24 Jun Dangerous Drugs Mean Harsher Punishments If Convicted
If you are facing a dangerous drugs charge, you’re also facing a major felony. That usually means a minimum prison sentence, heavy fines, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. In Arizona, the sentences for a dangerous drugs conviction can range anywhere from two years on probation all the way up to 35 years in prison.
Crimes involving dangerous drugs range from class 4 to class 2 felonies. You can get charged for having dangerous drugs in your possession, drugging someone else, attempting to get dangerous drugs, or having the equipment or ingredients needed to make them.
Here’s an explanation of what the punishments for dangerous drug crimes look like, in language that’s easy to understand.
Class 4 Felonies: Possession and Use
Typically, this charge carries a minimum sentence of 1 year and a maximum of 15 years, with eligibility for probation or parole. However, if you have been convicted of a dangerous drug offense before, you are no longer eligible for probation or parole.
If the dangerous drug is LSD, meth, PCP, or adderall, and there are no previous offenses, you can apply for probation. When the probation is completed, the class 4 felony will be dropped to a class 1 misdemeanor.
Class 3 Felonies: Possession of Equipment and/or Chemicals for Manufacture, Using Fraud or Deceit to Obtain Prescription Drugs
These class 3 felonies have a minimum prison sentence of 2 years and a maximum of 25 years. As long as there are no previous convictions for dangerous drugs, there is the possibility of parole.
However, the sentences are harsher if the drug involved was methamphetamines:
- If the possession includes materials for cooking meth, it is a class 2 felony. Sentencing changes to a minimum of 5 years, a maximum of 15 years, with the most common being 10 years.
- If there are any previous meth convictions, the sentencing changes to a minimum of 10 years, a maximum of 20 years, with 15 years being the most common sentence. Parole will not be an option.
Class 2 Felonies: Possession for Sale, Manufacture or Transport, Administering Dangerous Drugs to Another Person
For class 2 felonies, prison sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a maximum of 35 years with the possibility of parole.
But of course there are some exceptions:
- If the amount of drugs in possession is over the threshold amount or the drug is meth, the convicted is not eligible for parole, pardon, or release of any kind.
- If the drug is meth, the sentencing changes to a minimum of 5 years, a maximum of 15 years, with the most common being 10 years.
- If the drug is meth and there is a previous meth conviction, the sentencing changes to a minimum of 10 years, a maximum of 20 years, and the most common of 15 years.
- If the person who was given drugs was unknowing, underage, or a “date-rape drug” like GHB, rohypnol, or ketamine, then the convicted is not eligible for parole or early release.
Dangerous Drug Convictions Have Further Consequences, As Well
- You will be fined a minimum of $1,000 or three times the value of the drugs you were arrested with, whichever is larger.
- If granted probation or parole, you must submit to drug testing. You will also need to complete 360 hours of community service, counseling, rehabilitation, or treatment.
- A felony conviction can also severely limit your opportunities for employment, housing, and government assistance.
Fighting a Dangerous Drugs Charge in Phoenix? Contact Coolidge Law
If you are facing drug charges in Arizona, expert legal representation is a must. A dangerous drugs conviction could ruin your life, so don’t take the risk with a court-appointed lawyer.
Todd Coolidge is a certified defense attorney with over 25 years of experience, and his team is dedicated to making sure you get the best possible representation. It’s the only way to get a fair outcome. Contact Coolidge Law today to request a consultation.
Photo by Natan Yakobs on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 6/24/26.