Phoenix Drug Crime Lawyer

Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorney Serving Maricopa County, AZ

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, we understand that being charged with a drug crime can be a difficult and confusing process. Our Phoenix drug crime attorneys are experienced in a variety of drug crime cases, including possession, distribution, and manufacturing of controlled substances.

Drug crimes include a number of different offenses and factors, most important of which are the nature of the crime and the controlled substance involved. If you have been charged with any type of drug offense in AZ, or are being investigated by law enforcement, contacting an experienced Phoenix drug offense lawyer as soon as possible is crucial.

Drug crimes are common offenses in Phoenix and Arizona, and law enforcement is specially trained to handle arrests and secure evidence. Additionally, prosecutors are familiar with these types of crimes, and will use their insight to convict and penalize offenders.

Call (602) 702-5431 for a FREE Case Review with our Phoenix drug crime lawyers!

Don't Wait to Take Legal Action

Time is an important factor in any case. If you have been arrested, you should be focused on working with seasoned Phoenix drug crime lawyers who know how to handle tough cases, especially when it comes to serious felony or federal drug crimes. Our team has helped many clients defend against their drug charges, and although every case is unique, our goal is always provide the aggressive defense needed to secure positive resolutions.

Powerful Defense for Drug Crime Defendants in Phoenix

Drug crimes may involve a variety of charges - from simple misdemeanors to the most serious of federal charges. The seriousness and penalties of drug crimes may also vary depending on the type of drug involved and the amount.

Although circumstances and penalties vary from case to case, all drug offenders face tough penalties in Arizona. The most common consequences of a drug conviction are potential incarceration, probation, hefty fines, driver's license suspension, mandatory drug treatment programs, and more.

Arizona Drug Schedule

In Arizona, drugs are classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical value, and safety concerns. The schedules range from Schedule I, which includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, to Schedule V, which includes drugs with a low potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

Schedule I

This includes drugs such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. These drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.

Schedule II

This includes drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. These drugs have a high potential for abuse and could lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. These are considered dangerous drugs.

Schedule III

This includes drugs such as ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, and some barbiturates. These drugs have a moderate to low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.

Schedule IV

This includes drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. These drugs have a low potential for abuse and dependence. There are also accepted medical uses.

Schedule V

This includes drugs such as cough medicines with codeine. These drugs have a low potential for abuse and accepted medical uses.

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Understanding the Impact of Drug Crime Charges on Your Future

Being charged with a drug crime can have serious consequences that extend beyond the courtroom. It’s essential to understand how these charges can affect various aspects of your life, including employment opportunities, housing options, and personal relationships. At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, we believe that knowledge is power, and educating our clients about the implications of drug crime charges is a crucial part of our defense strategy.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

• Employment Challenges: A drug charge on your record can hinder your job prospects, especially in fields that require background checks. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal history, making it vital to address these charges promptly.
• Housing Issues: Landlords often conduct background checks, and a drug charge can lead to difficulties in securing housing. This can be especially problematic for those with families or individuals seeking stable living conditions.
• Impact on Relationships: Facing drug charges can strain relationships with family and friends. The stigma associated with drug offenses can lead to isolation, making it important to have a strong support system and legal representation.
• Long-term Consequences: Even after serving your sentence, drug charges can have lasting effects, including difficulty in obtaining licenses for certain professions and challenges in pursuing higher education.

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, we are committed to providing personalized legal strategies that not only aim to minimize the legal repercussions of your charges but also help you navigate the broader implications on your life. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to protect your rights and future.

Why Am I Being Charged with a Federal Offense?

Some drugs crimes result in federal charges. This can occur when drugs were moved across state or international borders. If any type of email, fax or mail was used, there will likely also be other federal charges added. Federal court usually has more severe penalties and the toughest prosecutors in the area, as well as investigatory units such as the FBI, FDA or ATF involved.

Defenses for Drug Crime Charges in Arizona

 If you are facing drug crime charges in Arizona, it is essential to work with an experienced drug defense attorney to help you build a strong defense. Some common defenses for drug crime charges include:

• Illegal search and seizure: Under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police conducted an illegal search of your person, vehicle, or property and found drugs, your attorney may be able to challenge the search and have the evidence suppressed.
• Lack of knowledge or intent: To convict you of a drug crime, the prosecutor must prove that you knowingly and intentionally possessed, distributed, or manufactured drugs. If you were unaware of the drugs' presence or did not have the intent to commit a crime, your attorney may be able to argue that you did not have the requisite mental state for the crime.
• Entrapment: If you were induced or coerced by law enforcement or a government agent to commit a drug crime, your attorney may be able to argue that you were a victim of entrapment.
• Medical use: In Arizona, medical marijuana is legal with a valid medical marijuana card. If you were in possession of marijuana for medical purposes and had a valid medical marijuana card, your attorney may be able to argue that you were using the drug for legitimate medical reasons.
• Police misconduct: If the police engaged in misconduct during your arrest or investigation, such as falsifying evidence or coercing a confession, your attorney may be able to challenge the evidence and have the charges dismissed.

Drug Crime Penalties in Arizona

In Arizona, drug crime penalties are stringent and vary depending on the type and amount of the drug involved, as well as the circumstances of the offense. Arizona has some of the toughest drug laws in the United States, with severe penalties for drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking.

• Possession: Possessing a controlled substance in Arizona is considered a felony, carrying penalties that can include probation, fines, or imprisonment. The extent of the penalty is determined by the type and amount of the drug involved.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possessing drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them carries more severe penalties than simple possession. Penalties can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and the possibility of mandatory minimum sentences.
• Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking in Arizona encompasses the sale, transportation, or distribution of significant amounts of illegal substances and carries harsh penalties. Convictions for trafficking can lead to extended prison terms, substantial fines, and the confiscation of assets.
• Drug Manufacturing: Manufacturing illegal drugs in Arizona is a felony offense, with penalties including prison sentences, substantial fines, and mandatory minimum sentences for certain drugs.
• Prescription Drug Crimes: Unlawful possession or distribution of prescription drugs without a valid prescription is a grave offense in Arizona, resulting in substantial penalties.
• Drug Court and Rehabilitation Programs: Arizona also offers drug court and rehabilitation programs as alternatives to incarceration for non-violent drug offenders. These programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment and offer offenders the opportunity to receive treatment and support to overcome their addiction and avoid future criminal behavior.

The penalties for drug crimes in Arizona are strict and can have enduring effects on a person's life. If you are facing drug charges in Arizona, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Phoenix drug crimes attorney who can explain the potential penalties you may face, evaluate your case, and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences of a drug crime conviction.

Our Experienced Phoenix Drug Crime Attorneys Can Help

Although every case is different, individuals facing drug crime charges have a great deal at stake. From hefty fines and fees to possible terms of imprisonment, charges and convictions can create many consequences that threaten the freedoms and futures of those who have been charged.

As a former police officer, Attorney Anthony Knowles is highly familiar with the full range of drug crimes - from possession to federal drug trafficking - and he uses this insider knowledge and understanding of prosecutors’ tactics to effectively defend clients.

If you or someone you love has been accused of any type of drug crime, taking immediate action to contact a Phoenix drug crime attorney from our firm and to protect your rights and the strength of your defense should be your top priority.