Anyone accused of a drug crime in Arizona should take the situation very seriously. Arizona laws include severe penalties for drug crimes including jail time and fines. If you are accused of a drug crime including possession, manufacturing or trafficking, you need the best legal representation possible to handle your case. Suzuki Law Offices are a team of attorneys with experience as prosecutors and first-hand knowledge of both sides of the legal system. We serve the Tucson, Sierra Vista and Douglas areas.

Arizona Drug Laws

Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for recreational use is legal in Arizona, after the passing of Proposition 207 in 2020. However possession of marijuana in larger amounts is still against the law, and carries penalties including fines, probation including community service, and up to 3 years in prison. There are still penalties for possession of marijuana by persons under 21, and using marijuana in public.

Methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, crack, LSD and PCP are classed as dangerous drugs. Narcotic drugs include Vicodin, Oxycodone, methadone, Fentanyl and codeine. For both categories of drugs, possession with intent to sell is a Class 2 Felony and carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Any drug that is possessed with intent to sell that is available by prescription only is also illegal in Arizona. Typical drug charges in this category are for commonly abused stimulant prescription medications like Adderall or Ritalin, however, this category includes any drug that can only be obtained by prescription. The crime is a Class 6 Felony with a possible prison sentence of up to 1.5 years.

Legal Defense Against Drug Charges in Arizona

A drug crime charge will not always lead to a conviction. Your legal team can raise a number of defenses to argue the case. Here are some of the most common defense arguments for drug possession charges:

• Lack of Knowledge/Use: A defendant in a drug crime case cannot be convicted of possession unless the State can prove that they were aware of the presence of the drugs.
• Illegal Search: Drugs could be discovered by law enforcement due to unlawful search and seizure. This violates the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
• Religious Use: If peyote is used for religious purposes and does not pose a threat to the public, this defense argument can be made.

Have You Been Arrested for a Drug Crime in Arizona?

Suzuki Law Offices are experienced in handling cases for all categories of drug crimes, including:

• Dangerous drug crimes
• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug sale
• Drug manufacture and cultivation
• Marijuana possession
• Drug paraphernalia possession
• Prescription drug crimes
• Drug offenses involving minors
• Reducing or expunging marijuana convictions under Arizona Proposition 207

As a former Deputy Maricopa County Attorney and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Richard J. Suzuki has been on the other side of state and federal drug prosecutions. The team at Suzuki Law Offices has the experience to guide you through the criminal justice system to the most favorable outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation.