Drug Possession

Possession or use of a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony in Arizona, according to ARS §13-3407 and can result in probation, up to one year in jail, or between one and 3.75 years in prison for a first-time offender depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. The term “dangerous drug” may seem subjective, but it commonly refers to any narcotic or other drug that is not marijuana. This includes methamphetamine, other types of amphetamines, hallucinogenic drugs, prescription medications and other drugs.

Being accused of a criminal drug possession charge doesn’t automatically make you a user or a criminal, however, it can make you feel like one. Outside of marijuana, many drug possession charges in the U.S. are considered felonies. While there are exceptions, this is usually true whether you are suspected of possession of a hard drug or in possession of a prescription drug that you are not authorized to have. You need the experienced drug crime defense attorneys of Snell & Wilmer on your side – we have experienced hard drug and marijuana defense attorneys to help you effectively present your case.

Types of drug possession offenses can include, but are not limited to:

• Possession and sale of peyote
• Possession and sale of a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance
• Possession, use, production, sale or transportation of marijuana
• Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of prescription-only drugs; misbranded drugs
• Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs
• Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of narcotic drugs
• Possession, use, sale or transfer of marijuana, peyote, prescription drugs, dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs or manufacture of dangerous drugs in a drug free school zone
• Possession, manufacture, delivery and advertisement of drug paraphernalia

Whether you have been charged with possession or trafficking, are a first-timer or repeat offender, an experienced Snell & Wilmer attorney will guide you through the necessary steps to protect your rights. Our criminal defense attorneys understand the stress that comes along with being accused of these crimes and the potential pitfalls of the accusations and can help guide you through the process with professionalism and knowledge.

Having your minor child arrested can be a devastating experience for a parent. Children and adolescents may find themselves in trouble with the law when they act on a dare, a whim, or in rebellion, without considering or understanding the potential consequences of their behavior. Although a type of criminal law, juvenile crime law only deals with under-age individuals, who are treated very differently than adults in criminal law, and usually have their own courts of law. Per Arizona Revised Statutes §8-302 minors under the age of 18 years, who commit a crime, or otherwise violate established rules and statutes, and who is not subject to prosecution as an adult pursuant to section 13-501, shall have their case transferred to the juvenile court.

These types of cases can include:

• Drug offenses
• Possession of alcohol
• Possession of weapons charge
• Theft or burglary
• Trespassing
• Underage drinking
• Underage driving while under the influence (DUI)
• Vandalism

Snell & Wilmer criminal defense attorneys understand that if your child has been arrested for any of these or other crimes, there’s a good chance you’re feeling shock, anger and disbelief. It is normal to feel angry at your child while being worried about how it could affect their future. Regardless of your anger and disappointment, your child needs your help and support. Snell & Wilmer criminal defense attorneys can devote the required time and close attention to your child’s case, to protect your child’s rights and best interest by keeping the child in the juvenile system, which was created to meet the needs of young defendants.

Our Phoenix drug possession defense attorney team includes, among others, a former U.S. Attorney, a former federal agency Inspector General, several former federal and state prosecutors, a former Trial Attorney with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and former Judge Advocates from every branch of the military service. The firm is widely recognized and can leverage resources to address complex and sensitive issues.