Drug Attorney in Gilbert, AZ
Defending Clients Who Are Facing Drug-Related Charges
If you were arrested on drug crime charges in Gilbert, Arizona, you might be concerned about the penalties you could face if convicted. Depending on the drug crime you’re accused of committing, you could end up with jail or prison time. So, it makes sense to take your criminal charges seriously, starting with contacting a skilled drug defense lawyer serving clients in Gilbert, AZ.
When you call The Turner Law Firm PLLC for legal representation, you can expect to get thorough, accurate legal advice on how to approach your drug charges. We’re knowledgeable about Arizona criminal law regarding drug crimes, and we have years of experience arguing cases in front of the judges and prosecutors within the Gilbert courts. You can rest assured your drug crime case will be in capable hands when you hire our legal team, so call our Gilbert, Arizona law office today.
What Types of Drug Charges Do We Handle for Clients?
Your drug charges and possible penalties will vary depending on the type and amount of drugs involved in your case, as well as what the police believe you intended to do with the drugs. These details can determine whether your drug crime is a felony or misdemeanor.
Either way, our Gilbert criminal defense attorneys are prepared to defend you from the drug charges you’re facing in Arizona. We’ve successfully handled a variety of drug cases for clients dealing with different charges, including:
- Possession of narcotic or dangerous drugs
- Possession of marijuana
- Drug possession with intent to sell
- Drug trafficking
- Manufacture of dangerous or narcotic drugs
- Possession of a fraudulent prescription
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Regardless of the drug crime you were arrested for, you can depend on our criminal defense attorneys to represent you. We’ll use our knowledge of Arizona’s drug laws to defend you from drug possession charges, drug trafficking charges, and other criminal accusations involving illegal substances. Call our Gilbert, Arizona law office to get started.
What Factors Affect Your Drug Charges?
If you’re not sure what led to your specific drug charges, it’s helpful to know how Arizona law determines this type of criminal charge. One major factor is the type of drug involved in your case, since some controlled substances are considered more dangerous than others. This is why Arizona has three main categories of drugs: narcotic drugs, dangerous drugs, and marijuana.
Some examples of narcotic drugs include:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- Crack
- Fentanyl
The following are considered dangerous drugs:
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- Mushrooms
- Steroids
All forms of marijuana fall into the third category. Note that recreational marijuana is legal in Arizona, but you must be 21 or older and can only possess up to 1 ounce. If you’re caught with more, you could be charged with possession of marijuana, drug trafficking, or possession with intent to sell, depending on the amount you have.
If you have questions about your drug crime charges, Arizona criminal defense attorneys can provide answers. Call our Gilbert, AZ law office to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
What Is the Threshold Amount for Intent to Sell in Arizona?
Drug trafficking is among the most serious drug crimes in Arizona, so it’s important to contact a drug defense lawyer if you’re facing drug charges at this level. Note that you can be charged with drug trafficking even if you didn’t plan to sell illegal drugs. As long as you’re found in possession of an amount that exceeds a specific threshold, a police officer might assume you planned to sell them.
The threshold at which you can be charged with drug trafficking in Arizona includes:
- 9 grams of cocaine
- 750 milligrams of cocaine base
- 1 gram of heroin
- 4 grams or 50 milliliters of PCP
- 9 grams of methamphetamine
- 9 grams of amphetamine
- 0.5 milliliter of LSD
- 2 pounds of marijuana
If you’re caught with more than the statutory threshold of a controlled substance, you’ll likely face felony drug charges. The penalties to expect will depend on the type of drug and the amount you’re caught with, since this will determine what class of felony you’re charged with.
For example, if you’re charged with intent to sell a narcotic or dangerous drug, you’re facing a Class 2 felony that could result in ten years of prison time and up to $150,000 in fines. You could get the same punishment if you’re charged with possession with intent to sell more than four pounds of marijuana. Criminal cases that involve two to four pounds of this drug lead to Class 3 felony charges, with seven years in prison, while less than two pounds could result in a Class 4 felony with a three-year prison sentence.
These are only some of the penalties for felony drug offenses in Gilbert, Arizona. If you’re worried about prison time and need criminal defense help, call our law office to discuss your criminal charges with a drug lawyer in Gilbert.
How Can a Gilbert Drug Lawyer Help Clients Facing Drug Charges?
Being accused of drug offenses is scary, especially for first-time drug offenders who are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system in Gilbert, Arizona. That’s why you need a criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the Gilbert courts with a valid defense strategy.
Your Gilbert criminal defense lawyer will consider the details of your case before determining the most suitable defense option. For example, if the police performed an illegal search to find drugs in your possession or violated your right to remain silent, your criminal defense lawyer might argue for the case to be dismissed. If you only had enough of a drug for personal use, not distribution, they might argue this to reduce your charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Some drug offenses can be handled in Gilbert, Arizona drug courts, which are meant to provide rehabilitative assistance to those who struggle with drug addiction. Drug courts typically require participants to agree to get drug treatment and take random drug tests. In exchange, their drug charges will be dismissed at the end of the program. Not everyone qualifies for drug courts, as you usually cannot have past charges on your criminal record or a history of violent offenses.
Your lawyer can answer any questions about drug courts and let you know what criminal defense angle would work best, depending on how your case progresses. Whether you face criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia, drug trafficking, or other crimes involving illegal drugs, we can help you. Contact our Gilbert, Arizona law office at 480-568-5590.