What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Arizona?

Published on: 22 November 2018 Last Updated on: 19 July 2019
Drug Possession

With the opioid epidemic at an all-time high, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drug possession offenses all over the country. Arizona is no different. In Arizona, if you are caught with drugs on your person or in your car, you can expect to face some serious legal repercussions. This also applies to anyone caught with drug paraphernalia in their possession. Depending on the type and amount drug, you could be facing some serious fines and jail time.

Arizona takes drug possession very seriously. The bottom line is if you are caught under the influence of drugs or with drugs in your possession, you will probably be charged with a felony. In order to be found guilty of drug possession in Arizona, the state must prove the following:

  • You knowingly possess the drugs or paraphernalia- It’s not enough that you are found in a house where drugs are found. There has to be some connection between you and the drugs in order for you to be found guilty.
  • The substance was, in fact, an illegal or illicit drug – Just because you think something is a drug, doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted of the crime of possession. If you have a bag of oregano, you can’t get charged with possession of marijuana – even if you bought it thinking it was marijuana.

Arizona also breaks drugs down into different categories. Drugs can be defined as any of the following:

  • Marijuana – This category includes synthetic marijuana, edibles, or regular marijuana.
  • Peyote
  • Prescription drugs – This would include anti-anxiety drugs and other drugs that are legally prescribed. To be charged with drug possession, you would have to be found with drugs that you personally don’t have a prescription for.
  • Dangerous drugs –this would include methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, etc.
  • Narcotics – Pain medication and other opiates.
  • Vapors – This would include inhalants.

What are the Different Penalties for Drug Possession?

If you are busted with drugs in Arizona, you are going to face some serious consequences. The severity of the penalty will depend on how much of the drug you have in your possession. If you have just enough for personal use, it will more than likely qualify as simple possession. If, however, you have more than you could be expect to use yourself, you’ll be charged with possession and intent to distribute.

In Arizona, you will not be sent to prison for your first or second offense of drug possession. You will be sent to mandatory treatment and will be handed some pretty stiff fines. Additionally, you may be given a suspended sentence or probation for your first or second offense. Arizona will not impose a prison sentence until your third offense.

Defenses to Drug Possession:

As with most crimes, there are defenses to drug possession in Arizona. Your criminal defense attorney will raise any and all of the applicable defenses in your trial. He will also use these defenses as a bargaining tool when he tries to negotiate a reduced charge or sentence with the prosecutor. The available defenses to drug possession in Arizona include:

  • Lack of Knowledge – If you truly had no idea the drugs were in your possession, you may be found not guilty. Examples of this are when third parties placed drugs in your car or purse. It is very difficult to prove lack of knowledge.
  • Illegal Search – If the police had no reasonable basis for conducting the search in the first place, the charges will have to be dismissed.
  • Religious Use – This defense is rarely successful. In order to use this defense, you have to prove that you were using the drugs as part of a religious (not merely a cultural) ritual.

Medical Marijuana Card – If you are caught with less than 2.5 ounces of marijuana and are a legitimate marijuana patient, you may raise this defense. You will still have to prove that the drugs came from a genuine and legal dispensary.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Coping With Truck Accident Injuries

