charges are a felony.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Receive Help with a Felony Drug Charge in Arizona<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have been arrested on charges of drug trafficking or the intent to sell, these charges are serious enough to require a mandatory prison sentence for first-time offenders. Without an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney fighting for your freedom, you could face a long prison sentence and a heavy fine that can potentially devastate your finances for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at <a href=\"tel:4804184281\">(480) 418-4281<\/a> to discuss your case today.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Arizona is a state with some of the strictest laws regulating the possession of drugs and narcotics which can be legally used, as well as the drugs that can never be used or in your possession. In an effort to ensure that the strict laws regarding drugs are clear, Arizona has published detailed lists outlining [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[2165],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17075","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-drug-crimes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.9 - 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