Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Phoenix

Have you been charged with drug trafficking in Arizona?

Drug trafficking, also known as drug distribution or drug sales, is a felony crime in Arizona.
 
The classification for which you can are charged for selling to transporting drugs, is dependent on the drugs and the drug amount that you are accused of trafficking.



According to Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-3408, a person shall not knowingly:

• Possess or use a narcotic drug.
   
• Possess a narcotic drug for sale.
   
• Possess equipment or chemicals, or both, for the purpose of manufacturing a narcotic drug.
   
• Manufacture a narcotic drug.
   
• Administer a narcotic drug to another person.

• Obtain or procure the administration of a narcotic drug by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge.

• Transport for sale, import into this state, offer to transport for sale, sell, transfer, or offer to sell or transfer a narcotic drug.
   

Knowledgeable & Experienced Criminal Defense

The Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC defends those accused of drug trafficking and drug sales in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding communities.

In a drug case, the Prosecution must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendant’s guilt.
 
There are very few things in this world that we know with absolute certainty, and in criminal cases the law does not require proof that overcomes every doubt. If you think there is a real possibility that a person is not guilty, then that person must be given the benefit of the doubt and found not guilty.

• Was the substance a Narcotic?
• Was the substance knowingly imported, transported, or sold?

I grew up in a family of criminal defense attorneys. More than just following in my family's footsteps, for me defending those charged with a crime is an opportunity to protect their constitutional rights afforded by the United States Constitution.
 
The motivation for defending my clients is as follows.

• To uphold the U.S. Constitution
• To protect the accused from the excesses of law enforcement
• Because it truly is satisfying to help those in trouble

I have successfully defended clients in numerous cases to a jury and judge - Respectively, over 55 jury trials, and over 120 bench trials.
 

Personal Drug Possession Penalties

In Arizona, the penalties for personal possession of drugs are dependent on what drugs you have been accused of possessing.
 
It is a felony in Arizona if convicted of personal possession of Marijuana, Narcotics, or Dangerous Drugs.

Dangerous Drug  (such as methamphetamine)*  ARS 13-3407(A)(1)

• Fine of not less than $1000 or 3 times the value of substance, whichever is greater
   
• Probation eligible if no prior convictions. However, a judge can sentence up to 1 year in county jail. If one allegeable prior felony conviction 2.25 – 7.5 years in prison. If two allegeable prior felony convictions 6-15 years in prison.
   
• If sentenced to probation, must perform no less than 360 hours of community service
   

Narcotic (such as cocaine)* ARS 13-3408(A)(1)

• Fine of not less than $2000 or 3 times the value of substance, whichever is greater
   
• Probation eligible if no prior convictions. However, a judge can sentence up to 1 year in county jail. If one allegeable prior felony conviction 2.25 – 7.5 years in prison. If two allegeable prior felony convictions 6-15 years in prison. 

• If sentenced to probation, must perform no less than 360 hours of community service

• May be “Proposition 200” eligible
   

Marijuana (less than 2lbs) * ARS 13-3405(A)(1)
 
Class 6 felony

• Fine of not less than $750 or 3 times the value of substance, whichever is greater
   
• Probation eligible if no prior convictions. However, a judge can sentence up to 1 year in county jail. If one allegeable prior felony conviction .75 – 2.75 years in prison. If two allegeable prior felony convictions 2.25-5.75 years in prison. 

• If granted felony probation, must perform no less than 24 hours of community service. If granted probation for a misdemeanor, must complete an 8 hours drug education course.

• May be “Proposition 200” eligible

 
Proposition 200 – ARS 13-901.1
 
Possession of Marijuana and Narcotics in Arizona are felonies. Possessing Marijuana and Narcotics for personal use fall under the Arizona Legislation Proposition 200. "Prop 200" is basically three strikes and you are out.
 
A person convicted of a first or second offense for the personal possession or use of a Marijuana or Narcotics must be placed on probation unless the person is also convicted of a violent offense.
 
Incarceration may not be imposed as an initial condition of probation for a first offense. If a person convicted of a first offense is found to be in violation of probation by committing drug offense or an act in violation of an order of the court related to drug treatment, the person may be incarcerated upon reinstatement of probation.
 
Participation in an appropriate drug treatment or education program is a required condition of probation and each person enrolled in a program shall pay for participation in the program to the extent of the person’s financial ability. A person convicted of a second offense may be incarcerated as a term of probation.
 
Although Marijuana and Narcotics probation may not seem like a big deal, in addition to the penalties, having a felony on your record will negatively impact your entire life.
 
You will not be able to obtain school loans and financing, landlords may be unwilling to rent to you, and employers may not want to hire a felon.
 

Drug Distribution / Sales / Trafficking Penalties

In the state of Arizona, if you have been charged with distributing, or trafficking a controlled substance with intent to sell, you will be facing a felony. Felony offenses are the most severe criminal charges you can face in Arizona.
 
If you’ve been arrested for selling a small quantity of illegal drugs, the state will charge you under its drug sale and distribution law. However, the type, weight, or the amount of drugs allegedly in your possession can mean an arrest for the far more severe drug trafficking.
 

