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drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Medical Marijuana Narcotics

Major Marijuana Bust In Arizona

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Marijuana Seized In Arizona

Marijuana businesses are on the rise in America. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Arizona’s Port of Lukeville have arrested four United States citizens and seized more than 2,800 pounds of marijuana during two weekend smuggling attempts. talk about a rotten time to smuggle drugs. But let’s be honest, if you’re smuggling drugs your moral compass probably isn’t too high.

According to reports, on Saturday, a fifty-five year old man from Glendale was traveling with a fifty-eight year old female passenger from Phoenix, was referred for a “secondary inspection” of his motor home. The reports say that a CBP narcotics detention canine led the officers to find multiple marijuana bundles. Police say the bundles weighed more than 2,600 pounds and was valued at $1.3 million!

The following day officers referred the forty year old man from Green Valley and his twenty-four year old female passenger for further inspection for his Ford truck. Also with the aid of the narcotics detection canine the officers were able to find more than 150 pounds of marijuana. That bunch of drugs was valued at $77,000.

Officers seized the drugs as well as the vehicles and then turned the suspects over to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Law Allows for Bust Charges

Federal law allows the officers to charge the individuals by complaint. This is a method that will allow them to file charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. This means that an individual is presumed innocent unless there is enough evidence presented to a jury to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

 

Maricopa County Works on Drug Suppression

Maricopa County is working hard to rid its county of drugs. The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force has arrested five people and has seized hundreds of marijuana plants on Tuesday morning. This all happened from a business that tried to evade the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Pretty crazy when that’s the way that you’re trying to make a living.

Police came armed with a search warrant to a grow warehouse near 40th and Washington streets at 7:30 in the morning. They  were able to seize more than 600 marijuana plants. This was a huge haul for the force since this is one of the biggest drug bust for the county according to Lt. Jeff Gentry of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry also said they collected: hash, edibles, keif which is a dried form of marijuana. According to the reports the marijuana that was collected from the warehouse will be dried at the Drug Enforcement Administration facility then be packaged as evidence.

There were a total of twelve warrants served in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Fountain Hills in the connection with the investigation. Among the items that were seized were also guns and more than $100,000 in cash. What an amazing achievement for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry said that a father and son were believed to be the had of the operation and believed to head more than ten more similar facilities in Phoenix and norther Arizona. They have been running for about a year and half and have generated around $16 million for the operators at this time.

 Marijuana Suspects

According to officials, fifty-seven year old Perry Lee Hestor, thirty-five year old Brandon Lee Hestor, thirty-six year old Christopher Neil Rafferty, sixty-two year old James Allen Donaldson, and forty-four year old Christopher Yancy Martin were all arrested and booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail. They are expected to face charges which include fraudulent schemes and illegal possession and selling marijuana.

Gentry said that those that were involved in the illegal enterprise pretended to be caregivers which is horrible. Doing things legally under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act would have allowed them to have up to 12 marijuana plants as long as they didn’t live within 25 miles of a dispensary. The task force kept a close eye on the warehouse for about four months and did not wittiness any deliveries that exceeded 25 miles.

Suspected Drug Use

Police were first directed to the warehouse after complaints of a strong odor coming in the area.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Statement:

We cannot blame Mexico for this. This is domestic. This is home grown.

Good work to the Maricopa County task force and Sheriff’s office for making this huge bust. This is income that the state needs but also an example that needs to be seen. People can’t do illegal things. The state works with marijuana growers and for someone to try to do things illegally needs to be punished. They’re no better than the gangsters on the streets.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

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drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony

Cocaine Drug Busts

Cocaine Drug Busts

Cocaine Thrown from Vehicle During Police Chase

Two men are now in custody after they allegedly hit several police vehicles and also threw out some crack cocaine from their car during a wild chase. This happened in Philadelphia. Talk about a crazy, severe situation.

The incident started just before nine o’clock at night. It started when the 15th District narcotics officers tried to approach a fifty-one year old man and a thirty year old man that were inside of a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. It happened near the Cottoman and Torresdale avenues. Both of the men were suspects in a drug transaction, according to the local investigators.

As the police announced that they were going to make an arrest, the fifty-one year old driver, quickly put the car in reverse and hit an unattended parked car. He then tried to run over the narcotics officer. Luckily the officer was able to jump out of the way before the man could strike him with the car.

The Marquis went through a nearby playground and then continued to travel wildly until it’s front right tire blew out. Police stated that the police officers then continued to chase, however during the chase the men began throwing crack cocaine out of the vehicle.

