Understanding The Charge Of Drug Possession With Intent To Distribute

Matthew Lopez, founder of the law firm Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, is an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to formulate defenses to drug charges in an effort to prove that his clients may have possessed the illegal drugs for personal use only. If a person possesses drugs for personal use, the consequences are not as severe. In fact, depending on the type of drug, Mr. Lopez may be able to have his clients avoid prison and be placed on probation.

In Arizona, it is illegal to possess or sell a controlled substance. If you are arrested on a “possession with intent” charge, the court will look at whether the substance is classified as a dangerous drug, a narcotic or marijuana. Some dangerous drugs include LSD, ecstasy, methamphetamines, steroids and psilocybin mushrooms. Narcotics include cocaine, heroin, opium, morphine and oxycodone. If a defendant is in possession of one of these drugs and meets a certain threshold quantity they may face charges of intent to distribute. Even if the defendant has a quantity below the threshold amount they may still be charged with intent to distribute. The court will look at whether the defendant had a large amount of cash on hand, the defendant was in possession of a scale, or the defendant possessed a large number of baggies or containers that could separate the drug making it easy to sell.

Punishment For Charges Of Drug Selling And Devising A Defense

Drug possession with intent to distribute is a Class 2 felony. If convicted of a first offense and the threshold amount was not met, the prison sentence can range anywhere between one and 12.5 years in prison. If convicted of a first offense and the threshold amount was met, the mandatory prison sentence can range from three to 12.5 years. The sentence is increased if the defendant has prior felony convictions. If the defendant has one prior felony the sentence is increased with a range of four and one-half years to 23.25 years in prison. If the defendant has two prior felony convictions, the range of sentencing is from 10.5 years to 25 years in prison.

Call An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney For Help

If you have been arrested for a drug possession with intent to distribute, it is crucial that you speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Mr. Lopez knows how to navigate Arizona drug laws and to challenge any evidence used against his clients. Our firm does everything in our power to ensure clients get the best possible outcomes. Call our offices at 602-960-1731 or use our online contact form to set up a free case review.