Law enforcement officials in La Paz County have made it a priority to identify and charge individuals who they believe are breaking Arizona drug laws. There are task forces in place that are designed to uncover individuals who are dabbling in drugs, whether they are using, possessing or selling them. Any individual who has been charged with a drug-related offense in La Paz County will require the assistance of an excellent criminal defense attorney.
Types of drug charges in La Paz County
There are a variety of drug charges in La Paz County to be aware of. A person can be charged for manufacturing, smuggling, possessing, selling, distributing, transporting and cultivating drugs. In addition, an individual can be charged for using illicit drugs or substances. Some common drugs involved in drug-related charges in La Paz County include marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and narcotics. It’s important to remember that an individual can be charged with a drug-related offense even if they are not using drugs, but they have drug paraphernalia on their person.
Drug classifications in Arizona
An individual’s criminal charge and subsequent penalties may vary based on the type of drug that was involved in the incident. Arizona classifies drugs into three categories: marijuana, dangerous drugs and narcotic drugs. Marijuana-related offenses can involve any type or form of marijuana. Dangerous drugs and narcotic drug charges often carry steeper penalties than marijuana charges.
Defenses against drug-related charges in La Paz County
An individual who has been charged with a drug-related offense in La Paz County may have several defenses available to them. It’s critical to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney who can apply the right defense to your specific situation. Some defenses that may be considered include:
Stating that the drugs that were found on your person or in your vicinity were not your drugs. A person may claim ignorance if they have been charged with having drugs in their vehicle or in their residence, particularly if someone else was present at the time of the arrest.
Claiming that the illicit drugs were confiscated during an unlawful search. This would be a violation of the individual’s Fourth Amendment rights.
If you are facing a drug charge in La Paz County, it’s imperative that you hire an attorney who is going to advocate for you. A local criminal defense attorney who has experience dealing with drug-related charges will be able to provide you with the results that you need.
For more information on the next best steps to take, contact our La Paz County law office today to set up a consultation appointment with a criminal defense attorney.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