When Health Meets The Law: Coping With Truck Accident Injuries

In the world of personal injuries, truck accidents are a harsh reality. When someone faces the physical and emotional aftermath of such an incident, they often wonder how to handle the many health and legal issues that arise. This article explores the challenges people face when dealing with truck accident injuries and how consulting a skilled truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference. The Impact Of Truck Accidents On Health Truck accidents can severely affect a person's health. From fractures and internal injuries to traumatic brain injuries and emotional distress, the impact on a person's well-being can be immense. The immediate aftermath of a truck accident often involves hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Victims endure physical pain that can be excruciating, making simple daily tasks difficult. Additionally, the emotional trauma can be overwhelming, leaving victims in a state of distress, anxiety, and even depression. The journey to cope with these health challenges can be long and strenuous. Seeking Medical Attention Following a truck accident, seeking prompt medical attention is vital. Even injuries that appear minor can deteriorate if not treated. A medical evaluation ensures that injuries are properly diagnosed and treated while creating a crucial record of the incident. Victims should not underestimate the importance of immediate medical care. Untreated injuries can lead to complications and prolonged suffering. Medical professionals provide necessary treatments and therapies that promote healing and recovery. The documentation from medical visits will also play a crucial role in any legal proceedings that may follow. The Role Of A Truck Accident Attorney Truck accident attorneys specialize in helping victims of such accidents seek justice and compensation. They know the intricacies of personal injury law and can help individuals navigate complicated legal procedures. Their role goes beyond providing legal advice. They work diligently to investigate the accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent their clients in court. This comprehensive approach ensures that victims can focus on their recovery while their legal rights and interests are protected. Understanding Legal Options When it comes to truck accidents, victims have legal options to cope with the aftermath. These options may include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver, the trucking company, or other responsible parties. Understanding these legal options is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation. It empowers them to make informed decisions about their case. Legal professionals can explain the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, allowing victims to choose the best course of action based on their unique circumstances. The Importance Of Compensation In a truck accident case, compensation can address different aspects of a victim's life, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. It serves to alleviate the financial strain often associated with such accidents and offers a sense of justice for the victim. Receiving fair compensation is not just a matter of financial relief; it's a way to hold those responsible for the accident accountable for their actions. Compensation can provide the means to access necessary medical treatments and support during recovery, allowing victims to rebuild their lives with greater ease. Navigating The Legal Process The legal process following a truck accident can be complex and intimidating. Victims often find themselves in uncharted territory, unsure of what to expect at each stage of the journey. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney is a key figure in helping individuals navigate this labyrinthine path. From the initial consultation, these legal professionals provide essential guidance. They explain the legal proceedings, outlining what victims can anticipate. This clarity empowers victims with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. The legal process includes various steps, such as filing legal documents, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, representing the victim in court. Having a seasoned attorney by their side can alleviate much of the stress and uncertainty of pursuing a legal case. Building A Strong Case To secure the compensation they deserve, victims of truck accidents must build a robust legal case. This process involves several critical elements, including collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with experts who can testify on their behalf. Gathering evidence is a foundational step in building a strong case. This evidence may include accident reports, accident scene photographs, medical records, and eyewitness statements. A truck accident attorney is pivotal in helping victims collect and preserve this evidence, ensuring it is admissible in court. Conclusion Coping with truck accident injuries is a challenging journey, but it does not have to be traveled alone. Seeking immediate medical attention and enlisting the services of a skilled truck accident attorney are critical steps in this process. Together, these actions can help individuals on their path to recovery and protect their legal rights. When health meets the law in the aftermath of a truck accident, the right support can make all the difference in helping victims move forward with their lives, secure the compensation they deserve, and find a sense of closure in the face of adversity. Read Also: 5 COMMON CAUSES OF MISSOURI TRUCK ACCIDENTS 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes 10 Tips to Prevent Truck Accidents: The Complete Guide for Truck Drivers

READ MOREDetails
Comp Claim

What Is the Typical Workman’s Comp Claim Process?

When employees get injured while working, they are entitled to compensation. If an employer doesn't want to incur compensation costs, they can get insurance coverage for such cases. Workers' compensation insurance covers all the damages caused by work-related injuries. It covers medical expenses and even lost wages. If you are an employee looking to get compensation for work-related injuries, you might want to know the process. This guide discusses a typical compensation claim process for employees. Read on to learn more! How Does Workmans Comp Claim Process Work? Before getting into the workman's comp claim process steps, knowing how the process works is vital. If you get injured while working, you have limited time to report the incident and file a claim. Your workman's compensation claim will be allowed if you meet these requirements. This could see you incur all the medical expenses and other costs from your pocket. Employers are required to train an employee to report all work-related injuries on time to avoid setbacks. As an employer, you must ensure that your employees are well-informed about compensation and the need to do things on time. Besides, it is the employer's responsibility to submit a workers' compensation claim to the insurer. Before doing that, you must gather all the details about the injury. The workman's comp claim process starts when the employer gets to the insurer and presents an employee's claim. It is crucial to understand the subsequent steps, especially if you want to get compensated on time. Employees must present details about the incident and ensure everything checks out. Steps Involved In Workman's Comp Claim Process Knowing how the process works, it is time to understand the steps involved in the workman's comp claim process. These steps determine whether or not you get compensated for work-related injuries. The steps are as follows; 1. Reporting The Injury To The Employer The first step is the employee reporting a work-related injury to the employer. As mentioned earlier, employers must inform employees about the importance of reporting work-related injuries or illnesses. Employees must know that if they become injured or ill at work, the management must know immediately. An injured employee must typically provide a written notice about the injury. Most states have deadlines on when work-related injuries should be reported. In New York, for example, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. In some states, employees have up to a year to report work-related injuries. 2. Getting The Necessary Paperwork From The Employer After you report a work-related injury, your employee will give you details about your rights and benefits as an injured worker. You will know about the business's workers' compensation insurance policy and the next steps you should take. Besides, the employer will tell you about the return-to-work policies after recovery. In most cases, the employer will issue you a workman's comp claim form to fill out and then return to them. The form aims to collect details about the incident, such as the nature of the injury and where and how it happened. In some cases, you may be issued with a first report of injury form that the employer submits to the state's workers' compensation board. 3. The Employer Reports The Injury And Files The Claim Form Once you have provided details in the worker's comp claim form, the employer will report and file it. Typically, the employer sends the claim form and all the necessary documents to the workman's comp insurance carrier. However, the employer's doctor sometimes provides a detailed medical report. The employer should report the incident to the worker's comp board or the state's division of workers' compensation. 4. The Insurer Approves or Denies the Claim Lastly, the insurer will approve or deny your workman's comp claim. If the claim is approved, the insurer will inform your employer to contact you with payment details. If the claim is denied, you will be asked to consider other options or reapply. Kickstart Your Workman’s Comp Claim Process No matter your work environment, there is always a risk of injuries. Therefore, businesses should get workman's compensation insurance that helps cover their employees. As an employee, if you are injured at work and are looking for compensation, the steps highlighted here will give you an idea of what to expect. Additional: Injured At Work? Claim Your Compensation! Staking Claim To Receive Suitable Compensation Pros & Cons Of Hiring A Worker’s Compensation Lawyer

