What Are Mandatory Minimum Sentences For Drug Offenses

Blischak Law July 16, 2023 Personal injury

Even the most minor drug trafficking offense in Arizona produces severe consequences, including jail time and hefty fines. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) branch of the federal government puts these laws in place, and each state follows minimum mandatory sentencing guidelines.

If you are accused of drug trafficking charges in Arizona, Blischak Law Firm offers relentless defense when the stakes are high, and you need an experienced defense team.

How Offenses Are Determined

The Drug Enforcement Association (DEA) classifies drugs into schedules, and the mandatory federal trafficking penalties are based on the drug’s determined schedule and quantity.

Schedule I

This schedule is the most serious in drug classification. Drugs that fall under this category have been deemed to have no appropriate use medically and are most often abused. Mandatory minimum sentences for a first-time offense include:

Fines up to $5 million per individual or $25 million for more than one individual
Five to 40 years in prison
20 years to life in prison with convictions of bodily injury or death

Second offense minimums include:

Fines up to $8 million per individual or $50 million for more than one individual
Ten years to life in prison
Life imprisonment with convictions of bodily injury or death

Marijuana, hashish, and hashish oils are classified as Schedule I drugs, but sentencing guidelines are separate from other Schedule I drugs, with possession of marijuana in certain quantities being illegal in Arizona. Flunitrazepam, or Rohypnol, classification also changes depending on the amount in possession.

Schedule II

Drugs falling into this schedule are classified as having the potential to lead to psychological and physical dependence. The risk of abusing these drugs is great. Minimum mandatory sentencing includes:

Fines up to $5 million per individual and $25 million for more than one individual
Five to 40 year years in prison
20 years to life in prison if convicted of bodily injury or death

Second offense minimums include:

Fines up to $8 million per individual and $50 million or more for more than one individual
Up to Ten years in prison
Life imprisonment if convicted of serious bodily injury or death

Schedule III

Prison time will likely result from a Schedule III drug charge. These drugs have been determined to have a moderate to low probability of psychological and physical dependence. Minimum sentencing for first-offense Schedule III drug charges are:

Fines up to $500,000 for an individual or $2.5 million for more than one individual
Prison time up to 10 years
Up to 15 years if convicted of bodily injury or death

Second offense minimums include:

Fines up to $1 million per individual or $5 million for more than one individual
Prison time up to 20 years
Up to 30 years for a conviction of bodily injury or death

Schedule IV

These substances carry a low risk of dependence and abuse. Minimum sentencing for first offenses includes:

Fines up to $250,000 for an individual or up to $1 million for more than one individual
Up to five years in prison

Second offense minimums include:

Fines up to $500,000 for an individual or $2 million for more than one individual
Up to Ten years in prison

Schedule V

Antidiarrheal, cough-suppressing, and pain-relieving drugs fall under this schedule. First-offense minimum sentences include:

Fines up to $100,000 for an individual or $250,000 for more than one individual
Up to one year in prison

Second offense minimums include:

Up to $200,000 for an individual or $500,000 for more than one individual
Up to four years in prison

Your Best Defense For Arizona Drug Offenses

Mandatory minimum drug charges come with a high price. The Blischak Law Firm believes in protecting your rights and relentlessly pursuing your defense. When you schedule a free consultation, you will be given the respect and courtesy that everyone deserves, and we will take the time to listen and answer your questions personally.