Drug Transportation Lawyer Case Results in Mesa, Arizona
Client Charged With A Drug Transportation Crime in Mesa, Arizona
REDUCED SENTENCE & CHARGES DISMISSED
Law enforcement officials in Arizona are concentrating more of their efforts on pursuing drug traffickers in the state after the legalization of medical marijuana. However, you should not automatically accept the allegations brought against you if you have been arrested for a drug transportation crime in Mesa, Arizona.
First, you should immediately employ the services of a capable criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your rights. One of our clients did just that. Officers discovered 280 grams of marijuana in his car, and he was arrested for transporting the drug for sale. Let’s review his alleged crime before relating how his attorneys were able to assist him.
Understanding Marijuana Transportation For Sale Charges in Mesa, Arizona
Possession and use of marijuana with a valid prescription are legal in Arizona. However, a person may face criminal marijuana transportation charges if they are caught transporting marijuana without a medical license.The legal limit for marijuana is two pounds, and if you are found to be transporting more than that, the law assumes that you are doing it to sell.
Even if a person isn’t carrying more than two pounds of marijuana, they may still be charged with a drug transportation for sale crime. This usually occurs if police suspect the intent to sell. This is especially true if they discover scales, bags for distribution, or drug ledgers detailing sales and the money they made or owed.
In addition, the offense of transporting marijuana for commercial purposes carries heavy consequences. In Arizona, if you are found guilty of transporting marijuana for sale, you might serve time in prison even if you don’t have a criminal record.
Possible Penalties For Transportation of Marijuana For Sale in Mesa, Arizona
Arizona Revised Statute forbids the transportation of marijuana for sale. The amount of marijuana involved in the crime determines the type of felony that person would be charged with, as shown below:
Less than two pounds: A class 4 felony charge with probation or a maximum penalty of 3.75 years in jail.
Two to four pounds: A class 3 felony that carries a potential probation sentence or up to 8.75 years in jail.
Above four pounds: A mandatory prison sentence of three to twelve and a half years is imposed if you are found guilty. It is a class 2 felony
For the most part, you could also have a longer sentence if there are potential aggravating circumstances. The use of dangerous weapons and the transportation of drugs close to a school are examples of aggravating circumstances. You may also be subject to further punishment if you are a repeat offender.
Therefore, if you have previously been convicted of a felony, you might receive a sentence of up to 23 years in jail. A penalty of more than ten years to 35 years in prison is possible with two prior felony convictions.
In addition, anyone found guilty of transporting marijuana illegally in Maricopa County must perform obligatory community service and pay fines in addition to receiving a lifelong felony sentence, probation, and prison time.
What To Do When Arrested For A Drug Transportation Crime In Mesa, Arizona
Recognizing what to do and what not to do if you’re detained for a drug offense is crucial. Being careful with your actions is essential because drug crimes in Arizona carry severe sentences. The following actions can help get a good outcome for your case.
Don’t Panic
Keep calm if you are arrested in Arizona for marijuana transportation for sale. After all, arrests do not constitute convictions. Besides, you might make choices or say things that result in more drug charges if you let your emotions take control. Instead, make notes about the experience to ensure you don’t forget any details and show respect to the police.
Remain Silent
Remembering your constitutional rights to silence when held and questioned by authorities during any drug inquiry is vital and having an attorney present. Until your lawyer comes, you shouldn’t talk to the police. Any statement you make might be used against you and harm your case.
Get A Lawyer
As quickly as possible, you ought to consult a Mesa, Arizona, drug defense attorney skilled at handling cases involving the transportation of illegal substances. Also, don’t withhold any crucial information about your case from your attorney. Strong defense from the beginning of your drug case could be the difference between a conviction and getting the charges dismissed or another favorable outcome.
Keep Details of Your Case Confidential
Avoid discussing your case with friends or relatives if you don’t want them to be called as witnesses in court. In addition, request that they refrain from discussing your situation with anyone.
Case of the Client Charged With A Drug Transportation Crime in Mesa, Arizona
On his journey home from California to Minnesota, our client was stopped by law authorities. The officer was suspicious despite our client’s claim that he was visiting his mother in Fresno, California, because of the timeline and his actions.
Next, the police conducted a car search for our client after smelling raw marijuana. The officer checked the truck and discovered 17 trash bags filled with vacuum-sealed marijuana. Our client had a total of 280 pounds of marijuana in his possession. Upon his arrest, he was indicted with the following crimes:
- Transportation of marijuana for sale
- Possession of marijuana for sale
- Possession of drug paraphernalia.
In addition, we maintained frequent communication with the investigating attorneys to portray our client accurately. We concluded there were severe legal difficulties after evaluating the relevant facts and information regarding our client’s circumstances.
Furthermore, we successfully negotiated a fair plea arrangement on our client’s behalf based on the relevant legal concerns, our connections to local prosecutors, and our expertise with the court system. With the possibility of having the charge reduced to a misdemeanor, our client accepted a plea bargain for an undesignated class 6 felony. Also, no jail term was imposed on him.
What Is An Undesignated Class 6 Felony?
Undesignated felonies of the Class 6 classification are crimes that have not yet been designated as felonies. Instead, the court suspended the felony sentence to give the offender time to fulfill probation and other sentencing requirements, such as paying fines, court expenses, and fees. The accused can later have the offense classified as a misdemeanor.
A plea deal frequently stipulates that the offender must complete probation before the court can classify the conviction as a misdemeanor. Thus, the charge is treated as a felony conviction for all purposes until it is officially declared a misdemeanor by the court.
The court may grant a request to downgrade a felony to a misdemeanor if the offender completes probation without breaking the rules or committing new offenses.
The least severe kind of felony in Arizona is a class 6 offense. In the Arizona Department of Corrections, a conviction can result in fines, probation, or a term of 4 months to 5.75 years in jail.
Conclusion
Those accused of transporting marijuana are frequently aware that, in the event of a conviction, they could incur harsh punishments and suffer long-term repercussions. Understanding how much of a difference hiring knowledgeable legal counsel can make is crucial.
WE HELP GET YOUR DRUG CHARGES AND PENALTIES REDUCED OR DROPPED.
The drug crime lawyers at Mesa Drug Lawyer have over 35 combined years of experience defending clients in the Mesa, Arizona area. We’ve helped clients receive reduced penalties, dismissed charges and flexible legal results that make it easier to move on after your case. View our recent case results to get a better idea of how our criminal defense drug crime attorneys provide first-class service to their clients.