Dangerous Drug Distribution / Sales / Trafficking / Transportation / Manufacture Penalties

Arizona’s manufacture of dangerous drugs law, ARS 13-3407, makes illegal the possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs.
 
The dangerous drugs outlined in ARS §13-3401 are broken down into several     categories, including:

• Various types of amphetamines, including methamphetamine
• Hallucinogenic substances, including acid and mescaline
• Drugs with “a depressant effect on the central nervous system”
• Anabolic steroids, including testosterone

 
If found guilty of selling dangerous drugs you will be facing a class 2 felony.
 
Class 2 felony penalties

• Punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
• 7 years of probation
• Fine of $150,000 plus surcharges
   

Furthermore, if you are convicted of selling methamphetamine (meth) you will be sentenced to a minimum of 5 years with a maximum of 15 years behind bars.

Marijuana Distribution /Sale / Manufacture / Transport Penalties

If found guilty or selling, transporting, production, or distributing marijuana, the punishments vary based on weight.
 
Possession of under two pounds of marijuana can be a:  
Possession of two to four pounds of marijuana can be a:  
Possession of four or more pounds of marijuana can be a:  
Maximum Punishment for a Class 6 felony  
Maximum Punishment for a Class 5 felony  
Maximum Punishment for a Class 4 felony  
Maximum Punishment for a Class 3 felony  
Maximum Punishment for a Class 2 felony

Exceeding the statutory threshold amount for marijuana

If the collective amount of marijuana that you had in your possession at the time of your arrest, and all of the offenses that you have been charged with, equals or exceeds the statutory threshold amount, you will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from jail under any circumstances until you have served the entire sentence imposed by the court. This means, prison is mandatory.
Threshold amounts include…

• Weight of at least two pounds but not more than four pounds.
   

Narcotic Drug Distribution Penalties

Arizona’s narcotic drugs law, ARS 13-3408, makes it illegal to possess, use, administer, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs.

Narcotic drugs include cocaine, heroin, heroin, opium, oxycodone, and morphine. In addition, most painkillers that are obtained, sold, or taken improperly are considered narcotics.

A conviction for selling a narcotic drug is a class 2 felony. Class 2 felony penalties

• Punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison
• 7 years of probation
• Fine of $150,000
• Surcharges

Exceeding the statutory threshold amount for narcotics and dangerous drugs

If the collective amount of narcotics that you had on your possession at the time of your arrest and all of the offenses that you have been charged with equals or exceeds the statutory threshold amount, you will not be eligible for suspension of sentence, probation, pardon or release from jail under any circumstances until you have served the entire sentence imposed by the court. This means, if convicted, you go to prison.

Some threshold amounts for Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs are:

• 9 grams powder cocaine
• 750 milligrams rock cocaine
• 9 grams methamphetamine
• 9 grams amphetamine
• ½ milliliter liquid LSD
• 50 dosage units LSD
• 4 grams or 50 milliliters PCP
   

Drug Trafficking Defense

Although the possible outcome of your case may seem bleak, bear in mind that each situation has its own set of circumstances, and with that comes defense opportunities tailored to fit your particular case.

I will thoroughly review the facts of your case so that I may provide you with the best criminal defense for drug distribution possible.

• Entrapment
• Valid Prescription
• Illegal search & seizure
• Lack of knowledge
• Religious Purposes
   

Why Defend People Accused of Crimes?

Often I am asked why I want to defend criminals, or people charged with crimes. Not a strange question considering the violence, degradation, and decay of civility in our society today. Nor is it a surprise considering the intolerant attitudes held by many toward those accused of crimes, in some ways primed by crime news and true-crime TV shows.
 
Making sure that my clients get a fair trial is my goal, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone deserves a strong legal defense.
 
In addition, every person deserves protection from overzealous police and prosecutors who may cheat and violate the rules to get a conviction. My job is to uphold the constitution and the laws by making sure the Government does not try to cheat.
 

Experience Outweighs the Cost of Drug Trafficking Attorney

We've all heard horror stories from the legal trenches.

• My lawyer failed to show up at the preliminary hearing!

• The attorney that I initially talked to disappeared into the abyss and someone that I'm not familiar with showed up in the courtroom in their place. 

• My attorney won't return my phone calls.

 
At the Law Office of Aaron Black, I personally represent each of my clients. Unlike many large firms that work to acquire as many cases as possible at any given time, I represent a limited number of clients. Also, at these large advertising firms, you are a number and represented by whatever associate lawyer covers the court you are supposed to be in. You can expect individualized service from me.
 
Not only will you get my personal representation, but you will also get direct contact with me.
 
I am not the cheapest defense attorney in Phoenix, AZ. When your freedom is at stake, you need the truth about the potential outcome of your case. You need someone with knowledge of the legal system and has the experience to back it up.
 
With your life's balance on the line, cost should not be your first criteria when choosing a criminal defense attorney.
 

Free Confidential Legal Consultation for Drug Trafficking Crimes

When you meet with me for your free consultation, I will walk you through the criminal process and what you can expect at each court hearing.
 
You can rest assured that I will do everything possible to defend you while keeping you up to date on all relevant information about your case.
 
I genuinely understand that facing charges can be complicated and confusing, and I promise that I will work tirelessly to provide the personalized, expert legal defense that you deserve and should expect.
 

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