Tucson Drug Possession Charges - Laws, Penalties & Legal Defense Guide File a Motion to Suppress: If the search was warrantless, argue that no exception to the warrant requirement, such as plain view or exigent circumstances, applies. A successful motion can get the drugs thrown out entirely. Yes, in some cases. If you have no prior felony convictions and the charge is a low-level felony such as a class 6, a judge can designate the offense as a misdemeanor at sentencing. This is often referred to as a "misdemeanor designation." It is not automatic, and the prosecution can argue against it, so having an attorney who can present a strong case for the reduction is essential. Because the threshold between a misdemeanor and a felony can be as small as a fraction of an ounce, the way the police weigh and document the substance matters enormously. A defense lawyer will scrutinize the chain of custody, the calibration of the scale, and whether the entire weight of the bag or container was included. In some cases, a skilled attorney can challenge the weight measurement and get the charge reduced. That is why retaining a Suzuki Law drug possession defense as soon as possible gives you the best chance of catching errors before they become part of the official record. The stakes in a drug possession case are rarely limited to the courtroom. A conviction can mean loss of financial aid for students, denial of professional licenses for healthcare workers and drivers, and ineligibility for federally assisted housing. Even a plea deal that avoids jail time can leave a permanent mark on a person's record that employers and landlords check for decades. This is why the decision about who to hire is not just a legal question; it is a life-structuring decision that deserves careful attention. Options such as Suzuki Law drug possession defense help keep everything running smoothly here. Yes, it is often one of the most powerful pieces of evidence for the defense.