Dangerous Drugs

Phoenix Possession of Dangerous Drugs Lawyer

Dangerous drugs include a broad category of substances such as certain prescription medications, hallucinogens, and steroids. As a category of felony drug offenses, dangerous drug charges in Arizona are common. Possession of dangerous drugs make up the majority of the dangerous drug offenses prosecuted. In Arizona, possession of dangerous drugs is a class 4 felony, which carries harsh consequences on conviction.

For people not eligible for probation or diversion, a class 4 felony is punishable by up to 3.75 years in prison. It is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney skilled at defending drug possession charges to greatly increase your chances of achieving a favorable resolution to your case. Depending on the person’s criminal history and other factors, we may be able to negotiate a favorable outcome such as reduced charges to a class 1 misdemeanor, probation, and mitigated damages.

Contact us for a free consultation at (480) 759-7479.

Dangerous Drug Possession Menu

• What Are Dangerous Drugs?
• What Is Possession of Dangerous Drugs?
• Consequences for Dangerous Drug Conviction in Arizona
• Alternatives for 1st Offense Possession of Dangerous Drugs
• Defenses to Dangerous Drug Possession in Arizona

Maricopa County Possession of Dangerous Drugs Attorney

At Civil Rights Restored, our possession of dangerous drugs attorney, Sheena Lemmons, is local to Phoenix, Arizona and wants to help you resolve your case. If you were arrested and charged with possession of dangerous drugs, we defend cases in Maricopa County including Phoenix, metro Phoenix area, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Glendale, Avondale, Laveen, and more.

What are Dangerous Drugs in Arizona?

Dangerous drugs are drugs that Arizona lawmakers have determined are particularly dangerous if not taken under the supervision of a doctor. The list of dangerous drugs is in A.R.S. 13-3401(6) and consists of over 200 drugs, including prescription medications, but not including marijuana.

Dangerous Drugs Categories:

• Hallucinogenic substances
• Synthetic THC / cannabinoids (cannabimimetic substances)
• Central nervous system stimulants
• Central nervous system depressants
• Anabolic steroids

Common Dangerous Drugs in Arizona:

• Benzodiazepines: Valium, Xanax, Librium, Klonopin, Ativan
• Stimulants: Amphetamine/Speed, Methamphetamine, Ritalin
• Depressants: PCP / Angel Dust (phencyclidine)
• Hallucinogens: Magic Mushrooms (psilocybin), LSD (lysergic acid), Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Anabolic Steroids: Testosterone
• Synthetic Cannabinoids: Spice, K2

Possession of Dangerous Drugs A.R.S. 13-3407 (2022)

The dangerous drug possession statute A.R.S. 13-3407 provides the definition of the offense and states that it is unlawful for a person to:

1. Possess or use a dangerous drug.
2. Possess a dangerous drug for sale.
3. Possess equipment or chemicals for manufacturing a dangerous drug.
4. Manufacture a dangerous drug.
5. Administer a dangerous drug to another person.
6. Obtain or procure the administration of a dangerous drug by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or subterfuge.
7. Transport for sale a dangerous drug.

What are the Penalties for Possession of Dangerous Drugs in Arizona?

The sentence for a conviction of dangerous drug charges in Arizona varies depending on several factors such as the person’s criminal history and the facts of your case. A conviction for any dangerous drug offense results in a felony on your criminal record and unfortunately includes harsh consequences.

Below are some general guidelines for a 1st offense dangerous drug conviction in Arizona under A.R.S. 13-3407(B) (2022):

Class 2 Felony:

• Possess a dangerous drug for sale.
• Possess equipment or chemicals for manufacturing methamphetamine.
• Manufacture a dangerous drug.
• Administer a dangerous drug to another person.
• Transport a dangerous drug for sale.

Class 3 Felony:

• Possess equipment of chemicals for manufacturing dangerous drugs.
• Fraudulently obtain or procure the administration of a dangerous drug.

