News Article
Arizona has been hit hard by fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. In response to the increasing number of deaths caused by fentanyl, Arizona has passed the Ashley Dunn Act, which increases the minimum prison sentence for fentanyl dealers. The law, which went into effect on April 20, 2024, changes the minimum sentence for selling fentanyl from 2 years to 5 years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years. This news article will examine the Ashley Dunn Act in detail, as well as the impact that it will have on drug dealers and the broader community in Arizona.
The Ashley Dunn Act
The Ashley Dunn Act was named after a 20-year-old Arizona State University student who died in 2021 from an overdose of fentanyl-laced drugs. The act was designed to increase the penalties for drug dealers who sell fentanyl, as well as to give prosecutors more tools to combat the spread of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs in Arizona.
The Ashley Dunn Act has two main components. The first component increases the minimum sentence for selling fentanyl from 2 years to 5 years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years. This is a significant change, as drug dealers who are caught selling fentanyl will now face much longer prison sentences than they did before.
The second component of the Ashley Dunn Act gives prosecutors more tools to go after drug dealers who sell fentanyl. Under the new law, prosecutors can charge drug dealers with homicide if someone dies as a result of using fentanyl that the dealer sold to them. This is an important tool for prosecutors, as it allows them to hold drug dealers accountable for the deaths that they cause.
Impact on Drug Dealers and the Community
The Ashley Dunn Act is expected to have a significant impact on drug dealers and the broader community in Arizona. Drug dealers who sell fentanyl will now face much longer prison sentences than they did before, which could act as a deterrent to the sale of fentanyl. The longer prison sentences could also help to disrupt drug trafficking organizations that are responsible for bringing fentanyl into Arizona.
At the same time, the Ashley Dunn Act could also have unintended consequences. Longer prison sentences could lead to overcrowding in prisons, which could stretch resources and make it more difficult for inmates to reintegrate into society once they are released. Additionally, the Ashley Dunn Act could potentially lead to more drug-related violence, as drug dealers who face longer prison sentences may be more likely to resort to violence to protect their territory.
Arizona’s Sentencing Guidelines Compared to Other States
Arizona’s new sentencing guidelines for fentanyl dealers are among the toughest in the country. Many other states have also passed laws that increase the penalties for drug dealers who sell fentanyl, but Arizona’s laws are among the most severe. For example, in Ohio, drug dealers who sell fentanyl can face up to 15 years in prison, while in Indiana, drug dealers who sell fentanyl can face up to 20 years in prison.
Defenses to Dealing Fentanyl
Despite the increased penalties for selling fentanyl, there are still defenses that can be used to fight fentanyl charges. One defense is that the defendant did not know that the substance they were selling or distributing contained fentanyl. Another defense is that the police violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights in the course of their investigation or arrest. Yet another defense is that the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was involved in the sale or distribution of fentanyl.
Get Help From Federal Defense Attorney Josh Kolsrud
If you or a loved one is facing charges for selling fentanyl in Arizona, it is important to seek legal representation from an experienced federal defense attorney. Josh Kolsrud is a skilled and experienced attorney who has represented clients in federal courts throughout the country. With his knowledge and expertise, Josh Kolsrud can help you fight your fentanyl charges and protect your rights.
Increased Prison Sentences for Fentanyl Dealers in Arizona
