Arizona Increases Prison Sentences for Fentanyl Dealers

Investigative Article

Increased Prison Sentences for Fentanyl Dealers in Arizona

The opioid epidemic in the United States has been a significant concern for years, with fentanyl being one of the deadliest drugs available on the black market. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine and has caused thousands of overdose deaths. Arizona has been one of the states hardest hit by the fentanyl crisis, resulting in the recent legislative change, known as the Ashley Dunn Act, which has increased the minimum prison sentence for fentanyl dealers. This investigative article will delve into the Ashley Dunn Act and how it aims to tackle the fentanyl crisis in Arizona.

Ashley Dunn Act

The Ashley Dunn Act is a piece of Arizona legislation that targets the trafficking of fentanyl. The act increases the minimum prison sentence for fentanyl dealers from five years to ten years. The law is named after Ashley Dunn, who passed away from an overdose of fentanyl-laced heroin at the young age of 20. Ashley Dunn's mother, Jody, led the charge to change the law through the Arizona state legislature, which was signed by Governor Doug Ducey in April 2021.

How The Act Changes the Minimum Prison Sentence for Fentanyl Dealers

The Ashley Dunn Act mandates a minimum prison sentence of ten years for anyone caught with two grams or more of fentanyl. If the quantity is more significant, the sentence can range from twenty years to life in prison. The act also allows harsher penalties for those who possess large amounts of fentanyl, including a fine of up to $1 million. The act also targets those who sell drugs online and other trafficking methods, closing legal loopholes that drug traffickers use to distribute fentanyl.

How Do Arizona's Sentencing Guidelines Compare to Other States?

Arizona has some of the toughest sentencing guidelines for drug offenses in the United States. At ten years, the minimum sentence for fentanyl possession is double that of many other states. According to an analysis by the Fentanyl Safety Commission, most states have a minimum sentence of three to five years for fentanyl possession. The stricter laws aim to prevent drug dealers from targeting Arizona, which has been a popular destination for fentanyl trafficking because of its border with Mexico.

Defenses to Dealing Fentanyl

Those caught dealing fentanyl may face severe punishment, but there are defenses that can reduce the severity of the sentence. For example, a defense lawyer may argue that the defendant was unaware that they were selling fentanyl, or that the defendant is a first-time offender. A defense lawyer may also argue that the state's investigation or evidence collection was flawed, leading to an acquittal or reduction in charges.

Get Help From Federal Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud

If you have been charged under the Ashley Dunn Act, it is imperative to get legal representation from an experienced federal defense attorney. Josh Kolsrud is a federal criminal defense attorney who has represented many clients charged with drug offenses in Arizona. Kolsrud's expertise and knowledge of federal and state drug laws make him a top choice for those facing drug charges. Kolsrud provides defense representation for a wide range of drug offenses, including fentanyl dealing.

The Bottom Line

The Ashley Dunn Act is Arizona's response to the fentanyl crisis, which aims to reduce the trafficking and distribution of this deadly drug. The act increases the minimum prison sentence for fentanyl dealers, making it one of the toughest in the nation. Arizona's strict sentencing guidelines for fentanyl possessors, coupled with Kolsrud's legal expertise, will discourage drug dealers from targeting Arizona. The Ashley Dunn Act is a step in the right direction for Arizona's fight against the opioid epidemic.

fentanyl dealers, Ashley Dunn Act