Drug Possession Lawyer in Bellevue

When you have been charged with drug possession and are unsure what to do next, it’s important to hire a drug possession lawyer in Bellevue. A lawyer can walk you through what these charges mean for your life and how to proceed when your freedoms are at stake. Understanding what to expect can make the process less frightening, so you can be more comfortable with how your case is handled.

Puget Law Group fights for you and ensures you receive the due diligence you deserve when you are facing drug charges. Our team has 150 years of combined experience and legal knowledge applying targeted strategies so you can get results in your case. A Bellevue criminal defense lawyer protects your rights and guides you through the legal process. We care. We fight. We win.

A Drug Possession Attorney in Bellevue Develops Strong Defense Strategies

If you’ve been charged with drug possession, your lawyer can help you begin preparing for a criminal trial. This process includes reviewing the evidence against you, gathering evidence for your case, and building a strong defense strategy designed to get your charges reduced or dropped. While your defense can be tailored to your case, there are a few key defenses that can be used in this type of case:

• Lack of knowledge about the drugs
• Lack of intent to possess drugs
• Drug was used for medicinal purposes (medical marijuana)
• Illegal search and seizure by law enforcement
• Entrapment
• Improper evidence handling
• Chain of custody issues and procedural errors

Our team can use these and other defenses to refute the charges against you and fight to secure a better outcome for you. The penalties for these offenses are serious, and a strong defense can help preserve your freedom and minimize the impact on your future. Our team can also look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case so we can leverage them in your defense and secure a more favorable outcome.

Understanding Drug Possession Charges and Drug Schedules

According to RCW 69.50.4013, drug possession is defined as knowingly possessing a controlled substance that was not obtained by a healthcare professional. This can include drugs such as meth, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, to name a few. These drugs have a high risk of dependency and can cause severe harm or death in large doses. Those mixed with other substances can be even more dangerous.

Drugs are categorized by their schedules and denote the level of danger and addictiveness associated with each classification. Washington provides a detailed list of what drugs are classified as Schedule 1, Schedule II, Schedule III, Schedule IV, or Schedule V drugs. Schedule I is the most serious of the schedules.

When it comes to drug possession, drug quantity is also carefully evaluated. Larger quantities may result in more serious penalties. The combination of drug quantity and drug type can significantly impact the types of charges you could be looking at, as well as the extent and severity of a punishment. A drug possession attorney in Bellevue can review your case and help you determine your options.

Drug Possession Penalties in Washington and Their Long-Term Effect

While drug possession is considered the lowest drug offense in Washington, penalties for these offenses are still serious and can impact your life in more ways than you may realize. First-time offenders could face a maximum of six months in jail and/or be fined up to $1,000. If this is not your first conviction, you could be facing up to a year in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines instead.

Drug possession charges can follow you after a conviction. Any conviction you could receive would show up on your record, unless you are eligible at a later date to have your charges vacated. Even then, a conviction can still show up under certain circumstances, such as government or private background checks. Your lawyer can provide clarity on what your options may be in these situations.

Criminal charges and convictions can also have collateral consequences on other aspects of your life. These offenses could make it harder to secure employment, find housing, pursue higher education, get financing, and more. Given the long-term effect a conviction could have on your life, it is important to consult a Bellevue drug possession attorney right away for a better chance at a favorable outcome.

Your Legal Rights Following an Arrest in Bellevue

Even when you are facing drug possession charges, you still have legal rights that are designed to protect you and ensure you receive due process. First and foremost, you have the right to remain silent and hire a lawyer to represent you. It’s essential that you invoke these rights after an arrest to protect yourself and ensure what you say doesn’t backfire during your case.

You also have rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution that protect your liberties and your innocence until proven guilty. This includes protection from unreasonable searches and seizures, your right to due process and human treatment, the right to hear your charges and defend yourself, and have a speedy trial by a jury.

When you have a law firm like Puget Law Group representing you, we take your rights seriously and work diligently to protect them. We also act quickly if your rights have been infringed in any way, so you are not treated unfairly or negatively affected during your case.

Talk to Puget Law Group About Your Bellevue Drug Possession Charges

Puget Law Group is committed to fighting for you and providing support when you are facing criminal charges. We understand how overwhelming this process is, and we are here so you do not have to navigate it alone.

To learn more about Puget Law Group and your legal options, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Bellevue drug possession lawyer.