Class 4 Felony:

• Possess or use a dangerous drug.

A felony conviction also carries collateral consequences such as suspension of your civil rights, ineligibility for federal assistance, housing, occupational licensing, potential job loss, immigration issues, and child custody issues.

Probation for Drug Possession

If your conviction is Proposition 200 eligible, for nonviolent possession of drugs for personal use, you may be granted probation with a suspended sentence in lieu of incarceration. Eligibility for probation depends on the facts of your case and your criminal record.

Note: Any offenses involving methamphetamines are not eligible.

Click here to learn more about Prop 200.

Talk to a Phoenix Drug Possession Attorney

Contact us to learn more about Probation for Drug Possession (480) 759-7479.

Probation Not Available for Possession for Sale

If you possess amounts of dangerous drugs over the statutory threshold amounts, it creates a presumption that you intend to sell the product to other people. The state will charge you with a felony drug offense with intent to sell, which is a higher class of felony and carries harsher penalties on conviction. Convictions for felony drug offenses with intent to sell are not probation eligible and involve mandatory prison time.

Get Help Now

If you have been charged with possession of dangerous drugs or felony drug charges, it is important to consult with a skilled Phoenix drug lawyer to review the facts of your case.

We understand the seriousness of these charges and will fight for results. Civil Rights Restored is a local, private criminal defense firm and our approach is to aggressively challenge the state’s evidence against you to weaken or defeat their case. If we can destroy the state’s case, your charges may be dropped.

Our goal is to help you get to the most favorable possible outcome for your case.

Start building your defense today.

Call for a free consultation at (480) 759-7479.

Arizona Threshold Amounts for Drug Offenses

The threshold amounts for certain drugs are defined in A.R.S. 13-3401(36) (2022):

• Heroine (opium) – 1 gram;
• Cocaine – 9 grams;
• Cocaine base (crack cocaine) – 750 milligrams;
• PCP (phencyclidine) – 4 grams or 50 milliliters;
• Methamphetamine – 9 grams;
• Amphetamine – 9 grams;
• LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) – 0.5 milliliter or 50 dosage units of blotters;
• Marijuana – 2 pounds.
• Any unlawful substance with a value of at least $1,000.

Fines for Possession of Dangerous Drugs in Arizona

If you are convicted of an offense for possession of dangerous drugs, you will also have to pay a fine of at least $1,000 or three times the value of the dangerous drugs involved.

Community Service for Possession of Dangerous Drugs in Arizona

If you are granted probation instead of incarceration for a conviction of possessing dangerous drugs, you will also be required to perform at least 360 hours of community service at an approved entity.

Click Here to Learn More About Felony Drug Conviction Sentencing.

First Offense Possession of Dangerous Drugs in Arizona

Alternatives for First Offenders of Dangerous Drug Possession

If you are convicted of your 1st time felony offense for possession of dangerous drugs in Arizona, we may be able to negotiate for reduced charges to a class 1 misdemeanor or to probation. You are not eligible for misdemeanor designation if the offense involved the drugs LSD, Meth, Amphetamine, or PCP. Contact us for a free consultation to go over the facts of your case and we will come up with your next best steps together.

We will fight for you to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact us at (480) 759-7479.

Defenses to Felony Drug Charges in Maricopa County

Valid Prescription

A valid prescription for your medication is likely your best defense to possession of dangerous drug charges. However, there are many potential defenses to felony drug charges. Click the link below to learn more, then call us to discuss your case.

Click here to learn more about defenses to drug charges.

Ready to Get This Case Resolved?

If you are ready to start building your defense, contact Phoenix & Scottsdale possession of dangerous drugs lawyer today at Civil Rights Restored. We are skilled in modern criminal defense strategies and will fight to get results for you.

Call us at (480) 759-7479 or use the contact form.

Let’s start fixing this together.

All Arizona Revised Statutes cited on this page were cited in 2022.