Tempe Drug Crime Lawyer

Top Rated Drug Crime Attorney in Tempe, AZ

If you have been accused of a crime involving drugs, you may be experiencing significant anxiety and stress. Drug charges are serious, and your future is on the line. When you are facing drug charges, the stakes are high. You need the confident counsel of an experienced Tempe drug crime lawyer to help you protect your rights and face the challenge head-on. Whether you committed the offenses in question or not, an attorney can support you.

About Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

Our founding attorney, Joshua S. Davidson, is a former prosecutor. This experience on the other side of the courtroom makes him particularly insightful regarding criminal defense approaches. Mr. Davidson can often analyze a case and anticipate what a prosecutor might do next, which allows him to construct effective defenses and stay one step ahead of the prosecution. 

When you choose our firm to represent you, you receive the benefit of more than 20 years of experience advocating for criminal defense clients. Our office is located on North Tatum Boulevard in Phoenix, making us conveniently located for our Tempe clients. 

About Drug Crimes in Tempe

Drug use is a significant societal concern throughout the United States, and Arizona is no exception. In 2025, Tempe police reported over 2,100 arrests related to drug charges in the city. At the federal level, 11.7% of all Arizona federal crimes in 2022 involved drugs.

To understand drug charges in Tempe, it is important to first understand what constitutes a drug for the purposes of criminal prosecution. The term “drug” refers to a controlled substance, as defined by the United States government through the Controlled Substances Act. These are substances that have a high potential to be abused or to build physiological or psychological dependency. 

Controlled substances are divided into five categories, called schedules, according to the level of danger associated with their use, with Schedule I drugs being the most dangerous and Schedule V drugs being the least dangerous.

Drug crimes in the state of Arizona include possession, sale, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Drug possession remains the most frequently committed offense in Arizona. Offenses are outlined in Title 13, Chapter 34 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. General definitions are listed below:

• Drug possession. Simple drug possession entails having any amount of a controlled substance, apart from those prescribed to you by a doctor, on your person or in your control.
  
• Possession with intent to distribute. If a large enough amount of a controlled substance is found in your possession, law enforcement can conclude that you intended to sell or distribute the substance.
  
• Sale or distribution. Selling or distributing controlled substances is a more serious charge than possession. For a person to be charged with sale or distribution of controlled substances, there must be sufficient evidence that actual transactions or transfers have taken place. 
  
• Trafficking. Trafficking involves moving large amounts of controlled substances for the purpose of sale or distribution.
  
• Manufacture. Just as possession of controlled substances is illegal, so is the unauthorized manufacturing of drugs. 

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Tempe

Penalties for drug crimes in Arizona depend heavily on the type and amount of substance in question. For example, possession of a drug considered dangerous under the law, such as psilocybin, can result in Class 4 felony charges, which can be punished by one to three years in prison.

More significant crimes, such as drug trafficking, can be charged as more serious felonies. Trafficking of a dangerous drug can lead to Class 2 felony charges, which may be punished by three to 10 years in prison. 

Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

If you suspect you may be facing drug charges, or if formal charges have already been filed, the first thing to do is to hire a drug crime lawyer. Your attorney can help you understand your legal position and build a defense to help you protect your rights in court. 

If you are innocent of the charges against you, your lawyer can help you demonstrate that. If you are guilty of the charges, your attorney can help the court understand your point of view and, hopefully, reduce the impacts on your life. 

FAQs

Is Jail Time Mandatory for All Drug Crimes in Arizona?

No, jail time is not mandatory for all drug crimes in Arizona. Many lower-level offenses, such as simple possession, are punishable by probation or other non-confinement measures. This is more likely to be the case if the offender does not have a prior criminal record and if the amount of the drug in question is small.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Tempe? 

Drug crime defense attorneys in Tempe usually set their own hourly rates, so the cost to hire a lawyer can vary significantly from person to person. Additional factors that may affect the overall fees associated with a lawyer’s services include how complex the case is and how long the process takes. Usually, in order to secure an attorney’s help, a client must pay an up-front fee called a retainer. The lawyer then bills their working hours against the deposit. 

What Is the Difference Between Possession and Trafficking? 

The most significant difference between drug possession charges and drug trafficking charges has to do with the amount of the illegal substance in question. When law enforcement officers find small amounts of controlled substances that are consistent with personal use, the associated charge is usually possession. By contrast, if there are large amounts of a drug in someone’s possession that suggest moving drugs for business purposes, the charge may be trafficking.

Can a Person Be Charged with Both Federal and State Drug Crimes? 

Yes, a person can be charged with both federal and state drug offenses in connection with the same activities. However, it is not typical to face prosecution for charges on both levels at the same time. If you are charged with both federal and state drug crimes, it is most likely that the state and federal prosecutors are going to communicate with each other. One court typically waits to proceed. Talk to a drug crime lawyer immediately.

Contact Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm Today

When facing criminal charges, representation from a seasoned lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We have the experience and knowledge it takes to advocate for you and help you defend your rights and your future. Contact us to find out how we can assist you.