29 Sep What Is a “Threshold Amount” of a Drug, and Why Does It Matter?
With drug-related crimes, there are several factors that determine how much time you could be facing if convicted. One of those factors is the quantity of drugs in your possession. If you have more than the threshold amount under your control, the charges and sentencing will be harsher.
Why Threshold Amounts Matter
Threshold amounts make it easier to distinguish between drugs for personal use and distribution or trafficking. This protects people from law enforcement making assumptions and charging people unjustly for smaller amounts of drug possession.
There are eight drugs that have a specific threshold amount in Arizona:
1: Methamphetamines: 9 grams
2: Cocaine: 9 grams
3: Fentanyl: 9 grams
4: Heroin: 1 gram
5: LSD: ½ milliliter or 50 doses
6: Marijuana: 2 pounds
7: PCP: 4 grams or 50 milliliters
8: Fentanyl: 9 grams
Any other types of drugs are considered over the threshold if they have a value of $1,000 or more.
It is important to note that these amounts are what is found “in your possession,” not just on your person. Any drugs found in your car, your home, on your property, or anywhere else that is considered “under your control” like a storage unit.
Consequences of Having an Amount Over the Threshold
Getting caught with large quantities of drugs in your possession usually means felony charges.
Amounts over the threshold usually mean that instead of just getting charged with possession, you could also get charged with trafficking or intent to sell. These charges can go all the way up to class 2 felonies.
The minimum sentence for a class 2 felony is three years, but sentences for drug-related crimes are usually longer. Depending on the type of drug, you could be looking at ten years for a first offense or fifteen years for a second.
Having an amount over the threshold also means significantly higher fines. This is because fines are based on the quantity of the drugs under your control. The higher the value of the drugs in your possession, the higher the fines will be.
Facing Drug Charges in Chandler? Contact Coolidge Law Firm
A felony conviction impacts your life in so many ways. Serving time in prison, paying fines, and living with a criminal record are just the tip of the iceberg. You will also lose some of your civil liberties, like the right to vote and the right to own a gun. Arizona goes hard on drug offenses, and you’ll need an experienced defense attorney on your side if you want a chance at a better future.
The experts at Coolidge Law can help you through these difficult times. Our team will give your case the dedication and attention it deserves. Contact us today to request a consultation.
Photo by GB The Green Brand on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/26/26.
