Put a Team of Experienced Drug Possession Lawyers on Your Side
If you have been charged with drug possession, it is crucial to contact a Tucson drug possession lawyer as soon as possible. At Suzuki Law Offices, we have the experience necessary to help you fight your charges. We know that drug possession charges can be complicated and involve a number of different factors. If you are facing drug possession charges, you need to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you navigate the criminal justice system.
What is Drug Possession in Arizona?
In Arizona, drug possession refers to the illegal possession or control of controlled substances, prescription drugs, or other prohibited substances as defined by state and federal laws. Drug possession laws in Arizona are governed by the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), primarily in Title 13, Chapter 34, which covers drug offenses.
Simple drug possession occurs when an individual knowingly possesses a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This can apply to various drugs, including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription medications (if not prescribed to the possessor), and more.
Arizona law classifies drugs into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse and may have accepted medical uses. Possession of drugs from any schedule without a valid prescription can result in criminal charges.
Simple Possession vs. Possession with Intent: What is the Difference?
Simple drug possession involves an individual knowingly possessing a controlled substance for personal use without any apparent intention to distribute, sell, or transfer the drugs to others. The key element here is that the person possesses the drugs for personal consumption, medical use (if they have a valid prescription), or other non-commercial purposes.
On the other hand, possession with intent to distribute or sell means that the individual possessed controlled substances with the intent to distribute, sell, or otherwise transfer them to others. This charge implies that the drugs were not solely for personal use but for commercial purposes.
Law enforcement often relies on various factors to establish intent, such as the quantity of drugs in possession, the presence of packaging materials, scales, cash, or other indicators of drug trafficking. The intent to sell or distribute can be inferred from these circumstances.
Possession with intent to distribute is typically treated as a more serious offense than simple possession. Penalties are often more severe and may include substantial fines, probation, mandatory minimum sentences, and imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of the case.
Let Us Defend You Today
Suzuki Law Offices can help you fight your drug possession charges and protect your rights. We have years of experience defending the rights of Tucson residents who have been accused of a wide range of drug crimes, including possession.
When you choose us to represent you, you can expect:
- Expert Legal Guidance: Our attorneys will provide you with clear and concise legal advice, explaining your rights and options throughout the legal process.
- Aggressive Defense: We will use every available legal strategy to challenge the evidence against you, including questioning the validity of search and seizure procedures.
- Negotiation Skills: If appropriate, we will negotiate with the prosecution to secure reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, such as drug diversion programs.
- Courtroom Experience: Our lawyers are seasoned litigators who are not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary, aggressively advocating for your rights in the courtroom.
- Compassionate Support: We understand that facing drug possession charges can be emotionally and mentally taxing. Our team will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Our team has a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and knows how to help you protect yourself from the potentially life-altering consequences of a conviction. When you work with our firm, you can be confident that we will put all of our resources into helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form