10 Factors an Arizona Court Judge Considers for Sentencing of Drug Convictions

Criminal Justice Article by: James Novak, Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney
Arizona Drug penalties and sentencing laws can be found in A.R.S. Title 13 Chapter 34: DRUG OFFENSES 13-3401 to 13-3461.

Penalties and Sentencing for drug charge convictions in Arizona rely on several factors:

1) How much of an illegal substance or controlled substance was found in your possession.

2) Type of drug involved and whether or not it was a “legal”, “illegal”, or “dangerous drug”. Illegal and Dangerous drugs carry harsher penalties.

3) Whether the illegal drugs in your possession for personal use, possession with intent to distribute or sell. Possession of drugs with intent to sell or sell carries heavier penalties and sentencing than Arizona drug possession.

4) Repeat Drug offenses will contribute to more serious punishments.

5) Strength of the Arizona Prosecutions evidence and case against you.

6) Whether or not weapons were used as part of the drug offense.

7) Whether or not the charges involve manufacturing, cultivation or distribution.
8) Drug charges were part of multiple Arizona crimes offenses at the same time.
9) Prior criminal record.
10) Nature and location where the drug crime was committed (examples below):
A. The involvement of violence
B. The presence of minors
C. Illegal Drugs or transaction was near a school


If you have been arrested in Maricopa County for AZ DUI other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). The Law Office of James Novak is devoted 100% to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in valley wide within Maricopa County including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert Arizona and surrounding cities.

This article is intended to provide general information only, to generate discussion, and increase awareness of a particular topic. It is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.

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