Car Chase Ends

The car finally pulled over in the 7600 block of Torresdale Avenue and the men seemed to be turning themselves in. According to the officials, as the officers started coming towards the vehicle the driver and passenger opened their door. However, the driver made a decision to drive off again at a high speed. The driver hit two marked police vehicles in the process and then the chase continued.

During the chase, the Marquis also hit another police vehicle. During this part of the chase, the front tire was completely blown out. The driver finally stopped the vehicle on the 7900 block of Torresdale Avenue. Both of the men finally got out of the vehicle, but the chase wasn’t over yet. The men started to run through a vacant lot.

Police officers quickly chased after the men on foot. They finally got both men apprehended. Investigators say that the men had pills and crack cocaine in their possession. Of course, the police later confiscated the drugs.

Both the men are finally, safely, in custody and were charged with possession of narcotics. The fifty-one year old man was charged with eluding police and aggravated assault. He also suffered from a minor cut to his head and was treated at local hospital, Aria Torresdale. The passenger, a thirty year old man, was somehow not injured. Police say that luckily, none of the officers were hurt during this crazy chase.

 

Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

Being convicted of a drug offense of any kind is a serious matter that could result in criminal penalties and could adversely affect your employment opportunities. If you have been arrested on drug possession charges, contact the Law Offices of the Phoenix based Perlman Law Group for immediate assistance.

 

Phoenix Drug Possession Charges

Our Phoenix drug possession attorneys handle all drug possession charges, including:

  • Illegal possession of marijuana
  • Illegal possession of narcotics and other controlled substances such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine

(also known as Meth) and Ecstasy – MDMA

  • Illegal possession of prescription medications
  • Forged medication prescriptions
  • Drug possession for sales or distribution

 

Our Extensive Experience in Handling Drug Possession Cases

We have extensive experience defending clients charged with illegal drug possession. We closely examine the evidence in the prosecution’s possession and look for ways to exploit police and prosecution errors to our clients’ advantage.

 

Important Questions Pertaining to Your Case:

  • In your situation, if the illegal drugs turned up in a traffic stop, did the police have a good reason to stop your car?
  • Did the seizure of the evidence against you violate the terms of a search warrant?
  • Did the police fail to instruct you of your right to remain silent or your right to legal counsel?

 

If You Have Been Charged for Drug Possession Contact an Attorney Right Away

The sooner you engage us to develop your defense strategy, the more our law firm will have to work with in protecting you from a conviction. We examine these and other issues to raise the strongest possible defense on our clients’ behalf. Our attorneys are also familiar with treatment options and creative measures that may allow you to avoid a criminal conviction or minimize the penalties you may face. We care about our clients and work hard to protect their freedom, record and rights.

 

If you have been arrested for drug possession, you may be innocent, you may have made a mistake or you may have a chemical dependency issue. Regardless of your personal circumstances, we will be the strong and caring advocates you need. For people who do have a chemical dependency issue, incarceration is not the answer. We will do everything in our power and within the law to protect your freedom.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime such as Drug Possession, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 877-887-4541.

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Phoenix, AZ 85008
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Police Raids Home for Marijuana and Cocaine

Police Raids Home for Marijuana and Cocaine

Police Investigate Marijuana and Cocaine Finding

Police are fighting the ongoing

 

 

 

A police raid in Oswego County led to the arrest of a man accused of having marijuana, cocaine and thousands of dollars in drug money.

Jared M. Kempston, 23, of 104 State St., Phoenix, was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (more than 1/2 an ounce), third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, and second-degree criminal possession of marijuana. All are felonies.

The Oswego County Drug Task Force said that around 8 a.m. on Friday July, 29, it’s investigators raided Kempston’s home with Phoenix police.

After executing a search warrant, investigators seized 5.1 pounds of marijuana, 17 grams of cocaine and $10,627 in suspected drug money, police said. Authorities did not share details of their investigation or say what led them to Kempston.

Police said the seized drugs have a street value of about $25,000.

Kempston was arraigned in Volney Town Court and released on his own recognizance

part 2

Superior’s new K9 unit assisted in a significant drug bust this week. The seizure included a Jeep Cherokee, over 2,500 in cash, a half a kilo of methamphetamines, and 2 guns. Two suspects were taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.

  On Monday morning, Aug. 1, 2016, to the east of Superior, Officer Scott Curry pulled over a car for speeding. Upon questioning the driver Officer Curry decided a pat search was in order. During the search, the Officer discovered a loaded weapon in the suspect’s pocket. Officer Curry then called in the Superior K9 Unit. The dog successfully detected drugs in the vehicle. This was the K9 Unit’s third successful drug detection since Ace has been on the job. Ace started working for the Department less than a week ago. Chief Neuss indicated that this latest drug bust is the largest single seizure in the time he has been Superior’s Chief of Police.

  The K9 unit consists of Officer Bryan Lawrence and his canine companion Ace. Ace is a year and eight month old rescue pit bull. Narcotic dogs are usually Labrador Retrievers or German Shepherds. 

  “He is the only working narcotics pit bull in the State of Arizona,” Chief Neuss stated, “Ace is not trained for biting or holding or handler protection.” His only job is to find narcotics.

  Despite the reputation of this fierce breed Ace is a friendly and easy going dog who is great with children. Superior obtained Ace from a grant through Universal K9, a nonprofit out of San Antonia, Texas, and with the help of the Animal Farm Foundation. The officer’s training and the trip to pick up canine Ace was paid for through the Resolution Emergency Services Contract Funding. So far this entire program has been paid for through grant funding.

Chief Neuss states he is very thankful for the trainers and handlers of Universal K9 who not only helped them acquire the dog, but took special care to make sure that the dog selected was a good match for Officer Lawrence.

  “The breed has kind of gotten a bad name in the past,” said Officer Lawrence. “That they are very aggressive. That they are mean…people have gotten the wrong impression.” Officer Lawrence went on to say that when pit bulls go bad they are made that way by human beings. That the breed is very loyal to their owners and handlers. “He is great with kids. He is great with other dogs.”

  Ace has gone through eight weeks of intensive narcotics detection training. Officer Lawrence completed two weeks of training and he is still in the process of working with, and building a closer bond with, canine Ace. It takes three or four months for the handler and the dog to fully bond. Officer Lawrence states that Ace’s training in narcotic detection will continue for the dog’s entire career. It’s training that is given to the dog not only when he is working in the field, but also when he is at home.

  According to Chief Neuss, a K9 Unit was sorely needed in Superior as the town’s position on the junction of two highways makes it a very convenient and active drug trafficking path on the way to metro Phoenix. Chief Neuss hopes to expand the program in the future.

  Chief Neuss stated that so far canine Ace has a one hundred percent successful detection rate. Ace has only been on the job for less than a week. As Ace and his handler become more experienced and more comfortable in their working relationship, they will continue to help Superior Police Department decrease the flow of drugs moving through our community.

pRTR 3

The Drug Enforcement Administration arrested multiple people in Tucson on Wednesday after a long-term federal investigation targeting the sales and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “spice.”

Authorities found nearly 600 pounds of synthetic cannabinoids and a possible spice lab, along with multiple luxury vehicles and more the $350,000 in cash.

“This operation will be instrumental in restoring the quality of life for the neighborhoods impacted by the effects of the “spice” epidemic,” Tucson Police Department Chief Chris Mangus said in a press release. “We would like to thank the federal and local partners who participated with us during this investigation, as well as the community, who has patiently waited for this investigation to conclude.”

The DEA teamed up with IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Border Patrol and local and federal Homeland Security agents in order to investigate people of interest and search warrants within this case.

“Through the combined efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, today’s arrests truly impact the safety and well-being of citizens within our local communities,” FBI Special Agent Michael DeLeon from the Phoenix field office said.

The investigation resulted in 18 total arrests in Arizona, California and Colorado.

 

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drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Narcotics

Arizona Drug Smuggle

Arizona Drug Smuggle

Arizona Man Arrested for Drug Smuggle Bust

 

DOUGLAS – Two Arizona men were caught attempting to smuggle thousands of dollars of marijuana near Tucson.

Customs and Border Protection officials arrested a 65-year-old Douglas man who attempted to sneak marijuana taped underneath his arms.

The 65-year-old Arizona man reportedly had more than three pounds of marijuana underneath his armpits, worth $1,600.

A 32-year-old Phoenix man was also arrested at the Douglas border crossing after he was found with 114 pounds of marijuana in the quarter panels and fuel tank of his vehicle.

The drugs were worth around $57,000.

Both men were turned over to officials and the evidence was seized

part 2

Arizona officials have arrested 76 people suspected in the smuggling of at least $2 billion worth of drugs through the state’s western desert in coordination with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.

“We in Arizona continue to stand and fight the Mexican drug cartels, who think they own the place,” Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said in a statement about the investigation, dubbed Operation Pipeline Express.

“While this is a historic drug bust, sadly this represents only a fraction of what my deputies face every day,” Babeu said.

The arrests were made during a series of recent raids.

Officials said the ring, based in Chandler, Stanfield and Maricopa, used backpackers and trucks to move drugs from the border to a network of stash houses in the Phoenix area. After arriving in Phoenix, the smugglers sold the drugs, which included marijuana, cocaine and heroin, to distributors from various states.

Virginia Kice, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the  smugglers succeeded at first because they had established control over an 80-mile stretch of the border from Yuma to Sells, Ariz.

“They had gained a virtual monopoly over a swath of the Arizona border,” she said.

Kice said investigators believe some of those arrested are U.S.-based bosses in the Sinaloa cartel.

“Through our joint efforts, we’ve sent a resounding message to the Mexican cartels that Arizona is off limits to their operatives,” Matthew Allen, special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations in Arizona, said in a statement.

Officials posted video from the investigation online, including surveillance video of trucks being loaded and driven down desert roads, Border Patrol officers inspecting a roofing truck packed with large bricks of marijuana, and sheriff’s teams making arrests during nighttime raids.

The 17-month investigation, which began with a traffic stop by Pinal County sheriff’s deputies, included three “large-scale enforcement actions”: one last week, another earlier this month and a third last month, according to ICE.

During last week’s raids, authorities seized more than 2 tons of marijuana, 19 weapons and nearly $200,000 in cash, the agency said. It estimates that the drug ring smuggled more than 3.3 million pounds of marijuana, 20,000 pounds of cocaine and 10,000 pounds of heroin into the United States during the last five years.

 

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Medical Marijuana in Phoenix

recreational marijuana

Medical Marijuana Concerns in Phoenix

Medical-marijuana facilities may soon have fewer options of where to open in Phoenix, through zoning changes the city is considering in advance of a possible statewide vote to make recreational use of the drug legal. Wochit

Medical-marijuana facilities may soon have fewer options of where to open in Phoenix, through zoning changes the city is considering in advance of a possible statewide vote to make recreational use of the drug legal.

The city’s planning and development department is proposing stricter regulations for new dispensaries, cultivation sites and infusion facilities. Industry advocates say the changes would make it even more difficult to find locations where they could operate. 

New medical-marijuana sites would have to be farther from places of worship and residential areas, if the changes are approved. They also would have to follow new requirements on their distance from day-care centers, homeless shelters and youth community centers.

The proposed changes are driven in part by the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act that could go to voters in November, Planning and Development Director Alan Stephenson said. The initiative would allow adults 21 and older to buy, grow and possess marijuana — which would be taxed — with certain restrictions.

The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol is still collecting voter signatures to qualify the initiative for the November election.

Phoenix would draft new zoning requirements for recreational uses if the act is passed by voters. But existing medical-marijuana dispensaries would have the right to operate as recreational dispensaries, as the initiative is written now.

That means Phoenix needs to prepare, Stephenson said. The city’s Planning Commission will consider the stricter zoning rules April 7, with a possible vote by the City Council later this month.

“We need to be a little more cautious in how we treat these things,” Stephenson said.

Medical marijuana in Phoenix

 Ryan Lewis of one the employee of Mohave Green’s Choice Cannabis indoor grow operation, located at undisclosed location in Mohave Valley a spans 14,000 square feet across two levels. He also has rooms for trimming, harvesting and packaging. He said his operation can produce about 2,500 pounds each year. Nick Oza/The Republic

Effects on neighborhoods a big concern

City Council members have asked staff to move swiftly on drafting tougher regulations.

Several have raised concerns about how the legalization of recreational marijuana would affect Phoenix neighborhoods, and said the city should be prepared for the initiative to pass.

The city has more than a dozen medical-marijuana dispensaries. Many dispensaries in other parts of the state can now relocate, driving requests for more.

When state voters passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act in 2010, dispensaries were limited to one per geographic region— called Community Health Analysis Areas — as designated by the Arizona Department of Health Services. Dense cities like Phoenix have more analysis areas than other parts of the state.

Dispensaries are allowed to locate anywhere in the state after three years of operation, with most now meeting that requirement.

part 2

New medical-marijuana facilities will lose some options of where they can locate in Phoenix, under stricter rules approved by the City Council on Wednesday.

Dispensaries, as well as cultivation and infusion businesses, will have to find sites farther away from residential areas and places of worship than previously required by the city.

Phoenix also added day-care centers, homeless shelters and youth community centers to the list of places a facility must be at least a quarter-mile from.

The City Council voted 8-0 to pass the new regulations with an emergency clause, making them effective immediately. Councilman Sal DiCiccio did not vote.

The changes moved swiftly through the city process as Phoenix prepares for the possible legalization of recreational marijuana through a statewide voter initiative. Updates to the state’s medical-marijuana program mean additional dispensaries could look to locate in the city soon.

 

Council members denied a Planning Commission amendment to allow cultivation and infusion facilities — where marijuana is processed for products like edible goods — to open closer together, a request of industry leaders. Several city leaders asked if the new regulations could be tougher than those proposed.

The changes will reduce the acreage available for dispensaries from 4.1 percent of the city to 2.3 percent, according to a staff report. For cultivation and infusion facilities, that percentage drops from 13 percent to 11 percent.

“I wish I could do more, but our hands are a little tied,” Councilman Jim Waring said.

New rules as strict as possible

Council members voiced particular concern over the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act that could go to voters in November. If passed, the initiative would legalize recreational use of the drug.

The city would draft new zoning regulations, but existing medical-marijuana dispensaries would be allowed to open as recreational facilities. Waring said he expects to receive neighborhood complaints if that happens.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen to you,” he said.

And the city could see more medical-marijuana dispensary applications soon, said Alan Stephenson, director of the Planning and Development Department.

Dispensaries originally confined to other parts of the state can move after three years of operation. That now includes many of the first dispensaries opened after state voters passed the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act in 2010.

Phoenix also expects the state to release additional dispensary certificates this summer, Stephenson said.

Stephenson said the new rules are as strict as they can be while still allowing medical-marijuana facilities to legally locate within the city. Even tougher regulations could be hard for the city to defend in the case of a lawsuit, he said.

“We can’t use our zoning authority to say, ‘We don’t want those,’ ” Stephenson said.

The changes do not affect facilities already in operation.

Under the new rules, a medical-marijuana facility will have to be 1,320 feet from a place of worship instead of the previous 500 feet. The distance from residential areas doubles from 250 to 500 feet for dispensaries.

The 1,320-foot distance requirement already in place for schools and public parks will apply for day-care centers, homeless shelters and youth community centers.

Dispensaries, cultivation sites and infusion facilities must maintain a one-mile distance from one another. The Planning Commission proposed reducing that to one-third of a mile, based on medical-marijuana industry input.

Demitri Downing, who represents the industry, advocated for that change at the meeting. Landlords are looking to rent out buildings in industrial areas, and the sites have no neighborhood impact, he said.

“You’re encouraging the jobs to go elsewhere,” Downing said of the denial.

Councilwoman Kate Gallego said she foresees the city’s planning decisions to evolve from Wednesday’s vote.

“I am confident we do not have the perfect answers today,” she said.

 

 

 

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Medical Marijuana Still Counts as DUI

Medical Marijuana Money Seized

Court Ruling Proves Medical Marijuana Can Cause DUI

 

People have been speculating like crazy ever since laws have been passing for the use of Marijuana medical or residential. Citizens have had a ton of questions how this is going to work? What if someone uses Marijuana and then drives? Will they be punished? Is there a limit to how much you can smoke? How do you know how that will affect the person using it?

 

Arizona lawmakers have answered some of those tough questions. A recent court ruling says that Arizona residents who have Medical Marijuana Cards that allows them to legally smoke pot can and will be prosecuted under certain laws against driving under the influence while they have Marijuana in their system.

 

Court Rules For Making it Possible for DUI if Using Marijuana

 

A state Court of Appeals panel, which consists of three judges has ruled just last month, that a medical Marijuana user is not immune from prosecution under the DUI laws. Seems like Arizona law is making it pretty clear they are not allowing people to use Marijuana as an excuse to drive recklessly. There was a different panel of Court of Appeals judges who has also reached the same decision in a ruling on Tuesday.

 

The worries comes from a case of two defendants who both had medical marijuana cards. The two defendants tried to point at a medical marijuana law provision that would provide partial legal shield for the use of marijuana (pot) that is prescribed by a physician. Of course, the latest ruling shows that physicians do not actually prescribe medical marijuana, they just certify a patient’s eligibility to do so.

 

So don’t think you can get a little buzz then drive and say it’s ok because it’s medical marijuana, that excuse won’t work in Arizona.

 

Source: https://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/central-phoenix/2nd-ruling-pot-law-doesnt-provide-dui-immunity

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
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Phoenix, AZ 85008
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