Drug crime charges in Tempe may come with serious penalties. If you try to fight drug charges without experienced legal representation, you may face long-term jail time or spend thousands of dollars on hefty fines. That is why you need a Tempe drug crime lawyer who has the skills and resources to give you a fighting chance at lowering drug-related criminal charges and potentially expunging your court record.
Call a Tempe criminal defense lawyer at Lerner and Rowe by dialing 602-667-7777. When you do, schedule your free consultation to learn more about your rights.
How Soon Should I Contact a Top Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer?
You should contact a Tempe drug crime lawyer to defend you as soon as possible. You could have an initial court appearance within ten days of your arrest, and you will want a knowledgeable attorney at your side as soon as the process begins. In Maricopa County’s EDC or RCC courts, cases move quickly, making it crucial to secure legal representation as soon as possible. These fast-track courts pressure defendants to negotiate a quick resolution, often with the risk of facing harsher penalties if the case is not resolved expeditiously..
How Does a Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer Fight Charges in Arizona?
There are many ways to fight drug charges in Tempe, including:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure – If law enforcement conducted an illegal search without a warrant or probable cause, the evidence may be suppressed.
- Lack of Knowledge or Possession – The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs; if the drugs belonged to someone else or were unknowingly present, this could be a valid defense.
- Crime Lab Analysis Issues – The prosecution must prove that the substance in question is actually an illegal drug, and errors in lab testing or handling could weaken the case
These are just three simple avenues we may take to defend your case, but we’ll have to hear more details during our free case evaluation.
Types of Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Offenses Handled by Our Tempe Criminal Defense Attorneys
Here in Tempe, we represent clients charged with:
- Narcotic distribution
- Youth drug use and misuse
- Offenses involving both drugs and weapons
- Drug trafficking
- Marijuana or drug DUI
- Transportation of narcotics
- Narcotics Importation
- Online drug sales
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug production
- Drug trafficking homicide
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Marijuana conviction expungement
Since our Tempe drug crime lawyer team has experience representing these types of cases, we can find unique defenses that could bring a felony charge down to a misdemeanor charge.
Tempe Misdemeanor Drug Offenses
In Tempe, generally the only drug offense that is charged is possession of drug paraphernalia. However, other drug charges may be appropriate if the “nature and circumstances of the offense” fall under certain parameters.
This rule also applies to those who possess the equipment necessary to create drugs, give a drug to another, or use fraud or deceit to get drugs. Transportation can also be qualified as a misdemeanor, but only if the charges fit the criteria above.
Felony Drug Offenses in Tempe
Tempe drug-related crimes fall under the felony crime classification. For example, possession and use of a narcotic is a class 4 felony.
These are as low as a drug felony can go, though the lowest felony classification in general is class 6.
Possession of the means to create drugs is a class 3 felony. The other cases in our list of cases handled are class 2 felonies.
Examples of Tempe Dangerous Drug Crimes and Penalties
There are various penalties you may face following a Tempe drug charge. Here are some examples:
- If you are charged with owning drug paraphernalia or personal possession and use of drugs, you would face probation, but no jail time, unless this is a second offense. You may also need to complete drug counseling courses.
- Depending on the amount of drugs in your possession, you could face 6 months to 12.5 years in prison and fines up to $1 million.
You don’t want to lose years of your life and years of hard earned wages to unreasonable charges. Instead, choose Lerner and Rowe Law Group for the defense you deserve.
Why Choose Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer from Lerner and Rowe Law Group?
When you have been charged with a drug-related crime in Tempe, you need an attorney who can defend your rights and your future. You can find that proven level of representation at Lerner and Rowe Law Group.
We’ve helped thousands of people reach the best possible outcome, receiving hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied clients along the way. Our award-winning criminal defense lawyers also offer affordable payment plans. Call to schedule your free initial case evaluation, use LiveChat, or use a secure online form.
Contact a Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Law Group
The Tempe drug crime lawyers at Lerner and Rowe Law Group can help defend your rights, which in turn can save you from an excessive time in jail as well as protect you from even worse penalties if further charges appear in the future. Contact us soon – we’re available when you need us at 602-667-7777, through this FREE online form, or via LiveChat.