Phoenix Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer
Trust Lawyers With Decades of Criminal Defense Experience
In Arizona, possession of marijuana is a lower-level felony offense. If you do not have a prior criminal history of drug crimes, you may qualify for a diversion program such as TASC. On the other hand, possession for sale is a heavier offense with more severe penalties. If you are convicted, you may face a mandatory prison term of three to twelve and a half years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. It is vital that you have the right Phoenix drug crime attorney on your side.
When the unexpected hits, you should not have to figure out the next step alone. Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7 to listen, explain your options clearly, and bring focused, professional advocacy to your side. Call now for a free consultation and put a team in your corner that stays with you from the first conversation through the outcome.
"*" indicates required fields
Deferred Prosecution Programs for First-Time Offenders
First-time drug offenders who are arrested with a small amount of marijuana are typically eligible to participate in an adult deferred prosecution program. If your record is clean, meaning you have not been convicted of a prior drug offense, we can usually work with the court to have the drug charges against you dropped once you complete a Treatment Assessment Screening Center (TASC) program. The TASC will typically recommend that the charges against you be dropped.
Penalties for Marijuana Possession, Cultivation & Sale
In Arizona, consequences related to marijuana can be broken down into penalties for possession, cultivation, possession for sale, and sale or delivery for sale. In federal cases, sentencing can be more complicated depending on whether conspiracy, fraud, or money laundering charges are entered against a defendant as well. Penalties include the following:
- Marijuana possession –
- Under 2 pounds: 6 to 18 months in jail or prison; a fine between $750 and $150,000
- 2 to 4 pounds: 9 to 24 months in jail or prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000
- More than 4 pounds: 18 months to 3 years in prison; $750 to $150,000
- Marijuana cultivation –
- Under 2 pounds: 9 to 24 months in jail or prison; a fine between $750 and $150,000
- 2 to 4 pounds: 18 months to 3 years in prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000
- More than 4 pounds: 2.5 to 7 years in prison; $750 to $150,000
- Marijuana possession with intent to distribute –
- Under 2 pounds: 18 months to 3 years in prison; a fine between $750 and $150,000
- 2 to 4 pounds: 2.5 to 7 years in prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000
- More than 4 pounds: 4 to 10 years in prison; $750 to $150,000
- Sale of marijuana –
- Under 2 pounds: 2.5 to 7 years in prison; a fine between $750 and $150,000
- 2 pounds or more: 4 to 10 years in prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000
Former State & Federal Prosecutor on Your Side
Our founding attorney, Richard Suzuki, was both a state and federal prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office. He gained invaluable experience of how prosecutors build their cases and convict drug offenders.
Our firm acts quickly to weaken the government’s case while working to secure the most favorable outcome. We have the experience to fight the charges against you. If you’ve been arrested for selling or possessing marijuana, contact our Phoenix drug possession lawyers at Suzuki Law Offices today and schedule a free, no-risk consultation.
What to Do After an Arrest – Call Us for a FREE Case Evaluation
If you were arrested for a marijuana-related Phoenix drug offense, speak with a Phoenix drug crime lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices today. We offer free case evaluations to help our clients understand their rights and options. To learn more, call our office now to schedule your first meeting. You can also reach us online through our free consultation form.
Enhanced Penalties for Marijuana Possession
If you are convicted for possessing marijuana in Arizona, you face substantial fines, prison time, and a permanent criminal record.
Additionally, there are a number of enhancements that could increase the penalties against you, including:
- If someone was killed
- If a gun was involved
- If you were arrested near a school
If the prosecution believes that one of these situations applies to your case, you could face additional fines and prison time. At Suzuki Law Offices, we have defended countless clients at state and federal levels in marijuana possession and trafficking cases.
Our defense lawyers in Phoenix work regularly with private investigators to track down witnesses, check into the background of arresting officers, and expose dishonest or corrupt informants.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.
Is Marijuana Legal in Arizona?
Marijuana is legal in Arizona for adults aged 21 and older, but that does not mean every form of possession, use, or sale is allowed. State law permits limited recreational use, while still keeping many actions illegal.
If you are facing questions about possession, use, transportation, or sales, the details of the situation matter. Even when marijuana is legal in Arizona in some settings, police and prosecutors may still pursue charges tied to quantity, intent, or public conduct.
Is Marijuana Illegal in Arizona for Recreational Use?
Recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona for adults who are at least 21 years old. Under state law, an adult may possess a limited amount of marijuana and use it in ways allowed by statute. That said, legalization does not create a free pass for any amount, any location, or any conduct involving weed.
Arizona law generally allows an adult to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, with no more than five grams in the form of marijuana concentrate.
If a person has more than the legal limit, or if officers believe there was an intent to sell or distribute, criminal charges may still follow. These potential charges are one reason people still ask whether weed is legal in Arizona, because the answer depends on the facts. A lawyer can tell you more about Arizona weed laws.
How Much Marijuana Can You Legally Have in Arizona?
Adults 21 and older can legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana in Arizona, and that amount can include up to five grams of concentrate. Possession above those limits can expose you to criminal allegations. The quantity involved often shapes how a case is charged and defended.
For medical marijuana patients, different rules may apply under Arizona’s medical marijuana system. A qualifying patient may lawfully possess more than a recreational user in some situations, depending on card status and applicable regulations. If police believe the amount exceeds what the law permits, they may still make an arrest.
Is It Legal to Smoke Marijuana in Arizona?
It’s legal to smoke cannabis in Arizona as long as you’re over the age of 21 and meet any other qualifying guidelines. An attorney can give you more information about the legality of smoking weed in Arizona.
Can You Drive After Using Marijuana in Arizona?
You cannot legally drive while impaired by marijuana in Arizona. Even though weed is legal in Arizona for some adult use, driving under the influence of marijuana can still result in arrest and prosecution. These cases often turn on officer observations, test results, and the state’s ability to show actual impairment.
Arizona takes impaired driving allegations seriously, and you can face marijuana DUI charges even when possession itself was lawful. Officers may point to driving behavior, statements, field sobriety testing, or the presence of marijuana in the vehicle. A lawful purchase does not protect you from a DUI charge.
Can You Grow Marijuana at Home in Arizona?
Arizona law allows limited home cultivation for adults age 21 and older. A person may grow up to six marijuana plants at a primary residence for personal use, and a household with two or more adults may grow up to 12 plants total. You must keep the plants in compliance with state rules.
The law does not allow open or careless cultivation. You must keep homegrown marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked area and out of public view. If law enforcement believes the number of plants exceeded the legal limit or that you planned to sell the cannabis, you could face criminal charges.
Is Selling Marijuana Legal in Arizona?
Selling marijuana in Arizona is legal only when done through a licensed business operating under state law. Private sales are not generally legal just because recreational marijuana is permitted. If you sell marijuana without a proper license, you can still face criminal charges.
This distinction matters because many people confuse personal possession rights with the right to transfer or sell marijuana. Giving away marijuana may also raise legal issues depending on the facts, the amount involved, and whether you got something of value in return.
What Facts Can Lead to Sales Allegations?
Sales allegations often depend on surrounding facts, not just a direct claim that someone sold marijuana. Prosecutors may try to build a case from items found during a search or from statements made during police questioning.
- Large amounts of marijuana can be used as evidence of intent to sell.
- Police may cite packaging materials and scales as signs of distribution.
- Cash found with marijuana may be treated as suspected drug sale proceeds.
- Text messages or social media communications may be used to support allegations of sales.
You should contact a lawyer after an arrest for any cannabis related crime.
For Spanish-speaking clients, clear communication matters. Our bilingual team helps make sure you understand your options, your case, and what comes next.
You’re never just another case. We take time to understand what you’re facing, listen closely, and treat your future like it matters.
Our team brings deep legal knowledge and real courtroom experience to every case, giving you clear guidance when the stakes are high.
Legal problems don’t wait for a convenient time. We make ourselves accessible, responsive, and ready to help when you need answers most.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete the form or call us at 602-682-5270 to get your free consultation started.
"*" indicates required fields