by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Criminal Defense, Drug PossessionJanuary 19, 20260 comments

Possession of Cocaine in Arizona: What You Need to Know

Being charged with possession of cocaine in Arizona is a serious matter that requires immediate legal attention. At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, PLLC, we aggressively defend individuals facing drug-related charges and work to protect their rights and future.

Cocaine Classification Under Arizona Law

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3408, cocaine is classified as a narcotic drug, and possession, use, sale, or transportation is considered a felony offense.

You can view the full statute here:
ARS § 13-3408 – Possession, Use, Administration, Acquisition, Sale, Manufacture or Transportation of Narcotic Drugs

Penalties for Cocaine Possession in Arizona

Penalties depend on the amount of cocaine involved, prior criminal history, and whether there was intent to sell. Below is a general overview:

Note: Felony convictions may lead to loss of civil rights, gun ownership restrictions, employment issues, and more.

Threshold Amounts of Cocaine

Arizona uses “threshold amounts” to determine whether charges may escalate and probation eligibility:

• 9 grams of powdered cocaine
• 750 milligrams of cocaine base (e.g., crack)

Possession over these threshold amounts may result in more severe charges and reduced opportunities for probation.

Possible Defenses Against a Cocaine Possession Charge

A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to challenge your case using one or more of the following strategies:

• Unlawful search and seizure (Fourth Amendment violations)
• Lack of knowledge or constructive possession
• Entrapment
• Eligibility under Proposition 200 (probation for qualifying first-time offenders)
• Diversion programs for non-violent offenders

Each case is unique, and identifying the strongest legal strategy depends on the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence presented.

Why You Need an Experienced Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney

Drug crimes involving cocaine can lead to life-changing consequences. You need a defense attorney who:

• Understands Arizona criminal justice procedures
• Knows how prosecutors handle drug charges
• Has a proven record of defending serious narcotics offenses
• Fights for case dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing when possible

At The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, we provide strategic, aggressive, and results-driven representation.

What to Do If You’ve Been Charged

If you or someone you know is facing cocaine possession charges:

1. Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation
2. Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately
3. Preserve documents and evidence from the arrest
4. Avoid posting anything related to the case on social media

Being charged does not mean you will be convicted. The earlier you involve an experienced attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Call The Law Office of Zayed Al-Sayyed, PLLC today for a free and confidential consultation.
Let our team fight to protect your future.