Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Auburn

If you have been charged with drug possession, you need to seek legal representation right away. A drug possession defense lawyer in Auburn can protect your rights by speaking on your behalf and advocating for your best interests. Loss of freedom and collateral consequences can deeply impact your life, and it’s important to have a strong defense so you can minimize the impact on your life.

Puget Law Group helps you fight the charges against you and protect your right to due diligence. An Auburn drug crime defense lawyer guides you through the legal process so you are prepared for what to expect and can have peace of mind that you can get the most favorable outcome possible for your situation. We have 150 years of combined experience and are ready to fight for you.

Your Rights After You’ve Been Arrested for Drug Possession in Auburn

Criminal charges threaten your freedom and can cost you more than time in jail. A conviction can limit your ability to find and retain gainful employment and housing. It can affect many other areas of your life, as well, which is why it’s important to hire a drug possession defense lawyer in Auburn to protect your legal rights.

When you are arrested, you have the right not to speak with law enforcement until you have hired a lawyer who can communicate for you. This is critical for the success of your case, as it’s a police officer’s job to look for inconsistencies in your account and prosecute you for the alleged offense. However, when you have a lawyer on your side, they can communicate for you so the outcome of your case isn’t at risk.

You also have the right to hear the charges against you, have the right to due diligence, and have the right to present a defense against your charges. These are your constitutional rights, and your Auburn criminal defense lawyer upholds these at all times during your case, so you’re not negatively impacted during your case. Hire Puget Law Group. We are ready to go to work for you.

What Constitutes Drug Possession and What Factors Influence the Severity of Charges

According to RCW 69.50.4013, drug possession constitutes knowingly possessing or using a controlled substance without a valid prescription. These charges also include cannabis under certain conditions. Legal possession of cannabis is allowed in specific low quantities, but if you possess more than the legal amounts or grow or sell it without a valid license, you could be charged with drug possession.

Drug quantity plays a big role in how drug possession is charged. Washington’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act (RCW Chapter 69.50) categorizes drugs as Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V. They are ranked from most to least dangerous, and many of them specify thresholds for what is considered legal and illegal. Certain substances may not be legal in any amount.

The severity of your charges can depend on the schedule of drugs found in your possession and how much you have. A drug possession defense attorney in Auburn can help you fight to get your charges reduced so you do not face the full weight of charges and potential penalties. Our team can determine the most effective way forward after evaluating the details of the charges against you.

An Auburn Drug Possession Defense Lawyer Can Help You Fight Potential Penalties

While the penalties for drug possession may be less severe than for other drug crimes, you could still face steep penalties if you’re convicted. Drug possession charges are generally classified as a gross misdemeanor in Washington, which is one step below a felony charge. As such, you need a lawyer to fight a misdemeanor charge so you can minimize the impact as much as possible.

For a first drug possession charge, Washington may punish these offenses with up to 180 days in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Individuals who have a prior conviction on their record could receive up to 364 days in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. Depending on the details of the case, alternative services or programs may be recommended as an alternative to jail. Talk to your lawyer about this option.

In some cases, a plea deal may be offered as an option. This generally provides a reduction in charges in exchange for a guilty plea. Before accepting a plea deal, it’s important to have your lawyer review and potentially negotiate the terms to ensure it is in your best interests. If it isn’t, then you can continue fighting the charges leveled against you to try to get them reduced or dismissed.

Defenses That Can Be Used in Your Drug Possession Case

With your freedom at stake in a state that takes a stringent approach to penalizing drug offenses, it’s important to have a strong and effective defense in your case. Your Auburn drug possession defense attorney can identify what defense is most applicable to your case and tailor it to meet the specific circumstances, charges, and prosecutorial arguments in your case. Defenses may include:

• Existing prescription
• Lack of possession
• Lack of control
• Lack of knowledge that drugs were in your possession
• Illegal search and seizure
• Procedural errors

We take your defense strategy seriously and carefully evaluate every aspect of your case. We leverage our legal experience and relationships in the Auburn legal community to make sure you get the most favorable outcome. While there is a distinct difference between drug possession and drug trafficking charges, we fight just as aggressively to get your possession charges reduced or dismissed.

Puget Law Group Provides Skillful Representation

Enlist the help of Puget Law Group to help you navigate the legal process and protect as much of your freedom as possible.

A drug possession attorney in Auburn fiercely advocates for you to get your charges reduced or dismissed and defend your rights. Schedule a free consultation with our attorneys to understand what to expect and what defenses may be used in your case.