The state of Arizona takes drug paraphernalia laws and other drug crimes seriously, often coming down hard on people who possess items used to grow, prepare, deliver, or take drugs such as marijuana, narcotics, and peyote. Even first-time offenders may face prison time and a lifelong criminal record. One mistake, or even being in the wrong place at the wrong time, can haunt you for decades.
If you face drug paraphernalia charges, you need a solid defense and a strong legal advocate. Phoenix drug paraphernalia lawyers can handle the complex and confusing laws so that you do not have to deal with it on your own. A criminal defense attorney who has experience defending people against drug paraphernalia charges can work to deliver the best possible outcome in a tough situation. Contact Gurion Legal today to learn how we can help.
At Gurion Legal, we believe that everyone has the right to a strong defense, regardless of any past mistakes they have made. We can never guarantee an outcome, but we can guarantee that we will fight hard for you to get the best outcome in a difficult situation—whether that means getting the charges reduced or dismissed, securing a favorable plea bargain, or defending you at trial.
Our positive case results are a testament to our advocacy on behalf of our clients. You can feel confident that we will work hard on your behalf.
Some of our recent drug-related victories include:
You may feel overwhelmed and afraid after being arrested for violating drug paraphernalia laws in Phoenix. An attorney with Gurion Legal can assist you during this stressful time. We offer free case consultations that give you an opportunity to meet us, tell your side of the story, and decide what to do moving forward.
Throughout your case, we can:
A drug paraphernalia lawyer with Gurion Legal will craft a defense strategy based on the specific details of your case. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and determine the approach that gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Some potential defenses for violating Phoenix drug paraphernalia laws include:
These scenarios are just a few examples of legal defenses that may apply to your situation. We will work with you to create a strategy that best fits your case.
Penalties for using or possessing drug paraphernalia in Phoenix vary based on your criminal record and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Drug paraphernalia law violations are a Class 6 felony. The standard sentence for a first-time offense ranges from four months to two years, although the sentence can be longer if the crime occurred under aggravating circumstances.
Some possible aggravating circumstances include:
Your previous criminal record also affects your sentence. If you have been convicted of a felony within the past ten years in any state, you may face up to 33 years in prison.
In some cases, state law requires the court to suspend the sentence of a person convicted of drug paraphernalia charges. Instead, that person can go on probation and participate in an approved drug treatment or drug education program. They must pay for the program on their own.
Our lawyers can help determine if you qualify for probation.
To qualify, you must:
People convicted of drug paraphernalia offenses involving methamphetamine are not eligible for this option. While they may still receive probation, it is not mandatory for the court to provide that sentence. People who reject probation, refuse drug treatment, or already have three or more convictions for personal possession of drug paraphernalia or a controlled substance are not eligible either.
State law gives the court leeway to reduce felony charges for drug paraphernalia and change the sentence under certain circumstances. If the court feels that the felony sentence is too harsh based on your personal history and character or the nature and circumstances of the crime, they can reduce the charges to a Class 1 misdemeanor or place you on probation. Once you have completed probation, the court can change your conviction to a misdemeanor.
Under state law, a first misdemeanor offense can result in six months in prison. If you have other misdemeanor convictions within the past two years, you may receive a higher offense.
Drug paraphernalia is a broad term that refers to equipment or tools involved in drug use or production. In Arizona, drug paraphernalia is equipment, products, and materials used to grow, harvest, manufacture, process, analyze, package, store, conceal, or introduce drugs into the human body by injection, ingestion, inhalation, or other means.
Many items qualify as drug paraphernalia, including:
State law prohibits the use, manufacturing, possession, and delivery of drug paraphernalia for any of the above purposes. Any of these violations constitutes a Class 6 felony. It is also a Class 6 felony to place an advertisement for the sale of any object if the person knows or should reasonably know that the objects are designed or intended to use as drug paraphernalia.
Many items that can be considered drug paraphernalia have other perfectly legal uses.
The court considers many factors when deciding what counts as drug paraphernalia, including:
Reach out to a Phoenix drug lawyer.
The penalties for violating drug paraphernalia laws in Arizona are steep. If you face charges related to drug paraphernalia, you cannot afford to take a chance by defending yourself. You need a lawyer who will advocate for you and fight for a favorable outcome.
The team at Gurion Legal is ready to help when you need it most. Call our office today at (480) 800-0020 or contact us online for a free consultation.