READ MOREDetails
Defamation Lawyer NYC

Internet Defamation Lawsuits: 7 Things You Need To Know

Let’s start with getting the idea about what a defamation lawsuit actually is. It is a type of civil lawsuit where the victim sues a defendant for making a false comment or statement on a person to a third party. When it comes to online or internet defamation, the statement is published on an online platform or is posted on any of the social media platforms. In this case, the person can file a defamation lawsuit against the party who had made the defamatory statement with the help of a Defamation Lawyer NYC.  Types Of Defamation Now, as we know what internet defamation is, it is time to check out the different types of defamation. Here is the list of different types of defamation. Defamation Per Se. Defamation Per Quod. Criminal Defamation. Workplace Defamation. Elements To Prove In Defamation Lawsuit Only filing a lawsuit against the party who has posted a defamatory statement about someone specific is not enough to get your claims for the damages the statement has made. Your Defamation Lawyer NYC has to prove it. So, here are the elements of a defamation lawsuit, which need to be taken care of while fighting the lawsuit. False Statement of Fact. Of and Concerning the Plaintiff. Communicated to a Third Party. Fault Amounting to at Least Negligence. The Statement Was Not Privileged. Causing Damage to the Plaintiff’s Reputation. Filing A Defamation Lawsuit Now, as you have developed a basic idea about the internet and usual defamation lawsuits, it is the main part where we will talk about filing a defamation lawsuit. Throughout the entire process, a Defamation Lawyer NYC will guide you. 1. Determine That You Have A Valid Defamation Claim The first and foremost thing you have to consider is determining your claim. Here, that is a defamatory statement made on an online platform about you, which is not true at all. In addition to that, due to that very statement, you have experienced several damages along with immense damage to your public reputation. You also have to ensure that all the elements of a defamation lawsuit are in place. 2. Ensure Where To File It might seem too easy to think of, but in reality, it is more complex. Yes, you will file the lawsuit at a court with proper jurisdiction, but the question is where. For example, you live in New York, but the party who has made the statement lives in Ohio, so where will you file the lawsuit? Here is the list of several things that you should consider during this crucial time to make your decision. Where you reside or operate. Where the defendant resides or operates. If applicable, where your customers reside. Due to the defamation, where you experienced the damages. The amount of money you are claiming to recover the damages. 3. Gather Evidence Gathering evidence is an obvious thing for any type of lawsuit. But in case of internet or online defamation, the post can be removed at any time. So, here is some evidence that will work for you. A screenshot. Printout documents. Backup emails to any other email accounts. Save the entire webpage. 4. Comply With All Defamation Requirements Apart from making sure that all the defamation elements are in the proper place, in some cases, you might also need to take care of some particular pre-suit requirements. In some states, the plaintiff has to give notice to the organization or to the individual who is responsible for this. Your Defamation Lawyer NYC will be able to offer you the right information regarding this. 5. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution Options Considering an alternative dispute resolution is not at all a bad option. Thankfully for removing the defamatory statement filing a lawsuit is not the only option you have. Simply contacting the responsible authority might often solve the issue. So, ensure that you have tried all the alternative options before using the entity. 6. File Your Legal Complaint Now, as you are done with taking care of all the necessary actions and gathering the pieces of evidence as per the elements of defamation, it is time to file the legal complaint. Always remember that it is not only about winning the case and getting the money. It is also crucial to make your defendant understand why you are suing. 7. Serve The Complaint Now is the time to serve your complaint in court. Here the actual job of your Defamation Lawyer NYC begins. In most cases, the plaintiff pleads to the court to eliminate the claiming amount as they have the right to free speech, and the case ends with a conviction of only removing the defamatory statement. So, you have to play smartly here. Final Talks An Internet defamation lawsuit is not only about someone making a false statement on the internet but also is more about the damages that statement has caused to you. Along with damaging your public reputation, it can affect both your personal and professional life as well.  Read Also:  5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Lawyer How Much Does A Trademark Lawsuit Cost? 5 Reasons Why You Should Take A Criminal Lawsuit Seriously

READ MOREDetails