Getting charged with drug trafficking is incredibly serious. If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking and don’t act now, you risk a criminal conviction that will stick with you for a long time. Talk with a drug trafficking defense lawyer in Bellevue, as this represents a great first step to contest your charge before it leads to a conviction.
Puget Law Group has over 150 years of combined experience on our team. We can connect you with a Bellevue criminal defense lawyer who is committed to doing everything they can to protect you against a drug trafficking conviction. To learn more, schedule a free case consultation with us.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney to Help You with Your Drug Trafficking Case
Your drug trafficking defense attorney in Bellevue knows how difficult it is to prove that you shouldn’t be convicted of a criminal offense. They can share legal FAQs and resources with you relating to drug trafficking and all that this offense entails. From here, your lawyer can craft a legal strategy specifically for your case.
Depending on the circumstances of your charge, you may be able to get a plea deal. Your criminal defense lawyer can let you know if a plea agreement is a viable option in your case. If so, they can handle your plea deal negotiations. Or, if a trial is necessary, your lawyer will prepare an argument that will resonate in court.
As you search for a drug trafficking lawyer in Bellevue, consider what Puget Law Group offers. We can put you in contact with a Bellevue drug crime defense lawyer who will work hard to achieve a case outcome that meets your expectations. Discuss your drug trafficking case with us.
For a free legal consultation with a drug trafficking lawyer serving Bellevue, call (253) 627-4696
Penalties If You Are Convicted of a Drug Trafficking Offense in Bellevue
Drug trafficking is classified as a felony. The penalties that you can receive if you are convicted of drug trafficking are defined in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 69.50.401. Some of the penalties that you face if you’re convicted of drug trafficking include:
- Up to life in prison
- Thousands or millions of dollars in fines
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
Outside of the criminal penalties, the collateral consequences of your conviction may have long-lasting effects. Such consequences can include trouble finding a job, the loss of the right to vote, and a social stigma that damages your relationships with family and friends.
How to Defend Against a Drug Trafficking Conviction
Think twice before you face a drug trafficking charge alone. Without a drug trafficking law firm in Bellevue on your side, you risk mistakes that could cause you to be convicted.
Alternatively, your Bellevue drug trafficking defense lawyer is focused on getting you the optimal case results. Thus, they may evaluate various legal defenses for your case, such as:
Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you against an illegal search of your premises. Because of this, any evidence that the police seize from you without probable cause, a warrant, or consent may be suppressed. If this happens, it becomes exceedingly tough to meet the standard of proof for a conviction.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
To get the court to convict you of drug trafficking, a prosecutor must make it clear that you knew you were committing an illegal act and intended to do so. Your lawyer may poke holes in the prosecution’s argument, raising a reasonable doubt about your knowledge or intent to commit a crime. This doubt could prompt the court to give you a favorable ruling.
Entrapment
There are times when the police put pressure on people to commit crimes that they otherwise wouldn’t have done. In your case, your attorney may use written communications between you and the police and other evidence to show that you were the victim of entrapment.
As your drug trafficking attorney in Bellevue develops their legal strategy, they remain in constant contact with you. Your lawyer can provide tips to help you get ready for your trial. On top of that, they will keep you informed about plea deal negotiations.
Bellevue Drug Trafficking Lawyer Near Me (253) 627-4696
Factors That Can Determine Your Eligibility for a Drug Trafficking Plea Deal
If you agree to a plea bargain, you could have your drug trafficking charge lowered to a lesser drug offense, like simple possession. Below are some of the factors that can dictate whether a prosecutor may offer a plea deal to you:
- Your Criminal History: The prosecution may propose a plea bargain if you haven’t been convicted of a criminal offense previously.
- The Prosecution’s Evidence: If the prosecution has concerns about whether they have enough evidence to show that you should be convicted, they may be prone to offer a plea deal in the hopes of getting you to accept a lesser charge.
- The Nature and Severity of Your Charge: A prosecutor will account for the controlled substance in question and the quantity of it as they debate whether to offer you a plea deal.
- Your Cooperation with the Authorities: A prosecutor may be willing to offer a plea agreement if you provide information or agree to testify against others.
- Taking Responsibility for Your Actions: Your willingness to be accountable for your actions can make a difference in terms of whether a prosecutor will offer a plea bargain.
Leave nothing to chance in your drug trafficking case. Partner with a criminal defense attorney who can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution. Your lawyer may help you get a plea agreement that allows you to avoid a lengthy prison sentence and other harsh penalties. If no such agreement is possible, your lawyer can put together a legal defense that a prosecutor may struggle to contest.
Our Bellevue Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers Will Vigorously Defend You
Puget Law Group is a leading choice for those in search of a Bellevue drug trafficking defense attorney. Our team includes former prosecutors familiar with Washington State’s criminal justice system.
We will use our legal know-how to safeguard your legal rights. For more information, request a free case consultation with us.
Click to contact our Bellevue Criminal Defense Lawyers today (253) 627-4696