Penalties for Drug Possession in Arizona
Possessing unlawful drugs is a serious crime in Arizona. Depending on the type of charge, drug possession can land you in jail or in prison. At Van Norman Law, we want to help you understand your rights when it comes to the Arizona drug possession laws. From first-time offenses to possession with intent to sell, and marijuana to prescription drugs, here’s more about the different types of drug possession charges and the penalties you can expect.
Arizona Drug Possession Laws
Possession of Peyote
Under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 13-3402, it is illegal to possess, sell, and transfer peyote. Violating this law is a class 6 felony, and the penalties include 4 months to 3 years in prison for a first-time possession charge. As with all levels of felony convictions, you can also be fined up to $150,000.
Possession of a Vapor-Releasing Substance
According to ARS 13-3403, it is illegal to intentionally breathe, inhale, or drink a toxic, vapor-releasing substance such as paint or varnish. A violation of this law is a class 5 felony, which can earn you 6 months to 4 years in prison for a first offense.
Possession of a Precursor Chemical
Precursor chemicals are chemicals that someone uses to manufacture illegal drugs. Under ARS 13-3404.1, it is illegal to knowingly possess certain precursor chemicals in various amounts. Illegal possession of precursor chemicals can be considered a class 2, 5, or 6 felony, depending on the chemical and the amount possessed. Possession with intent to sell is a class 2 felony, which is a much harsher crime, and can earn you 3 to 21 years in prison for a first offense.
Possession of Marijuana
Although marijuana is legal for personal use in Arizona, there is a limit to how much you can possess. According to ARS 13-3405, if you exceed the legal limit for possession of marijuana, then you could be charged with a:
- Civil penalty if you are under 21 and possess any amount of marijuana
- Petty offense if you possess more than 1 ounce but less than 2.5 ounces and are not a registered medical patient
- Class 6 felony if you possess between 2.5 ounces and 2 pounds of marijuana (or a class 4 felony if there is intent to sell)
- Class 5 felony if you possess 2-4 pounds (intent to sell this amount is a class 3 felony)
- Class 4 felony if you possess more than 4 pounds (possession with intent to sell is a class 2 felony for this amount)
Possession of Non-Prescribed Prescription Drugs
Under ARS 13-3406, it is illegal to possess or use prescription drugs without a valid prescription. Possessing non-prescribed prescription drugs is a class 1 misdemeanor, which can land you a jail sentence of six months, 3 years of probation, and up to $2,500 in fines. Possession of a non-prescribed prescription drug with intent to sell is a class 6 felony.
Possession of Dangerous Drugs
It is illegal to possess dangerous drugs such as methamphetamines, PCP, and MDMA under ARS 13-3407. The possession or use of a substance that is considered a dangerous drug in Arizona is a class 4 felony, which can earn you a prison sentence of 1 to 8 years for a first-time offense. Possession of a dangerous drug with intent to sell is a class 2 felony.
Possession of Narcotics Penalties
According to ARS 13-3408, possession of narcotics such as cocaine, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl is illegal. Violating this law is a class 4 felony, and possession with intent to sell is a class 2 felony.
Drug Offense Lawyer in Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re facing a drug possession charge in Arizona, you’ll need an experienced drug offense lawyer on your side. Drug possession laws in Arizona are complex, but luckily our expert team at Van Norman Law knows them inside and out. We’ll help you build a strong defense for your case. Call us at 480-481-0616 today to schedule a free consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/29/2022). Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash