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What is a "Dangerous" Drug?

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Arizona follows the national precedence of having a zero-tolerance policy for any drug related crime committed by its citizens. Zero-policy means no second chances and no warnings. If you’re arrested, charged and convicted of drug crimes, you will face stiff penalties and punishments.

In order to ensure that all of their bases are covered, Arizona lawmakers have hundreds of drug laws, definitions and caveats that work against anyone found possessing, selling or using drugs. By specifically defining and categorizing drug laws, lawmakers have essentially made it easier for law enforcement officials to arrest suspects for multiple charges.

According to Arizona law, drugs or controlled substances fall into one of 3 categories:

  • Dangerous Drugs
  • Narcotics
  • Marijuana

The charges and penalties a suspect faces largely depends on which type of drug is involved.

For example, there are literally pages of documents that define what a “dangerous drug” is. There is a difference between charging someone with “possession of a drug” and “possession of a dangerous drug.” The differences include harsher punishments. So when a person is found in possession of an illegal drug, law enforcement can categorize the drug and then issue specific charges based on what the drug is.

Generally speaking, a dangerous drug is one that is made up of many parts that must be combined in order to create the drug. They include methamphetamines, LSD, steroids, psilocybic mushrooms, mescalin, GHB, ecstasy, clonazepam, and others. They almost always are a combination of any of the following:

  • Hallucinogenic substances
  • N-methyltryptamine mimetic substances
  • Cannabimimetic substances
  • Substances having a potential for abuse associated with a stimulant effect on the central nervous system
  • Substances having a potential for abuse associated with a depressant effect on the central nervous system
  • Phencyclidine mimetic substances
  • Anabolic steroids

If arrested and charged with possession of dangerous drugs, the suspect faces Class 1 Misdemeanor charges. They can be punished by up to 6 months of jail time $2500 in fines.

At Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys, we encourage anyone facing dangerous drug charges to contact an attorney right away. Charlie Naegle has defended many clients who have faced similar charges and is able to help them move past the issue and get their life back on track.

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