Understanding Arizona’s Marijuana Possession Laws

Arizona law is strict when it comes to marijuana possession: it is unlawful to possess, use, grow, sell or transport marijuana within the state of Arizona, except for medically prescribed marijuana. In fact, even small amounts of marijuana on your person can lead to a felony charge and a prison sentence if you have prior convictions. It is important to know the facts and serious consequences you can face when charged with marijuana possession in Arizona. Talk to an attorney at Matthew Lopez Law, PLLC, as soon as possible.

Penalties For Marijuana Possession

While other states may have changed their laws regarding marijuana, Arizona still has zero-tolerance for drug possession under the law, including marijuana. It is not just a simple misdemeanor if you are caught using or possessing marijuana – it can be up to a class 2 felony. Here is a breakdown of the possible charges involved in marijuana possession:

Under two pounds

• Personal use: class 6 felony
• Selling marijuana: class 4 felony
• Producing or growing: class 5 felony
• Transporting: class 3 felony

Two to four pounds

• Personal use: class 5 felony
• Selling marijuana: class 3 felony
• Producing or growing: class 4 felony
• Transporting: class 2 felony

Over four pounds

• Personal use: class 4 felony
• Selling marijuana: class 2 felony
• Producing or growing: class 3 felony
• Transporting: class 2 felony

Fighting A Marijuana Possession Charge

In Arizona, although marijuana possession is a felony, there are options to have the charges reduced or dismissed with the help of an experienced attorney. First- and second-time convictions of marijuana possession do not need to face jail time under AZ Proposition 200; however, you could still have a felony conviction that could stay on your record and prevent you from passing criminal background checks for employment or other future endeavors.

One of the options available is to enter a drug diversion program. By completing the program and passing drug tests throughout the specified period, you can have your marijuana possession charge dismissed. Options like TASC, a nonprofit diversion program, can help you get your charge dismissed, but there are fees to use diversion programs for eliminating a marijuana possession charge.

If you don’t want to undergo a drug diversion program or you have already used this option in the past, there are other ways to fight a marijuana possession charge. Matthew Lopez is an experienced personal defense attorney who will look at all the options available to get your charge reduced or dismissed. Some of the possible factors that can affect your case include:

• Was there a usable amount of marijuana?
• Were all the proper legal procedures followed by law enforcement?
• Was this your first offense?

To be convicted, you must “knowingly” possess a usable amount of marijuana. Matthew Lopez has worked with many clients to get felony drug charges dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor based on their case. He can help you navigate the laws surrounding your charge and find the best outcome for your legal case.

Call Our Firm For A Free Consultation

If you have been charged with marijuana possession or other related charges, like paraphernalia possession, give the experienced team at Matthew Lopez Law a call to schedule a free consultation. Mr. Lopez will discuss your confidential case with you and go over the options for fighting your case. Don’t let a poor decision or being in the wrong place at the wrong time affect your future. Call today at 602-926-0673 or connect with our legal team by email. We are available 24/7 and waiting to take your call.