Drug Distribution Attorney in Tucson

Protecting Your Future When Facing Drug Charges in Tucson

A drug distribution charge in Tucson can alter the course of your life very quickly. If you or a loved one faces arrest or investigation, you are likely worried about your freedom, your career, and your family. As a drug distribution attorney in Tucson, we understand the urgency and stress you are experiencing.

At Law Office of Carlos A. Medina, PLLC, your case receives individual attention from our founding attorney from the first meeting through the entire process. Every client can access bilingual legal support and begin with a free, in-person consultation. 

Our team is committed to defending your rights and taking action to reduce the impact of any drug charges you may face.

Call (520) 251-9561 or fill out our secure online form to speak directly with an experienced Tucson drug distribution lawyer. We offer a free initial consultation and payment plans.

Understanding Drug Distribution Laws in Arizona

Drug distribution charges in Arizona, sometimes described as possession with intent to sell, carry significant penalties. Unlike simple possession—which may result in misdemeanor charges—distribution is typically prosecuted as a serious felony. 

The type and amount of drug involved, your prior history, and where the alleged conduct occurred (such as near a school) all play a role in determining the severity of potential penalties.

Most distribution cases in Tucson are prosecuted under Arizona Revised Statutes, including ARS 13-3407, especially for narcotic drugs. This means that your case will generally proceed through Pima County Superior Court, and local prosecutors may follow specific approaches to plea bargains, diversion, or sentencing recommendations. 

Our team will help you understand which laws apply to your situation and guide you through every major legal step, using our experience with Tucson courts to your advantage.

The essential elements of a Possession for Sale or Transportation for Sale charge include:

• Knowledge—The prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed, transported, or sold the substance. This means proving you knew the drugs were present and knew the substance was, in fact, an illegal drug. We often challenge this element, especially in cases where the drugs were found in a shared vehicle, a residence with multiple occupants, or a package delivered through the mail.
• Possession—The State must prove you had possession. This can be:
  • Actual Possession: The drugs are physically on your person.
  • Constructive Possession: The drugs are under your dominion and control (e.g., in your car, your locker, or your home), even if you are not physically holding them.
• Intent to Sell/Distribute—This is the most critical element that elevates the crime from a misdemeanor or lower-level felony possession to a serious distribution charge. The prosecution rarely has direct testimony about intent and must instead rely on circumstantial evidence, such as:
  • The presence of the drug amount exceeding the statutory threshold amounts defined in A.R.S. § 13-3401 (e.g., 9 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine).
  • The presence of packaging materials (baggies, wrappers).
  • Digital evidence (text messages, communication logs).
  • Large amounts of cash or financial records indicative of drug sales.
  • The presence of scales, ledgers, or manufacturing equipment.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Arizona Drug Distribution Convictions

A conviction for drug distribution in Arizona carries penalties that are among the harshest in the country. Given that most distribution offenses are Class 2 or Class 3 felonies, the potential prison sentences are severe, and many convictions carry mandatory minimums that preclude the possibility of probation.

In addition to incarceration, fines can be enormous, often up to $150,000 or three times the value of the substance involved in the crime, whichever is greater. Furthermore, a conviction for possession for sale of narcotic or dangerous drugs often requires a mandatory minimum prison sentence if the amount of the drug exceeds the statutory threshold.

Collateral Consequences

The impact of a felony drug conviction extends far beyond the prison term and fines. These long-lasting penalties are why you need a strategic Tucson drug distribution lawyer fighting for you:

• Professional and Occupational Licensing: Loss or denial of professional licenses, including medical, legal, teaching, commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), and real estate licenses.
• Employment Barriers: Felony records are a permanent barrier to many career fields and can severely limit job opportunities.
• Housing Difficulties: Loss of eligibility for federal and state public housing assistance programs.
• Public Benefits: Loss of eligibility for federal student loans (e.g., FAFSA) and other public benefits.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, a felony drug conviction is often grounds for deportation or inadmissibility to the United States.
• Loss of Rights: Loss of the right to vote (until the sentence is completed) and the permanent loss of the right to own or possess a firearm.

Facing Drug Distribution Charges in Tucson? Here’s How We Help

We realize how confusing and intimidating the process can seem, especially if you have never faced criminal accusations before. Our attorney walks you through every step, from discussing the evidence to explaining court appearances in the Pima County Superior Court or Tucson City Court.

We communicate in both English and Spanish to ensure you feel understood and informed. By working directly with our founding attorney, you receive both legal experience and personal investment in your case—not just a handoff to staff or junior associates.

Call your drug distribution attorney in Tucson at (520) 251-9561 or reach out online today for a free initial consultation. ¡Hablamos español!