Lake Havasu Drug Possession Lawyer

Drug Possession Attorney in Lake Havasu, AZ

Drug offenses in Arizona are treated seriously by the courts and law enforcement agencies. If you are charged with a drug-related offense, you may be facing serious consequences that can have a major impact on your life if you are convicted. Working with a highly skilled Lake Havasu drug possession lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected.

Hire a Drug Possession Lawyer

Drug possession charges can upend your entire life and impact your reputation. Drug possession laws in Arizona are complex and can be difficult to understand. The Kaiser Law Group has a broad knowledge of Arizona drug laws and has represented clients in many drug possession cases. The staff is dedicated to advocating for your rights and fighting for positive outcomes.

What to Do if Facing Drug Charges

If you are arrested for drug charges in Arizona, these actions may strengthen your case and help to protect your rights:

• Exercise your right to remain silent. It is prudent to speak to your attorney before making any statement to the police.
• Contact an attorney. It is critical to hire a skilled Lake Havasu Drug Possession Lawyer as soon as possible to begin gathering information for your defense.
• Do not consent to a search unless it is legally required. Under the law, law enforcement must have probable cause or a warrant to search your home or vehicle.
• It is very important to avoid discussing your case. You should avoid talking to others and especially posting information about the case on social media. Statements that you make can be used in court.

If you are arrested in Lake Havasu, Mohave County, you will be detained at the Mohave County Jail located at 501 S. Highway 66, Kingman, AZ 86401.

Common Drug Charge Defenses

Being charged with a drug-related felony does not mean you will be convicted. There are multiple defense strategies that may apply to your situation. A skilled drug possession lawyer can review your case and develop a strong defense. The following list details the most common types of defense against drug charges:

1. Challenge to the search and seizure. If evidence was collected illegally, such as through an illegal search, it may be inadmissible in court.
2. Questioning the validity of drug testing and analysis. For drug test results to be admissible, they must be conducted by certified professionals and handled in accordance with appropriate procedures.
3. Lack of intent or knowledge. The defense may present evidence that the defendant was unaware that the drugs were present or that there was no intent to commit a crime.
4. Law enforcement misconduct. The defense will explore whether there were any procedural errors or police misconduct.
5. Negotiating a plea deal. In some cases, the most favorable outcome is reached through a plea deal in which the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduction in charges or penalties. A plea deal can also lead to alternative sentencing options, including probation instead of jail time or admission to drug diversion programs.

Medical Marijuana Act

Arizona passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act in 2010. This act allows registered patients to acquire and use marijuana legally for medical purposes. Patients must have a medical card and be authorized. The law allows for such individuals to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana within a two-week period.

Arizona also allows recreational marijuana use for adults 21 years and older, but the legal amount is one ounce or less. An individual who possesses more than the legal amount may be charged criminally.

Impact of Illegal Drugs in Arizona

Data from the Arizona Department of Health Services show that in 2023, there were 3,077,971 opioid prescriptions written, 53,967 opioid-related hospitalizations, 4,081 non-fatal opioid overdoses, and 1,928 opioid overdose deaths.

In 2023, there were 1,953 drug-related prosecutions in Mojave County, where Lake Havasu is located. Fentanyl was the most common type of illegal drug involved in criminal cases, and there were 23,091 cases prosecuted statewide.

FAQs About Lake Havasu, CA Drug Possession Law

What Is a Class 4 Felony for Drug Possession in Arizona?

A class 4 felony for drug possession is a mid-range criminal felony in Arizona. A Class 4 felony can be considered dangerous or non-dangerous. A non-dangerous felony prison sentence can range from one year to three years and nine months.

A sentence for a Class 4 dangerous felony can be up to 16 years in prison. To be classified as dangerous, the individual knowingly caused serious physical harm or threatened, discharged, or used a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Drug Charges in Arizona?

For cases that involve a felony, the statute of limitations is seven years in Arizona. There is a one-year statute of limitations for misdemeanor offenses. Statutes of limitation establish a timeframe in which prosecutors can file criminal charges against a defendant. If the state fails to act within the defined timeframe and files a case after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant may request dismissal of the case for late filing.

What Are the Sentencing Guidelines for Drug Charges in Arizona?

Sentencing guidelines for drug charges in Arizona are impacted by multiple factors. These include the type and classification of the drug charges; the amount of drugs involved; if it was a first or repeat offense; and if there were mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Drug charges are typically considered a felony in Arizona and may result in prison time.

What Drugs Are Decriminalized in Arizona?

Marijuana is decriminalized in Arizona following the Smart and Safe Arizona Act.  Proposition 207 (the Smart and Safe Arizona Act) allows for the legal use of cannabis among adults 21 years and older. The Act regulates the production, possession, sale, and consumption of recreational marijuana. State law allows an individual to legally possess and use one ounce or less of marijuana and up to six marijuana plants at their primary residence.

Hire a Lake Havasu Drug Possession Attorney

The Kaiser Law Group provides skilled legal defense for charges involving possession, distribution, transportation, and conspiracy. If you are facing drug charges in or near Lake Havasu, call our office to discuss your case and find out how we can help.

Lake Havasu Drug Possession Law Resources:

• National Park Drug Laws in Arizona
• Arrested or Charged with a Crime in the Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Arizona