Redmond Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Being accused of any crime can have devastating repercussions on your personal relationships, reputation, and your standing in your community. When you are accused of crimes involving drugs, you can be especially concerned due to the stigma attached to drug crimes. A highly skilled and experienced Redmond drug crime defense lawyer is a necessity if you hope to preserve your freedom and move past these destructive accusations. 

From simple possession to accusations of drug trafficking, you will need the aid of a dedicated and knowledgeable Redmond criminal defense lawyer. Puget Law Group is composed of former prosecutors who intimately know how the Washington state judicial system operates and have decades of combined legal experience.

When your freedom and reputation are on the line, you can trust in the Northwest’s premier law firm to treat you with dignity and compassion to work tirelessly to defend you. 

What to Do if You Have Been Arrested for Drug Crimes

Regardless of the circumstances, if you have been arrested for drug crimes, the first thing you should do is to make no statements to the arresting officers or investigators. Even if the law enforcement officers who arrested you have properly read you your Miranda Rights, they will try to convince you that it is in your best interest to cooperate with them.

While this is true in the sense that you should not fight the officers or resist arrest in any way, you should say nothing beyond properly identifying yourself and invoking your right to legal counsel. 

Then, exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Although you may want to try and explain the situation if you have been wrongfully arrested, the time of your arrest is not when you should be trying to convince the police that they have made a mistake. You could say something that you think will help you only to find out later in court that it has been misinterpreted and is now being used against you. 

Your next step should be to contact the person you most trust to contact your drug crime defense attorney in Redmond with Puget Law Group or contact us directly. You can then explain the situation to us so we may advise you on how to give a proper statement to the investigating officers. Remember, it is your right to have your attorney present whenever you are being questioned.

There Are Various Drug Crimes in Redmond 

Drug crimes in Washington can vary widely and can carry significant penalties depending on the circumstances of your case. The so-called war on drugs has produced victims from all walks of life. Ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious felonies, your drug crime defense lawyer in Redmond can help you understand updates to Washington State’s DUI law that could affect your case and the charges against you that may include:

• Possession of Schedule I or II substances under RCW §69.50.401
• Delivery or distribution of Schedule I or II substances under RCW §69.50.4012
• Distribution of controlled substances to persons under the age of 18 under RCW §69.50.406

In 2012, Washington was the first state to legalize the personal use and possession of certain amounts of cannabis for recreational consumption. However, there are still crimes that can be charged in relation to cannabis cultivation and distribution.

Many of these laws are codified in the comprehensive Uniform Controlled Substances Act under RCW §69.50. You may need a Redmond DUI lawyer who can help you challenge your drug charges if you are accused of driving while impaired as well.

Defenses to Drug Crimes in Redmond

Law enforcement officers have been known to cut corners to work with the district attorney’s office to increase their conviction rates. Your drug crime defense attorney will conduct an intensive investigation into the circumstances of your arrest, examine the evidence against you, and confirm that none of your rights were violated in the process of your arrest. If any of your rights were violated, we may be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed altogether. 

The circumstances of your arrest are also of critical importance, and you must truthfully share all the details with your dedicated Redmond drug crime defense lawyer. Drug crimes can often be reduced or dismissed because the evidence being used against you was either obtained illegally or outside the proper protocols that police must follow. During the discovery phase, we will have access to every piece of evidence being used against you and will thoroughly examine it to determine its validity and admissibility. 

There may also be options available to you based on the details of your case and the charges you are facing. If you are a first-time offender or there were no aggravating factors related to your accused crimes or arrest, you may be eligible for reduced charges or pretrial diversion programs. RCW §69.50.4017 outlines the requirements for these programs, which should be seriously considered if you qualify for them as an option.  

Collateral Consequences 

Penalties for drug crimes can range from fines and community service to years in state prison, depending on the specific circumstances of the accusations against you. If you are convicted and complete whatever sentence you receive, there are other effects on your life that could continue to follow you for the rest of your life which are known as collateral consequences. With a drug crime conviction on your record, you may find federal student aid being revoked, difficulty finding housing or work, or even the loss of child custody or visitation rights. 

With Your Freedom on the Line, Turn to the Premier Criminal Defense Law Firm in Washington

With nine former prosecutors now working as defense attorneys as part of our legal team, Puget Law Group is well-versed in both sides of the criminal justice system. We have successfully defended thousands of clients throughout the state of Washington. Using a focused, team-based approach, we will work tirelessly to ensure your rights have been respected. 

If you are facing criminal charges involving drugs, you need the most experienced Redmond drug crime defense attorney available to you. Do not hesitate when your freedom, reputation, and future is hanging in the balance. Call our offices now to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and face these charges head-on to begin moving forward with your life.