Drug Crimes

Arizona Drug Crimes Lawyer

Being arrested or investigated for a drug offense in Arizona can put your freedom, criminal record, employment and future at risk. Attorney Matt Maerowitz of The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC provides experienced, personalized criminal defense for people facing drug possession and other drug-related charges in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.

A drug charge is an accusation, not a conviction. The legality of the search, the location of the alleged drugs, who actually possessed or controlled them, laboratory testing, police procedures and the prosecution's evidence should all be carefully evaluated before important decisions are made.

What Happens Early in a Drug Case Can Be Important.

Drug investigations often involve searches of vehicles, homes, bags, clothing, phones or other property. Statements made to police and the circumstances surrounding a search can also become important evidence.

Getting legal advice early gives your attorney an opportunity to evaluate how the evidence was obtained and identify legal or factual issues that may affect the prosecution's case.

Arizona Drug Crime Defense for a Wide Range of Charges

Arizona law addresses a variety of offenses involving dangerous drugs, narcotic drugs, prescription-only drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The specific allegations and possible consequences depend on the substance, conduct, quantity and circumstances of the case.

The State's Evidence Should Be Carefully Examined.

Drug prosecutions often depend on how police located and seized the evidence, whether the accused person knowingly possessed or controlled the substance, laboratory analysis and what the surrounding facts allegedly show about the person's intent.

Depending on the circumstances, Attorney Matt Maerowitz may examine issues such as:

How Police Obtained the Evidence Can Be a Critical Issue.

Many drug cases begin with a vehicle stop, a search of a home, a warrant, an encounter with police or the discovery of alleged drugs in a shared location. The circumstances surrounding that search can become an important part of the defense.

A criminal defense attorney can review whether law enforcement had legal justification for the stop, detention or search and whether the evidence was obtained in a manner permitted by law.

The fact that police found an alleged controlled substance does not eliminate the need to examine how they found it and whether the prosecution can connect it to the person charged.

Finding Drugs Nearby Does Not End the Legal Analysis.

Drug possession cases may involve substances allegedly found in a vehicle, residence, hotel room, bag, container or other location used by more than one person. The location of the evidence can be important, but it does not answer every question.

The prosecution still must establish the elements of the offense charged. Depending on the case, important issues may include whether the accused person knew the substance was present, whether that person exercised control over it and whether other people had access to the location where it was found.

These questions are especially important in cases involving passengers, roommates, shared vehicles, multiple occupants or other circumstances where the alleged drugs were not found directly on the person charged.

A Drug Case Can Affect More Than the Immediate Court Proceeding.

Depending on the particular charge and a person's history, an Arizona drug case can expose the accused to significant criminal penalties and long-term consequences.

Matt Maerowitz is the Managing Attorney of The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC and an experienced Arizona trial attorney whose practice focuses on criminal defense, DUI and personal injury.

Matt has 12 years of legal experience and has represented clients in bench and jury trials. His background also includes criminal defense work before co-founding The Maerowitz Law Firm and experience with the Pima County Attorney's Office as a student prosecutor during law school.

That experience helps Matt evaluate criminal allegations from multiple perspectives, identify the legal and factual issues that matter and develop a defense strategy based on the circumstances of the individual case.

Three Important Steps After an Arizona Drug Charge

Looking for an Arizona Drug Crimes Lawyer? Talk With The Maerowitz Law Firm.

The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC is based in Phoenix and represents clients in criminal matters throughout Arizona. Whether you are accused of drug possession, possession for sale, transportation, a dangerous drug offense, narcotic drug offense, prescription drug crime or drug paraphernalia offense, experienced legal guidance can help you understand the allegations and your available options.

If you are searching for an Arizona drug crimes lawyer, Phoenix drug crime attorney, drug possession lawyer or Arizona criminal defense attorney, contact Matt Maerowitz for a free and confidential consultation.

Can drug possession charges in Arizona be challenged?

Yes. The available defense depends on the facts. Important issues can include the legality of the search, whether the accused person knowingly possessed the substance, who controlled the area where it was found, laboratory evidence and other constitutional or evidentiary issues.

What if drugs were found in a car with several people inside?

The presence of alleged drugs in a vehicle does not automatically answer who knowingly possessed or controlled them. The location of the substance, ownership or control of the vehicle, statements and other evidence may all become important.

Can prescription medication result in a criminal drug charge?

Yes. Arizona law regulates prescription-only drugs, and unlawful possession, acquisition, sale or transfer can result in criminal charges. Whether a person had a valid prescription or other lawful authority may be important to the case.

Can marijuana still result in a criminal charge in Arizona?

Yes. Although Arizona law allows certain marijuana-related conduct, other conduct involving marijuana may remain unlawful. The specific amount, circumstances and conduct alleged should be reviewed carefully.

Can drug paraphernalia lead to a separate charge?

Arizona law separately addresses drug paraphernalia. Whether an object legally qualifies as drug paraphernalia and how the prosecution attempts to connect it to alleged unlawful drug activity can become important issues.

Does The Maerowitz Law Firm offer free consultations for drug charges?

Yes. The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC offers a free and confidential initial consultation. Call 480-927-3700 to discuss an Arizona drug crime or criminal defense matter with attorney Matt Maerowitz.

Facing a Drug Charge in Arizona? Speak With Matt Maerowitz.

If you have been arrested, charged or are under investigation for a drug offense in Phoenix or elsewhere in Arizona, speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney about the evidence, your rights and your legal options.

Contact Matt Maerowitz at The Maerowitz Law Firm, LLC.

This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page or contacting the firm does not by itself establish an attorney-client relationship. Every legal matter is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.