If you are arrested for dangerous drugs in Phoenix, you face extremely harsh sentencing guidelines. Unlike some drugs like marijuana, Arizona law does not distinguish between amounts when deciding on punishments for dangerous drug possession. Whether you are caught with one dose or pill, or one hundred, you can still receive the same exact sentence. A.R.S. 13-3401 has a very extensive list of drugs classified as “dangerous”, but some of the more common ones in Phoenix are:
- LSD
- Ecstasy or MDMA
- Peyote
- Anabolic Steroids
- PCP
- Clonazepam, Diazepam, etc.
- Psychedelic Psilocybin or Mushrooms
- Methamphetamine
Due to very strict sentencing, an arrest for a dangerous drug crime in Phoenix can be a very frightening, and potentially life-damaging, experience. If you find yourself arrested or charged with any kind of dangerous drug crime in Phoenix, you should immediately seek out a competent, aggressive defense attorney to fight for your rights.
Penalties for Dangerous Drug Crimes
If you are a first time offender, and are arrested for a dangerous drug crime in Phoenix, the following penalties can apply (A.R.S. 13-3407):
- Possession or use of a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison
- Possession of a dangerous drug with the intent to sell is a class 2 felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
- Possession of chemicals or equipment to manufacture a dangerous drug is a class 3 felony punishable by up to 8.75 years in prison
- Manufacturing a dangerous drug is a class 2 felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
- Administering (or helping someone take) a dangerous drug is a class 2 felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
- Obtaining a dangerous drug by fraud or misrepresentation or deceit is a class 3 felony punishable by up to 8.75 years in prison
- Transporting or importing a dangerous drug for sale, or even offering to transport a dangerous drug for sale is a class 2 felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
In addition, you can face fines of up to $150,000, plus any other fines and surcharges relating to your charges the court finds necessary to levy. Although methamphetamine is considered a dangerous drug, penalties for possession with the intent to sell, manufacturing, and trafficking can be even more severe methamphetamine.
Considerations for Dangerous Drug Crimes
It is important to understand that a first time offender who is arrested and charged with possession of dangerous drugs for personal use might be Prop 200 eligible.
This means that for some people, alternative methods of intervention like treatment, probation, community service, and diversion programs might be available instead of jail or prison. Attorneys and the judge will look at all of the factors surrounding your arrest to determine if you are Prop 200 eligible, including:
- Prior arrest history for drugs and/or other crimes
- Whether the amount you were arrested for was over the threshold
- Whether possession was for personal use or sale
- Whether any aggravated or mitigated factors were present felony overview
Trust Phoenix Criminal Attorney With Your Dangerous Drugs Crime Defense
The best way to ensure you never face the life-altering consequences for being arrested on a dangerous drug crime charge is to stay away from dangerous drugs altogether. However, if you find yourself arrested and charged with a dangerous drug crime, it is essential to consult a defense attorney with proven experience defending dangerous drug crimes of all severities.
We will not stop fighting for your rights, by making sure that every possible legal option and defense strategy is available to you. If you are facing any kind of dangerous drug crime charge in Phoenix, contact us today for a private, no obligation consultation at 602-551-8092.
