Facing drug trafficking charges in Tucson, AZ, can be incredibly overwhelming, with the potential for serious legal consequences that can affect your life forever. You should never try to handle this situation on your own. With the right criminal defense lawyer by your side, you can find a way to fight back and mitigate the consequences you’ll end up facing.
For help with a drug trafficking charge in Tucson, Arizona, contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys at (520) 510-0439 to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson drug trafficking lawyer.
How Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested For Drug Trafficking
When you’re up against drug trafficking allegations in Tucson, AZ, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side. Here’s how we can assist:
- Our legal team will thoroughly explain the nature of the charges against you, ensuring that you understand what is at stake and the legal avenues available to fight these charges.
- We are skilled negotiators who deal directly with prosecutors on your behalf. The goal is to get charges dropped or reduced or to get an agreement for a more lenient sentence than you’d get if you go to trial and are convicted.
- If necessary, we’re prepared to go to trial and represent you during all proceedings. We’ll gather evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present a compelling defense strategy.
If you’re dealing with drug trafficking charges in Tucson, Arizona, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson criminal defense attorney.
Overview of Drug Trafficking in Arizona
Drug trafficking involves the illegal movement, distribution, or sale of controlled substances. It isn’t just about possessing the drugs–it is directly tied to moving these substances from one place to another. This often involves larger-scale operations across towns, between states, or even international borders.
Arizona drug trafficking laws are based on an essential factor: the weight of the drugs involved. If caught with drugs that are above certain threshold amounts, you could face these serious charges as opposed to simply possession of the controlled substance. The weight varies depending on the type of drug:
- Heroin: 1 gram
- Cocaine: 9 grams
- PCP: 4 grams or 50 milliliters
- Methamphetamine: 9 grams (including in liquid form)
- Amphetamine: 9 grams (including in liquid form)
- Marijuana: 2 pounds
These charges are generally felony charges. Another important point to understand is that drug trafficking charges don’t require law enforcement to observe or even have evidence of a financial transaction. This can be proven based on the weight of the drugs and other circumstantial evidence.
What Are the Penalties For Drug Trafficking in Tucson, Arizona?
The penalties for drug trafficking in Tucson, Arizona, vary based on multiple factors, including the type of drug involved, the weight of the substance, and the offender’s criminal record. Penalties could include the following:
- Prison sentences: For serious offenses, particularly those involving large quantities of controlled substances or drugs classified as being particularly dangerous (such as methamphetamine or heroin), offenders may face substantial prison sentences.
- Jail time: Less severe cases, often involving smaller quantities or less dangerous substances, may result in jail time rather than state prison sentences.
- Probation: In some situations, particularly for first-time offenders or cases involving minimal drug quantities, probation might be an option. This alternative to incarceration allows individuals to remain in the community under strict supervisiong as long as they adhere to specific conditions set by the court.
- Fines: Financial penalties are often imposed as an additional deterrent for drug trafficking offenses. The fines imposed can be substantial, reflecting the severity of the crime and the financial impact of drug trafficking on the community.
- Substance abuse treatment: Courts may also require substance abuse treatment programs as part of the sentencing for drug trafficking convictions. These programs are intended to address underlying addiction issues, providing offenders with the support needed to prevent future offenses.
If you’re facing criminal charges, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to mitigate the consequences against you.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Drug Trafficking?
When facing charges of drug trafficking, it’s crucial to understand the potential defenses that can be raised to challenge the prosecution’s case. The defenses available depend on the specifics of your case, but the common ones include the following:
- Unlawful search and seizure: One common defense is challenging the legality of how evidence was obtained. If law enforcement conducted a search without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence collected might be deemed inadmissible in court.
- Lack of knowledge: Another possible defense is arguing a lack of knowledge regarding the presence of drugs. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must demonstrate that the defendant was aware of the drugs and intended to traffic them.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must provide compelling evidence that links the accused to the alleged drug trafficking. If the evidence is weak or circumstantial, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can argue that there isn’t enough proof to convict beyond a reasonable doubt.
This is not an exhaustive list of the legal defenses; a criminal defense lawyer can help you determine the best way to fight your case.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation With Our Tucson Drug Trafficking Attorney
If you find yourself accused of drug trafficking, it’s essential to understand the gravity of these allegations. If you’re convicted, you face serious consequences that can affect all aspects of your life. It’s crucial to seek legal counsel immediately to navigate you through this challenging process.
A lawyer with experience handling drug cases can offer guidance on the best steps moving forward and work toward protecting your rights and building a strong defense. Contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Tucson drug trafficking attorney.