In the Phoenix area as well as the rest of the state of Arizona, it is a crime for anyone to use or possess a dangerous drug. According to (see A.R.S. §13-3407) “A person shall not knowingly possess or use a dangerous drug.” If you have been charged with Possession of a Dangerous Drug, you need experienced legal representation. Dangerous drugs is a wide definition including most drugs which are not marijuana or narcotic drugs. Examples of Dangerous Drugs include:
Methamphetamine
Mescaline
Steroids
LSD
Bath Salts
Xanax
Various other drugs
If a person is found guilty of Possession of a Dangerous Drug, it is a class 4 felony. If the amount of Dangerous Drugs possessed is above the threshold amount, the state may charge the person with Possession of a Dangerous Drug for sale. This charge is a class 2 felony, and if convicted, the defendant would be ineligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon, or release from confinement on any basis until the person has served the sentence imposed by the court. This is not a charge that you want to take on without an experienced Criminal Defense attorney.
Because the law is written that “A person shall not knowingly possess or use a dangerous drug,” an argument can be made that the defendant was not aware that they possessed the drug. We may also be able to find issues with the state’s evidence because of the invalidity of a traffic stop or other search. Possession of a Dangerous Drug is a serious offense and is a felony that stays on your record. If you have been charged with the possession or use of drugs, you need a tough defense attorney who is experienced in drug possession cases. Serious offenses such as this must be met with a serious Criminal Defense Law Firm whose team will fight for your rights.
At Chuck Franklin Law, our attorneys have had experience with Possession of a Dangerous Drug Charges in Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Tucson, Prescott, and many other locations in Arizona.