While Arizona police, prosecutors and judges take all drug crimes seriously, amphetamines crimes are among the most aggressively prosecuted cases in the state. Lawmakers have followed suit, creating special punishments for those convicted of certain amphetamine offenses. If you have an upcoming court date for a Phoenix drug case, it is imperative that you work with an attorney who knows what it takes to mount an effective defense. At the Law Offices of James E. Novak, we have a successful history of defending clients from types of drug charges, including possession of amphetamines for sale in Arizona.
Amphetamines Versus MethamphetamineGiven the similarity in name, it is understandable why many are confused about the difference between amphetamines and methamphetamine. Both drugs are stimulants, meaning they increase the speed that information travels from your brain to the rest of your body. And both drugs can treat ADHD. However, the primary difference between the two drugs is that methamphetamine is a stronger version of amphetamines based on the drug’s chemical make-up. Thus, amphetamines are more commonly prescribed by doctors to treat ADHD. Some of the most commonly prescribed amphetamines include:
However, although amphetamines have a legitimate medical use, it is not legal to possess them for sale.
Arizona Meth LawsMost of Arizona’s drug laws fall under A.R.S. § 13-3407, which prohibits the “possession, use, administration, acquisition, sale, manufacture or transportation of dangerous drugs.” This section covers all possessory offenses related to controlled substances, including amphetamine and methamphetamine.
Under subsection (2), it is illegal to “possess a dangerous drug for sale.” Of course, this makes selling amphetamines unlawful. However, it also criminalizes possession of amphetamines absent evidence of an actual sale if the surrounding evidence suggests that you possessed the drugs with the intent to sell them.
For example, if you get arrested with five pills of unprescribed Adderall in your pocket, prosecutors are not likely to charge you with possession of a dangerous drug for sale. This is because having five pills on you is consistent with personal use. However, if police officers recovered 60 pills during an arrest, you may face charges of possession of amphetamines for sale. Other factors that may lead prosecutors to charge you with possession of amphetamines for sale include:
If you are convicted of possession of amphetamines for sale in Arizona, you face a Class 2 felony. Class 2 felonies are punishable by 4 to 10 years in prison, with a presumptive sentence of 5 years. Note, however, that if you possess methamphetamine for sale, the punishment is more severe, carrying up to 15 years in jail with a presumptive sentence of 10 years.
Defenses to Meth CrimesIf you face charges related to possession of amphetamines for sale in Arizona, it is essential that you do not give up hope. There are many defenses to drug crimes, and an attorney can review all possible defenses to help you determine which best applies in your case. Some of the available defenses in an Arizona amphetamines case include:
If you were arrested for selling amphetamines or possession of amphetamines for sale in Arizona, you need a lawyer who is ready to defend your case on all fronts. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we represent individuals charged with serious drug crimes. As a former prosecutor, James E. Novak knows how the government tries to prove drug / narcotics offenses and what it takes to beat these cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Phoenix gun crimes defense attorney today, call 480-413-1499 today.