Narcotic Drug Possession
Narcotics Possession Attorney | Arizona Criminal Defense Firm
Narcotic Drugs – Criminal Charges for Possession or Use in Arizona
Possession or Use of Narcotic Drug Charges Criminal Defense
Arizona police and the Maricopa County Prosecutors egregiously pursue convictions for criminal charges associated with the illegal possession or sale of narcotic drugs. Even if you feel your situation is grim, remember that you have the right to defend your Arizona drug charges. Drug charges can be complex. However, many Arizona drug charges are dismissed or acquitted. But not by chance or luck. To get a dismissal often requires technical knowledge, experience, and trial defense skills by a qualified criminal defense lawyer. If you face any drug charges, especially narcotic drug charges or controlled substance charges, you should contact the Law Office of James Novak. He will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your charges, and defense options. The Law Office of James Novak defends drug charges, criminal charge and DUI charges exclusively in Maricopa County with proven results.
Possession Laws in Arizona – Possession or Use of Narcotic Drugs
Arizona Law for Narcotic drug possession reads in part as follows:
“13-3408. Possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of narcotic drugs; classification
A. A person shall not knowingly:
1. Possess or use a narcotic drug.
2. Possess a narcotic drug for sale…”
Arizona Drug Laws – The Prosecution’s Burden of Proof for Conviction
In Arizona the crime of possession or use of a narcotic drug requires the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime of Arizona possession or use of a narcotic drug. There are two elements that need to exist in order for the prosecution to get a conviction:
- You knowingly possessed or used a narcotic drug; and
- The substance was in fact a narcotic drug.
Arrested for Narcotic Drugs or Controlled Substances – What to Do
- Remain Silent. But you must advise the police that you wish to invoke your right to remain silent until your drug defense Attorney is present or has given you further instructions. If you just remain silent without announcing that you are exercising your right to do so will result in your being perceived as uncooperative. Anything you say or do may impact you narcotic drug case.
- Hire an Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer, experienced in narcotic drug defense as soon as possible. They will advise you of your rights are and what options you have for a defense. A good criminal defense attorney’s interest is in your future and freedom. They will make sure your rights are protected and that you do not do say anything that will be held against you later or damage your defense.
- Take note of conversations, interactions and events that occur from before, during and following your arrest. Details, as irrelevant as they may seem to you, may open a door to an effective defense strategy that can be used by your defense attorney. Details may reveal a violation of your rights, illegal search and seizure, violations in police protocol, tampering with evidence, unlawful stop or arrest, just to name a few. When you are in a position to document these things, do so.
- Do not discuss the details of your drug case with anyone accept your criminal defense attorney either by phone or in person for at least three reasons: 1) Phone calls from the jail or prison are recorded and can be used against you; 2) Friends family or witnesses may be called upon to testify against you; 3) You may be given incorrect guidance.
Arizona Narcotic Drug Penalties
In Arizona a narcotic drug crime may be charged as a class 4 or all the way up to the higher class 2 felony. You face going to prison from 2.5 years to 12.5 years. This amount would increase if you have any prior felony convictions and was on probation or parole at the time of committing the present narcotic drug crime.
Why You Need to Hire a Qualified Narcotic Drug or Controlled Substances Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Arizona Drug Charges-
Do not allow the prosecutor or the police attempt to convince you that you will not need a criminal defense lawyer to defend you. Failure to hire a qualified criminal defense attorney makes it easier for the Arizona prosecution to convict you. The Law office of James Novak defends drug charges on a regular basis. As an experienced trial lawyer and former Arizona prosecutor of drug charges, James Novak, criminal defense attorney knows how to defend you, protect your rights, and make sure the process has the least negative impact on your life as possible. You rarely get a second chance to protect your future and your freedom.
Narcotics Drug Crimes Attorney – Possession with Intent to Sell
Law Office of James Novak Arizona DUI, Drug & Criminal Defense
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