Phoenix Drug Crime Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Charges in Maricopa County

MayesTelles PLLC is your choice for a drug crime defense firm if you have been arrested in Phoenix or a surrounding area. Our lawyers bring years of experience, including experience as former prosecutors. Drug offenses are investigated heavily, prosecuted aggressively, and sentenced severely in Arizona. Call us today if you or someone you love has been arrested for a drug crime.

Why Hire Us?

By Choosing the Teamat MayesTelles PLLC, You Get:

Have you been charged with a drug crime in Arizona? Call MayesTelles PLLC today at (602) 428-7104or contact us onlineto schedule a meeting with our drug crime attorney in Phoenix! 

Drug Crime Cases We Handle

At MayesTelles, we handle all types of drug offenses and are uniquely adept. Many of our attorneys have an extensive background in drug-related criminal cases. For example, David Telles used to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and Candy Marrufo used to work with at-risk youths to keep them out of the drug culture and gangs. Anyone who has already been arrested should educate themselves on their charges and consult with a Phoenix drug crime attorney to discuss their options for a legal defense.

We handle all types of misdemeanor and felony drug offenses, including:

If you have been charged with a crime, you need to immediately team up with a Phoenix drug defense lawyer from our firm. We can help you build a strong case and defend against the charges.

Federal Drug Crimes

In smuggling or transportation cases involving larger amounts of drugs, the U.S. Government could become involved. At this point, it is a federal crime and the consequences could be much harsher.

Agencies such as the FBI handle federal drug investigations and they have virtually unlimited resources when it comes to finding and apprehending offenders.

Many felony drug crimes in Arizona have harsh mandatory minimum sentences, especially for those who have previously been convicted of a similar offense.

What are the Penalties for Felony Drug Crimes in Arizona?

Chapter 7 of Title 13 of the Arizona Revised Statutes details sentencing for felony offenses.

First-time felony offense sentencing:

Repeat felony offender sentencing (two or more separate felonies):

There are three categories of repeat felony offenders: category one, category two, and category three. Offenders classified in category three receive the most severe sentences.

There are different sentencing requirements for violent and dangerous felony offenders.

Drug Schedule Categorizations

In the U.S., controlled substances are categorized based on their potential for dependency and perceived therapeutic value. Schedule V substances would have the lowest potential for dependence and some medical value. This means that the penalties for this category of drugs would be lesser than others. Schedule I controlled substances have the highest potential for dependency and are seen not to have therapeutic value. Offenses involving these types of drugs would have harsher penalties than other schedules.

Drug Courts in Arizona

Drug crimes involving drug-addicted offenders are tried in special courts. Drug courts look into helping drug-addict offenders by ordering supervision and treatment programs. Unlike other courts, these courts use health treatment programs to help addicted individuals. Rehabilitation is often a preferred penalty to jail because the defendants can receive support and reduce the likelihood of future crimes.

Can Drug Charges Be Expunged in Arizona?

Arizona does not refer to clearing your criminal record as "expungement" like many other states, and expunging a criminal record is "setting aside" a prior conviction. Arizona does permit this act to restore a person's rights after they were convicted of a drug crime.

What Does "Over The Threshold Amount" Mean?

Under Arizona law, if an individual is in possession of a certain amount of drugs, there will be mandatory prison time attached to a conviction. The threshold amount varies by the type of drug, but that specified amount is considered the "threshold amount." Do not assume that because you were in possession of drugs above this amount, you will go to prison; this fact can often be debated and argued.

Are Synthetic Drugs Illegal in Arizona?

Arizona law considers synthetic drugs illegal, just like organic drugs. The penalties and criminal proceedings for these cases are generally the same whether the drug is organic or synthetic.

Do's and Don'ts After a Drug Crime Arrest

If you are arrested for a drug crime, it's important to know what to do, how to act, and what not to do. Drug crime convictions in Arizona are harsh, so it is crucial to be cautious of your actions.

Here are a few things you SHOULD DO after an arrest:

• Be polite to law enforcement while getting their name and badge number
• Exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present
• Take notes of the incident so that you do not forget any details
• Share every detail of the case with your drug defense attorney
• Ask your family not to discuss your case with anyone at all

The key thing to remember is that you need a skilled lawyer by your side; you should not speak with law enforcement until you do. Anything that you say can be used against you and may hurt your case.

Here are a few things you SHOULD AVOID after an arrest:

• Do not engage in any physical contact with the police
• Do not run or hide from the police, or resist arrest
• Do not speak to law enforcement about anything until your lawyer arrives
• Do not let police search your property unless they show you a warrant
• Do not discuss your case with friends or family or they may have to testify in court
• Do not hide any important details from your lawyer

Contact Our Phoenix Drug Crime Attorney Today

Drug crimes have serious consequences, including significant fines, lengthy incarceration, and a criminal record that lingers for years to come. Working with an experienced drug crime attorney in Phoenix is critical to protecting your rights and interests. With the right legal help, you may obtain a more favorable outcome in your case. Reach out today and learn more about your options for fighting drug crime charges.

Contact MayesTelles PLLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug crime lawyer in Phoenix!