Common Types of Drugs

Representation from a Phoenix Drug Crime Attorney

There are a variety of illegal drugs that can cause serious repercussions if you are found in possession of certain amounts. In recent years, Arizona lawmakers have taken a new strategy for drug possession charges, called Proposition 200 in which those who are found to have a minimal amount of drugs in their possession are given alternative sentencing and if the treatment program and drug testing are completed successfully, the conviction will not be put on their criminal record.

This groundbreaking legislation has helped thousands of individuals avoid jail time. However, if the individual fails drug testing or continues to use drugs, and has a second or third offense, they will be facing even more severe penalties. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense, it is critical to get legal representation from a lawyer at once, particularly if the offense involves an amount of drugs that exceeds the "threshold" amounts that are now part of law.

Types of Drugs in Drug Cases in Phoenix, AZ

Knowles Law Firm, PLC is prepared to fight for clients who have been charged with any type of drug offense and any type of drug, including the following:

Marijuana 
The "threshold" amount in marijuana is 2 lbs. If you are caught with more than 2 lbs of marijuana, you will be charged with a Class 4 up to a Class 2 Felony, and can expect to serve up to 12 ½ years in state prison, depending upon the amount of marijuana found and the details of the case. Each case must be reviewed on an individual basis to determine how to fight the defense.

Cocaine 
Cocaine is considered to be a particularly dangerous drug and the penalties for possession of amounts over the threshold of 9 grams are severe. When the individual is involved in trafficking or distribution charges, especially if any minors are involved, a conviction will include years in state prison if you don't take action to defend yourself.

Heroin 
Heroin has made a big comeback in recent years and even high school students have been found to be addicted to the drug. Arizona is considered a "gateway" state, and is one of the states that are the focus of the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC). Drug seizures indicate that most of the heroin is brought across the border by various means of transportation and stored in locations in Phoenix or Tucson.

This problem is considered serious and law enforcement and federal investigation units are constantly involved in investigations with the purpose of catching and incarcerating those involved in the heroin trade. The threshold amount for heroin is 1 gram.

Ecstasy 
This drug is also called MDMA and is extremely common in the Phoenix area. It is considered to be an extremely dangerous drug, and the threshold amount with regard to possible jail time is 9 grams. Any amount above this level will result in severe penalties for the individual when convicted of the crime. Most MDMA is manufactured in Belgium and the Netherlands and smuggled into the USA through a variety of means, and there has been an increase in the incidence of the drug being smuggled through the Mexico/Arizona border and stashed in and distributed from the state.

Meth 
Meth is considered to be a "primary drug threat" by the NDIC. This drug is easily manufactured locally, and large amounts are easily available in the Phoenix area. Law enforcement is particularly concerned with this drug, and have special task forces involved in arresting and convicting those who manufacture methamphetamines. The threshold amount for this drug is 9 grams, and if an individual is found to possess more than this amount, serious criminal charges will likely follow. The penalties for manufacturing the substance are severe and include years in state prison.

Prescription Drugs 
There are a huge variety of prescription drugs that are bought and sold outside their original purpose. Dangerous psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin (an amphetamine), Xanax, Prozac and others are used by teenagers and adults to "get high." Strong painkillers such as Vicodin, Percocet and OxyContin are also sold on the street to those who have become addicted to these powerful substances.

If you are found to be in possession of these pharmaceutical drugs and have not had them prescribed by a doctor, you could find yourself in serious legal trouble, as medical fraud is often involved in such cases, such as "doctor shopping" in which an individual gets multiple prescriptions, or in forged prescriptions. Many illegal pharmaceuticals come through Mexico.