Police and prosecutors in Phoenix take drug crimes very seriously. In part, this is because Phoenix isn’t just a large metropolitan area; it’s also located just 70 miles from the Mexican border. As a result, both state and federal law enforcement officers are constantly on the lookout for narcotics activity. However, sometimes, in their zeal to take drugs off the street, law enforcement officers make mistakes. If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime, it is essential that you have an experienced Phoenix narcotic drug crimes lawyer by your side at every step of the way.
At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our dedicated Maricopa County criminal defense attorney has more than 25 years of hands-on experience defending the rights and freedoms of clients charged with all types of narcotics offenses. We take a strategic and comprehensive approach to every case we handle, reviewing all possible defenses before working with you to determine the best possible defense, given the specific facts of your case.
According to the United States Department of Justice, “the Phoenix metropolitan area is a regional- and national-level transportation and distribution center for methamphetamine and marijuana and a regional distribution center for other illicit drugs, primarily cocaine and Mexican black tar heroin.” Due to Phoenix’s proximity to Mexico, one of the most common narcotic offenses is drug trafficking. However, lower-level drug crimes are also common.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking refers to the illegal practice of manufacturing, transporting, distributing, or selling controlled substances. Under Arizona law, drug trafficking encompasses a wide range of activities, including the production, importation, and distribution of narcotics such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances classified under the state’s drug schedules.
Arizona law treats drug trafficking as a serious crime, with penalties varying based on the type and quantity of the drug involved, as well as the specific nature of the trafficking activity. For instance, trafficking larger quantities of drugs can result in more severe charges and harsher penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Drug trafficking charges can be filed by state or federal prosecutors. Under Arizona law, drug trafficking is considered a Class 2 felony.
Possession of a Narcotic Drug for Sale
Not all cases involving the sale of narcotics are charged as drug trafficking offenses. Arizona law also makes room for lower-level selling operations under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3408. Under this section, it is a Class 2 felony to possess any narcotic drug for sale. While the classifications for drug trafficking and possessing a narcotic drug for sale are identical, often, those convicted of lower-level drug dealing end up with a less severe sentence.
Possession for Personal Use
Arizona is one of the only states that considers possession of narcotics for personal to be a felony offense. This means that anyone convicted of drug possession, no matter the amount of the substance, will end up with a felony on their record if they are convicted.
If you were recently arrested and charged in state or federal court for a drug crime, it is essential that you reach out to a Phoenix narcotic drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, our dedicated Maricopa criminal defense attorney handles all types of narcotic offenses in state and federal court, including drug trafficking, possession with intent to deliver, and simple possession. We understand what is at stake in these prosecutions and will do everything possible to ensure your recent arrest has as little impact on your future as possible. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with our Phoenix drug crimes lawyer today, call 480-413-1499. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.