PHOENIX DRUG SALES AND DRUG POSSESSION LAWYER

(480) 833-8613

Drug crimes are very serious criminal offenses in Arizona. Depending on the offense, charges can be filed as a Class 2 or Class 4 felony. Prosecutors attempt to impose the harshest penalties possible on people who have been charged with drug possession, drug sales or drug trafficking.  Because of the aggressive approach taken against drug offenders by both police and prosecutors, it's always in your best interests to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.  An attorney who regularly defends people charged with drug offenses can assist you in achieving the most favorable resolution of your charges.

Attorney, Raymond Kimble is a criminal defense attorney based in Tempe.  Ray Kimble always works to ensure his clients get the best outcome possible in their unique situation. If you have questions about your specific drug crimes case or want to know how we will work hard to defend you, contact us at (480) 833-8613 to schedule a Free Consultation.

Understanding Drug Crimes in Arizona

Drug crimes refer to a broad category of acts involving illegal drugs. They include the use, possession, manufacturing, sale and distribution of unlawful controlled substances as well as unauthorized prescriptions and drug paraphernalia.

Common Prescription Drugs Involved in Drug Crimes

Prescription drugs are legal only when they are obtained, possessed and used in a lawful manner.  Possession, use or sale of an otherwise legal prescription drug can be illegal when it is obtained fraudulently or through a source other than a licensed pharmacy, sold to other individuals or used in excess. Examples of prescription drugs which are often the subject of criminal prosecutions include:

• Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)
• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
• Ketamine

Common Drug Paraphernalia involved in Drug Crimes

Drug paraphernalia generally involves everyday items which are used to package, inject or ingest an illegal drug.  On many occasions, people charged with drug possession are also charged with possessing drug paraphernalia. Common examples of drug paraphernalia can include:

• rolling paper
• syringes, needles, or small spoons
• tin foil
• straws 
• plastic baggies
• razorblades or cards

Possession of Illegal Drugs

Although some states have de-criminalized the simple possession of illegal drugs, Arizona continues to prosecute offenders very aggressively.  Simply stated, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance. This includes possession of medication which can only be obtained via prescription as well as substances such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, etc.

Manufacturing Illegal Drugs

You can be charged with a number of offenses for participating in any step involving the production of an illegal drug. This includes the creation of a synthetic drug, such as amphetamines, or the extraction of a naturally occurring drug, for example, cannabis. 

Trafficking Illegal Drugs

It is against the law to sell, transport, or import a controlled substance. Trafficking is one of the most serious drug crimes, and can result in the harshest  penalties. This is because people accused of drug trafficking are often arrested with significant quantities of illegal substances.   Individuals who are charged with drug trafficking risk long prison sentences even if this constitutes their first offense.

Drug Crimes Classifications

Controlled substances are classified by the  government into five classes. These classes are organized according to the drug's potential for abuse balanced in relation to its potential medical use.

• Class 1: These drugs have no medical benefits but a high potential for abuse. These are no safe methods of use even if supervised by a medical professional. Examples include heroin, hallucinogens (like LSD), methamphetamine and cocaine.
• Class 2: These drugs have some medical use but a high potential for abuse and addiction. Examples include morphine, oxycodone, vicodin, fentanyl, etc. 
• Class 3: These drugs also have some medical use and the potential for abuse and addiction is lower. Examples include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and painkillers that combine opiates with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Class 4: These drugs have significant medical use and low potential for abuse and addiction. examples include barbiturates like Phenobarbital and sedatives like Valium and Xanax.
• Class 5: These drugs also have significant medical use and lower risk of abuse or addiction. Examples include cough syrup, anti-diarrheal drugs, and other household drugs.

If arrested for a drug offense, you should immediately consult with a drug crimes defense lawyer to know what applies in your case.

Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions in Arizona

A range of penalties is available to the court when sentencing drug offenders, including:

• Fines
• Probation or community supervision
• Court-ordered drug counseling sessions or rehabilitation
• Community service
• Incarceration, including jail or prison.  

When sentencing someone for a drug crime, the court usually takes into account:

• The type and amount of drugs involved
• Whether possession of the drugs was for personal use, sales  or distribution
• The offender's previous convictions, especially for drug offenses

Arizona also imposes mandatory sentences for some people who have been charged with or convicted of a drug crime.  This can include probation for a first time offender who is charged with personal possession of illegal drugs to mandatory prison for people convicted of selling methamphetamine or possessing drugs for sale in an amount in  excess of the statutory threshold.

Why Fight a Drug Crime Allegation in Arizona?

A conviction for a drug crime can have serious, long-lasting consequences. 

Aside from any penalty you receive, a conviction for a drug offense usually remains on your criminal history for the rest of your life. This can negatively impact your ability to find work, maintain personal relationships, hold a driver's license, secure a loan, enlist in the military, own a gun or secure a professional license. 

For these reasons, you should immediately contact the Law Office of Raymond A. Kimble if you've been charged with a drug crime.

How Can I Can Help You?

Even minor drug offenses can attract harsh penalties and affect your future. The law concerning drug offenses is complex and can involve both state and federal authorities. Consequently, it is extremely important to find a defense lawyer who is well-versed in these types of offenses. 

An experienced attorney  can explain the process, your rights, and any defenses available to you to fight the charges. They can also advocate on your behalf when negotiating with the prosecution or representing you in court. This is why you should contact Ray Kimble if you or someone you love is facing drug charges.

Call (480) 833-8613 for a Free Consultation

If you have been charged with drug related offense in Tempe, Phoenix, or any other city within Maricopa or Pina County,  it is vital that you contact a highly skilled criminal lawyer immediately.  Raymond Kimble will recognize available defenses and has been defending people charged with these crimes for many years. Mr. Kimble knows how to prepare a solid defense, challenge the prosecution's evidence and negotiate a reduction or dismissal of the charges

With a seasoned Tempe criminal defense lawyer on your case, you will have your rights protected as your attorney fights to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf. Attorney Raymond Kimble has successfully represented hundreds of individuals throughout Arizona over the last twenty years who have been accused of illegal drug possession and illegal drug sales.

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