Arizona Criminal Laws

Whether you go to jail or face a prison term for a possession of drugs charge really depends on three different questions. One, what type of drug are we talking about? Are we talking about marijuana, are we talking about methamphetamine, are we talking about prescription medications? Two, how much of the drug are we talking about? How much have they alleged that you possessed at the time of your arrest? If we’re talking about a small amount, as opposed to a large amount, that’s going to have an impact on whether probation is available or how long a jail or prison term that you may face. The third question we need to find out is, was there any indications or anything that pointed toward you having an intent to sell the drug? Did they recover scales, did they recover grinders, did they recover the drugs from you in individual pre-packaged amounts, which would all indicate that you had these drugs for the purpose of selling them. Obviously, if you had the drugs for sale, you face larger penalties and more significant penalties than you would if it was just a simple possession. Until we answer all three of these questions, the penalties could range anywhere from probation or even having the charges dismissed after a diversion program for a simple possession of marijuana charge, to ten years in prison for selling methamphetamine. If you or a loved one is facing a drug possession charge, whether it’s simple possession or a possession for sale, feel free to give me a call at (480) 994-8824 or email me.

If you’ve received a possession charge in Arizona, contact a criminal defense attorney in your area.

By: Attorney Max Hanson

DUI Litigation Expertise

Steve, at AM Law, what is your experience in handling DUI cases? DUI cases are some of the most common cases that come up in the world of criminal defense. For me personally, while I was a prosecutor I handled hundreds of misdemeanor DUIs as a trial attorney and I finished my career at the Maricopa County attorneys office as a member of their vehicular crimes bureau, where my practice was dedicated solely to cases involving DUIs, or manslaughters, or homicides that involved an impaired driver. So, for me personally, I’ve handled thousands of cases involving DUIs and have focused my training and my practice as a prosecutor in handling those types of cases.

By: Steven Meyerand

Field sobriety tests refer to those tests the officers do during the course of a DUI investigation or driving under the influence investigation. They usually take place outside the suspect’s car. They involve the classic walk and turn while walking heel to toe, the one legged stand where you stand on one leg for a period of time, the touching your nose while your eyes are closed and those type of classic tests that we all have heard about before, as far as testing for sobriety or not. These tests are designed to give the officer evidence of your impairment by reason of alcohol of your ability to drive. These tests can be biased depending on your physical capabilities. You might not be able to perform certain parts of this test, like the one leg stand, depending on what your physical condition is. If you’re older or have back problems or something else that may impact your ability to actually complete the test whether or not you were impaired or you were completely sober. They’re not good indicators. You are not required to take these tests. The courts have held you are not required to take these tests. You could refuse and can refuse to take these tests with no ramifications either to your driver’s license or to your court case if you are charged with DUI. If you or a loved one have been charged with DUI, please give me a call at (480) 994-8824 or email me.

By: Attorney Max Hanson