Cocaine Charges

Phoenix Cocaine Crime Lawyer

Cocaine is considered a very dangerous drug by Arizona lawmakers, and the penalties for possessing it reflect that viewpoint. The threshold amount of cocaine is 9 grams. This means that if you are found to possess more of the drug, you will be handled as a potential drug trafficker and you will face serious prison time. If you are arrested for possessing less than 9 grams (under the threshold), you can still face rehabilitation programs, community service, etc. Any drug crime arrest is serious, even with Proposition 200 in force.

Arizona Cocaine Laws - Below Threshold

When one is below the threshold amount, they will still be facing penalties, although jail time is not part of the punishment. The Arizona statute states: "If a person who is convicted of a violation of this section is granted probation, the court shall order that as a condition of probation the person perform not less than three hundred sixty hours of community restitution with an agency or organization that provides counseling, rehabilitation or treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, an agency or organization that provides medical treatment to persons who abuse controlled substances, an agency or organization that serves persons who are victims of crime or any other appropriate agency or organization."

Cocaine Penalties - Above Threshold

When the cocaine in possession is above the 9 gram limit, the penalties are severe. The offense will likely be charged as a Class 2 Felony, which can result in up to 12 ½ years in state prison. Each case has its own unique circumstances, and any aggravating factor (such as possession of weapons, selling to minors or other serious factor) can result in this penalty. If the individual has a prior felony conviction o their record, they could be facing up to 23 ¼ years in prison. Dealing with such serious charges requires a skilled Phoenix cocaine attorney.

At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, the legal team is a proven group of defense lawyers with years of experienced in fighting on behalf of those charged with criminal offenses related to cocaine. There are often viable defenses that could be employed, and with a thorough review of the case against you, you can be advised how the firm would move forward to defend your case.

If you have been arrested and charged with any cocaine offense, it is crucial that you get immediate legal representation. There may be factors in your case that could result in a dismissal of the charges against you; there may be other strong defense options, but without a legal professional working with you it is unlikely that you will be aware of what could be done to defend you. The Knowles Law Firm, PLC takes on each case with a relentless determination to fight for the client's freedom, and in any case where a dismissal of the charges could be sought, you can rest assured that it will be fought for.