Understanding Drug Crime Sentencing

Drug crime offenders frequently ask questions including:

• Will I be incarcerated?
• What sorts of fines are applicable to my situation?
• Can an attorney help to negotiate a lesser penalty?

No one knows what will happen in the future of your case, but it is important to understand Phoenix drug crimes and sentences, and that penalties for drug related offenses can be extremely harsh. Criminal defense attorneys in Phoenix at Leslie LeMense Law outline the parameters for sentencing in drug crimes cases, and can help you understand drug crime sentences.

Phoenix Drug Crime Charges

Drug crime charges and offenses are measured in terms of the factors surrounding your situation. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• What was the nature of the offense; was the offender transporting, using, selling and/or manufacturing illegal drugs?
• What amount of the illegal drug was in possession?
• What does the offender’s criminal record look like?

Although all drug crime offenses are predominately classified as felonies, the factors of your situation can have a large effect on your drug crime sentence in Phoenix and nearby areas. Typically speaking first time offenders charged with possession of any illegal drug will be facing possible mandatory minimum sentences. First time offenders could have a lesser penalty negotiated such as drug courses and/or rehabilitation. Offenders of more serious offenses such as distribution, trafficking and/or manufacturing of any illegal drug face stricter penalties.  Penalties can include up to fifteen years in prison for first time offenders. Arizona’s zero tolerance criminal laws account for steep and unrelenting sentences for drug crime in Phoenix.

Are you at risk of being incarcerated? Hiring an attorney with experience is the first thing one should do after being arrested for any drug related offense. The sooner an attorney is consulted, the better chance at avoiding incarceration you have. At LeMense Law we understand that strict Arizona penalties can negatively affect your life and the lives of people close to you; that is why our firm is dedicated to practicing criminal law. We have the resources and knowledge to negotiate a beneficial outcome for you.

For more information, or for help with a drug crime sentence, call 24 hours a day at 480-807-3187, or contact us via e-mail.