Drug Offense Defense Services in Glendale, AZ
The Substance, Alleged Conduct, and Evidence Shape the Case
“Drug charge” is a broad label. Arizona statutes distinguish among marijuana, dangerous drugs, narcotic drugs, prescription-only drugs, paraphernalia, possession, use, sale, manufacture, and transportation. The classification and possible options can depend on the substance, quantity, alleged purpose, prior history, and how the evidence was obtained.
Richard D. Coffinger accepts selected possession-focused and related Arizona state-court matters. Call with the exact charge to determine whether the matter fits his practice.
Possession and Use Allegations
A.R.S. § 13-3407 addresses dangerous drugs, while A.R.S. § 13-3408 addresses narcotic drugs. Each statute prohibits several categories of conduct, including knowing possession or use, and assigns different classifications to different allegations. Other statutes may apply to marijuana, prescription-only drugs, paraphernalia, and specific substances.
The prosecution must prove the elements of the actual charge. In a possession case, questions may include what the substance was, whether the accused knowingly possessed it, whether possession was actual or constructive, whether more than one person had access to the place or item, and whether testing and chain-of-custody evidence are reliable.
Search, Seizure, and Statements
Drug evidence may arise from a traffic stop, a search warrant, consent, an arrest, probation conditions, or another encounter. Whether a search or seizure was lawful is a fact-specific legal question. The location, officer observations, warrant materials, consent, timing, and scope may matter.
Even when an issue exists, it does not automatically require suppression or dismissal. Richard evaluates whether the record supports a legal challenge and how that issue fits the overall case.
Statements may also matter. Do not try to “clear things up” by giving additional statements before obtaining advice. Preserve the paperwork and make a private note of what was asked and said.
Evidence Richard May Review
- The exact statute, substance, and conduct alleged.
- Police reports, body-camera footage, warrant materials, and property records where available.
- Laboratory testing, packaging, weight, and chain of custody.
- Where the item was found and who could access or control that location.
- Statements, messages, transaction records, and witness accounts.
- Prescription records or lawful-authority issues when genuinely relevant.
- Prior history and eligibility questions that may affect available paths.
The presence of one issue does not guarantee a particular result. The evidence and governing law must be evaluated together.
Marijuana Law Requires Precise, Current Language
Arizona permits some adult marijuana conduct under laws outside the criminal statute, while other possession, sale, transfer, production, and driving-related conduct may still be prohibited. Because this area has changed and the facts matter, broad statements such as “marijuana is legal” or “marijuana possession is a felony” can be misleading. The exact charge and current law require individual review.
A Case-Specific Strategy
After reviewing the charge and available evidence, Richard can explain the prosecution’s theory, supported factual or legal issues, and realistic choices. Those choices may include further investigation, motions, negotiation, trial preparation, treatment-related or probation-related considerations where legally available, or another response. No option or outcome applies automatically.
Next Steps
Call to Confirm the Matter Fits the Practice
Have the complaint, release paperwork, court date, and any property receipt available. The initial telephone consultation is free.
What You Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between a Dangerous Drug and a Narcotic Drug in Arizona?
Arizona law defines categories of controlled substances and applies different statutes to them. A.R.S. § 13-3407 addresses dangerous drugs, while A.R.S. § 13-3408 addresses narcotic drugs. The charging document and statutory definition should be reviewed rather than relying on an everyday label.