Methamphetamine (Meth) Charges: Dangerous Drug Classifications, Laws and Sentencing Guidelines

Methamphetamine “Meth” Charges in Phoenix AZ

Under Arizona Law A.R.S. 13-3401.6 the drug Methamphetamine or “Meth” is classified as a “Dangerous Drug”. A person may be guilty of a Dangerous Drug crime if they knowingly possessed any amount of Methamphetamine or “Meth” as defined under A.R.S. § 13-3407. Arizona Dangerous Drug Offense Law and Classifications

A.R.S. § 13-3407. Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs; classification:

A. A person shall not knowingly:

1. Possess or use a dangerous drug (Class 4 Felony):

2. Possess a dangerous drug for sale (Class 2 felony);

3. Possess equipment or chemicals, or both, for the purpose of manufacturing a dangerous drug (Class 2 Felony for Meth);

4. Manufacture a dangerous drug (Class 2 Felony);

5. Administer a dangerous drug to another person (Class 2 Felony);

6. Obtain or procure the administration of a dangerous drug by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or subterfuge (Class 3 Felony);

7. Transport for sale, import or offer to transport for sale or import or sell, transfer or offer to sell or transfer a dangerous drug into Arizona. (Class 2 Felony)

A person may be convicted of Dangerous Drug possession if they knowingly possession any amount of Methamphetamine or “Meth”, for any purpose described above.

“Threshold Amount” – A.R.S. § 13-3401

Under Arizona Law A.R.S. § 13-3401. 36 (e) “Threshold Amount” means: means a weight, market value or other form of measurement of an unlawful substance. The specified Threshold Amount for methamphetamine is Nine grams. This includes methamphetamine in liquid suspension; or any combination of those unlawful substances listed under this law. If a person is found to have in their possession an amount that equals or exceeds the Statutory Threshold Limit, for a particular drug, they will be exposed to mandatory prison sentencing. The length of the prison terms a person will face increases based on the amount of the drug that exceeds the threshold limits for that drug.

Sentencing Guidelines for Meth, Dangerous Drug Crime Convictions

If a person is convicted of a methamphetamine or Meth crime, they may be exposed to harsh prison sentencing that can range from 2 to 15 years prison depending on the factors involved. Factors considered for sentencing include:

 Aggravating Factors;

 Mitigating Factors;

 Whether or not the defendant is over 18 years of age;

 Quantity of the substance;

 If the quantity exceeds the Statutory “Threshold Amount”;

 Whether or not the crime involved a “Dangerous offense”;

 Prior DUI or Criminal offense convictions;

 First time or repeat drug offense;

 If the circumstances caused physical injury to a minor under fifteen years of age ARS § 13-3407(A)(1).

Other penalties include large monetary fines, fees, assessments; mandatory counseling; community service, and other penalties.

Criminal Defense Attorney for Meth Charges, Phoenix AZ

Crimes involving any Dangerous Drug, particularly Meth crimes are very serious charges. All drug charges involving Meth crimes, if convicted, will expose a person to prison sentencing, exorbitant fines; and other harsh penalties. If you were arrested for any illegal drug charge you should consult an attorney who frequently defends drug charges in Phoenix AZ or Maricopa County. A good criminal attorney will make sure your rights are protected; defend your charges; and work to get the best possible outcome in your case. If the charges cannot be dismissed, your attorney will look for mitigating factors that will help get your sentencing reduced, so that it has the least adverse impact on your life as possible.

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Law Office of James Novak 4500 S. Lakeshore Drive Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 413-1499 www.Arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com www.novakazlaw.com Arizona DUI, DWI, Drunk Driving & Criminal Defense Firm Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix & Scottsdale AZ Free Consultation! Call (480) 413-1499