Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Olympia

If you have been accused of drug trafficking, you could be facing serious penalties, a loss of freedom, and collateral consequences. If you have to navigate the criminal justice system, it’s important to hire a drug trafficking lawyer in Olympia to represent you. Prosecutors will be focused on establishing guilt, but a defense lawyer will guard your rights and advocate for you throughout the entirety of the legal process.

Puget Law Group handles a wide variety of defense cases for clients, including drug trafficking. With over 150 years of combined experience, our team has a deep understanding of the law and defense strategies to use in your case to secure a better outcome. An Olympia criminal defense lawyer will provide insight and support as we handle your case and prepare you for what to expect.

How to Proceed After a Drug Trafficking Arrest

If you have been arrested and taken into custody, you may be overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. At this stage, it is imperative to be cooperative but avoid talking to law enforcement. While instinct may tell you to defend yourself, the less you say, the better. Hire an Olympia drug trafficking lawyer right away to represent you and speak to law enforcement on your behalf.

From here, they’ll communicate and negotiate with law enforcement and prosecutors, as well as make sure your rights are not violated. Whether a plea bargain is on the table or you must begin preparing for a criminal trial, your lawyer will provide counsel and ensure they employ effective strategies to get results that improve your circumstances. They’ll also advise you on how to plead and advocate for you.

Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions, gather evidence, review discovery, and build a strong defense to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or acquitted. They will also adjust their approach depending on your circumstances and the types of charges that have been leveled against you. At the end of your case, a judge will issue a ruling in your case. Even at this stage, your lawyer can still negotiate for you.

How Drug Schedules Impact Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking involves the illegal manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances to others. Even the intent to engage in either of these activities can qualify as drug trafficking. Per RCW 69.50.401, trafficking drugs is a felony offense and is therefore punished more harshly. The classification of the drug makes a difference in the severity of the charge. In the U.S., drug scheduling is broken down as follows:

• Schedule I: Includes drugs that are not used medically and include LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, heroin, peyote, and methaqualone
• Schedule II: Includes drugs that are easily abused, which include fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, methadone, Demerol, Adderall, Ritalin, and methamphetamine
• Schedule III: Includes drugs that are capable of causing moderate dependence and include ketamine, codeine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV: Includes drugs that have a low risk of dependence, such as Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Darvocet, Tramadol, Soma, Darvon, and Talwin
• Schedule V: Includes drugs that have the lowest risk of dependence for abuse, which include Robitussin, Lyrica, Parepectolin, Lomotil, and Motofen

Schedule I and II drugs, amphetamines, and methamphetamines are considered a class B felony, while schedules III, IV, and V are classified as a class C felony. Given the severity of these charges, it’s important to hire a skilled lawyer to defend you when so much is at stake.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking Charges in Washington

As a felony charge, drug trafficking offenders face steep penalties if convicted and sentenced. The most common of which is incarceration and fines. The length of a prison sentence will depend on the drug involved and the type of felony it is classified as. Aggravating and mitigating factors can also impact the penalties that a judge may issue in these types of cases.

According to RCW 9A.20.021, class B felonies generally receive prison sentences of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to $20,000. As a lesser charge, class C felonies typically receive up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines. Federal drug trafficking charges may be subject to more extensive sentencing terms and penalties.

To understand the specific charges against you and what they may mean for your future, it’s important to talk with your lawyer. These cases can be complex, and understanding your legal options is important.  Lawyers can help you fight these charges and preserve as much of your freedom as possible.

Common Defenses Used by a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Olympia

Puget Law Group works diligently to build a strong defense when you’re facing drug trafficking charges. We carefully review the case prosecutors are building against you to assess areas of weakness, procedures that weren’t handled properly, and any evidence against you that may be inconclusive. Our lawyers will use these aspects to your advantage and build your defense and case strategy accordingly.

Common defenses used in drug trafficking cases include a lack of possession or intent to make or distribute drugs illegally. Depending on the situation, your lawyer can also use illegal searches and seizures, entrapment, or procedural violations by law enforcement or prosecutors as part of your defense. Lawyers can use these circumstances to suppress evidence or get charges reduced or dismissed.

In addition to your defense, a lawyer may also present any mitigating factors in the case that may be eligible for reduced charges or sentencing, as well as alternative sentencing options. According to WAC 246-16-890, factors such as age, capacity, character, and cooperation and remorse with law enforcement are a few examples that a lawyer may use to secure a better outcome in your case if applicable.

Fight Drug Trafficking Charges With the Puget Law Group

An Olympia drug trafficking attorney is ready to defend you from drug trafficking charges and mitigate the impact on your life. Puget Law Group provides experienced legal advice and strategies that get results.

With unique perspectives and prosecutorial backgrounds, our drug trafficking law firm aggressively fights for you. To learn more about Puget Law Group and how we can defend you, schedule a free consultation today.