Possession of Narcotics

Phoenix & Scottsdale Possession of Narcotics Lawyer

Civil Rights Restored, DUI & Felony Drug Offenses

In Arizona, arrests for possession of narcotics is very common as opioid use is on the rise nationwide. Narcotics are prescription opioid pain killers used for severe pain as well as illegal street drugs such as heroin. Without a valid prescription, possession of narcotics is a class 4 felony in Arizona. This includes situations where a person is carrying pills in a baggie, outside of its prescription pill bottle. Or even where a person is carrying a prescription that does not belong to them.

A class 4 felony conviction for possession of narcotics carries severe consequences in Arizona. For people not eligible for probation or diversion, a class 4 felony can carry a sentence of up to 3.75 years in prison, heavy fines, and collateral consequences such as potential job loss.

Scottsdale Possession of Narcotics Lawyer

Civil Rights Restored, is an aggressive private criminal defense firm skilled at defending felony drug offenses. We understand the seriousness of these charges and will work hard to reach the most favorable possible results for your case.

If you were arrested for possession of narcotic drugs or other felony drug charges in Arizona, contact us now for a free consultation at (480) 759-7479.

Results Driven Legal Defense

Our approach is to relentlessly attack the state’s evidence against you by filing legal challenges against their case, the Constitutionality of police procedures, and undermine the quality of the state’s investigation. We are determined to find the issues in your case and damage the state’s best evidence against you to try for dismissal, acquittal, reduced charges, and mitigate the damage as much as possible.

Areas Served

If you were charged with possession of narcotics or a felony drug offense, Sheena Lemmons at Civil Rights Restored DUI & Criminal Defense wants to help you. We defend cases in Maricopa County including Phoenix, metro Phoenix area, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Ahwatukee, Glendale, Avondale, Laveen, and more.

Call us at (480) 759-7479.

Possession of Narcotics Menu

• What are Narcotics?
• What is Possession of Narcotic Drugs in Arizona?
• Consequences of Possession of Narcotics Conviction
• Defenses to Felony Drug Charges in Arizona
• Get Help Now

What are Narcotics in Arizona?

Common examples of narcotic drugs that we see include:

• Oxycontin / Oxycodone
• Vicodin / Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Tramadol
• Fentanyl
• Codeine
• Opium / Heroin

What is Possession of Narcotics in Arizona?

In Arizona, possession of narcotics is defined in A.R.S. 13-3408 (2022) and states that it is illegal for a person to:

1. Possess or use a narcotic drug.
2. Possess a narcotic drug for sale.
3. Possess equipment or chemicals for manufacturing a narcotic drug.
4. Manufacture a narcotic drug.
5. Administer a narcotic drug to another person.
6. Fraudulently obtain or procure the administration of a narcotic drug.
7. Transport for sale a narcotic drug.

Opioid Addiction in Arizona

Opioid addiction is a very serious problem in Arizona and can be devastating to people’s lives and to their family. Unfortunately for many people, they have experienced persistent and extreme pain from surgery, injury, or trauma and cannot find relief, even with prescribed pain killers.

Chronic pain can lead to abuse of prescribed narcotics where a person may start taking more medication than prescribed to ease the symptoms. This fuels a major problem where the person has run out of their medication too early and the doctor will not prescribe more. Opioid addiction is a common factor in people who begin using heroin or fentanyl, which may cause dependence and are addicting. There are many reasons why people turn to opioids due to physical or mental health implications, and unfortunately the legal consequences can be quite severe. We are here to help you navigate through this difficult time by providing aggressive criminal defense for your case and work for the best possible outcome for you and your family.

What are the Penalties for Possession of Narcotics in Arizona?

The punishment for a conviction of felony narcotic drug charges in Arizona varies depending on several factors such as the person’s criminal history and the facts and circumstances of your case.

Below are some general guidelines for a 1st offense narcotic drug conviction in Arizona under A.R.S. 13-3408(B) (2022):

Class 2 Felony:

• Possess a narcotic drug for sale.
• Manufacture a narcotic drug.
• Administer a narcotic drug to another person.
• Transport a narcotic drug for sale.

Class 3 Felony:

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

Class 4 Felony:

• Possess or use a narcotic drug.

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

Probation for Simple Possession of Narcotics in Arizona

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.

Defenses to Felony Drug Charges in Maricopa County

Valid Prescription

A valid prescription for your medication is a strong defense to a possession of narcotics offense.

There are many potential defenses to felony drug charges depending on your case. Learn more below, then call us to discuss your defense:

Click here to learn more about potential defenses to drug charges

Get Help Now

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

We understand the seriousness of these charges. 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.

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