Under Arizona criminal law, methamphetamines are seen as one of the biggest drugs threats for possession charges and related criminal activity. If you are charged with possession of meth the police and the prosecution take these charges very seriously.
This is why it’s crucial that you have someone in your corner when facing such charges, someone who is interested in protecting your rights and getting you the most positive results possible. Contact me for a legal defense consultation on any Arizona drug charge.
Arizona Meth Possession Laws
Methamphetamines are classified as “dangerous drugs” in Arizona. Possession of a dangerous drug like this is considered a class 4 felony under Arizona law. This means you could spend up to 3.75 years in prison if convicted assuming you do not have any prior felony convictions.
But not every meth case results in such a lengthy sentence.
However, even a “potential” multi-year jail sentence could actually result in very little tie behind bars or no time at all. Depending on the facts of your case, you could even be entitled to something called “deferred prosecution.”
Deferred Prosecution
Deferred prosecution is, in essence, a second chance for first-time drug offenders. If you’ve never faced drug charges before, you could be eligible. In a deferred prosecution case, you serve a period of probation. If successful, your possession charges can be dropped. But, if you violate the probation, you can still be prosecuted.
Probation during a period of deferred prosecution will include normal probation-type conditions like community service, maintaining employment, drug treatment, random drug testing, remaining arrest free, etc.
Other Arizona Drug Possession Defense Strategies
If you are not eligible for deferred prosecution, you and your attorney will have to look at other options. Your lawyer may determine the search against you violated your rights. If so, they can move to have the evidence, including the drugs, suppressed in court. Many times, if this happens, the charges are eventually dropped.
Perhaps the drugs weren’t even yours. If your attorney can create doubt in the mind of the jury or judge, you could be found not guilty of the charge.
Ultimately, the right defense strategy for your case depends wholly on the facts of your case. Discussing the details with a local defense lawyer will give you a better idea of what your options are and the best course of action for your case.
If you are charged with possession of methamphetamine, contact me to speak with an experienced Arizona criminal defense lawyer today. I can give you a free initial consultation on your charge, and let you know exactly what I can do to protect your legal rights in court.