24 Sep The Penalties for Trafficking Convictions in Arizona
Arizona has strict laws about trafficking in weapons, ammunition, and illicit drugs. Human trafficking has serious penalties as well. In fact, the penalties for trafficking crimes all carry prison sentences.
All of the crimes associated with trafficking in drugs, weapons, or humans are felonies. Being convicted of a felony means losing certain civil rights, like the right to vote or the right to own a gun. Convictions for felonies also mean you have to pay heavy fines and fees, as well as serve a lengthy prison sentence.
We explain the penalties for trafficking convictions in more detail below.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Arizona
The term “drug trafficking” refers to any acts involved in manufacturing, importing, transporting, selling, or buying narcotic drugs. To be charged with the crime of drug trafficking, you have an amount over the narcotic threshold for that drug in your possession. This threshold is different for every type of drug.
The felony charges for drug trafficking can be class 2, class 4, or class 6. The felony class depends on the type of drug, while the amount of prison time for a sentence depends on factors like the amount of drugs in your possession and how many previous convictions you have.
Class 2 felony:
- Minimum of 4 years for a first offense
- Maximum of 35 years for multiple offenses
Class 4 felony:
- Minimum of 18 months for a first offense
- Maximum of 15 years for multiple offenses
Class 6 felony:
- Minimum of 6 months for a first offense
- Maximum of 6 years for multiple offenses
Penalties for Weapons Trafficking in Arizona
Firearms trafficking refers to the illicit trade or transportation of weapons and/or ammunition. Providing firearms to anyone who is not legally allowed to possess them is a class 6 felony. The transportation of firearms to be used in the commission of a crime is a class 3 felony.
The movement of mass amounts of ammunition also applies under firearm trafficking laws. This can look like more ammunition than you would reasonably need for a hunting trip, or ammunition that does not belong to a weapon you have in your possession.
Class 6 felony:
- Minimum of 3 years, maximum of 6 years in prison.
Class 3 felony:
- Minimum of 2 years, maximum of 25 years in prison.
Penalties for Human Trafficking in Arizona
A crime in every state in the U.S., human trafficking is defined as: “the exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion.” It applies to transporting, harboring, buying, or selling another human being for forced labor or sex. There are several types of human trafficking, including domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labor, and sex trafficking.
Human trafficking has serious consequences in Arizona. The felony charge for human trafficking depends on the type of human trafficking, the severity of the case, the age of the victim, and any previous felony convictions.
Penalties for Forced Labor
The penalties for domestic servitude, debt bondage, and forced labor will depend on the age of the victim, the details of the case, and the type of coercion used. Not only is there the possibility of significant prison time, but also fees, and fines up to $150,000, not including restitution to the victims.
Penalties for Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is a class 2 felony. The sentencing guidelines change according to the age of the victim.
Adult Victims:
- Minimum sentence of 3 years for a first offense
- Maximum of 35 years in prison for multiple offenses.
Minor Victims:
- Minimum sentence of 3 years for a first offense
- Maximum sentence of life in prison, depending on the specifics of the case
Get Help from a Certified Defense Attorney in Phoenix
Being charged with trafficking or any other felony crime is a very serious matter. If you are facing charges of trafficking weapons, drugs, or sex in Arizona, you need a lawyer who will fight on your side.
The Coolidge Law Firm has over 25 years of successful experience defending criminal cases in the Arizona courts. Our legal team will ensure your case is reviewed thoroughly and will put together the best possible defense. If you are facing trafficking charges, contact us today for a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/23/24). Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash.