Seattle Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

Washington may have legalized recreational marijuana use within the past few years, but residents can still find themselves facing drug possession and drug-related charges. The state bars the manufacturing, possession, and distribution of most major drugs, including controlled pharmaceuticals.

What can you do if you find yourself facing accusations of drug possession? Don’t let those accusations go unchallenged. You can contact a drug possession defense attorney in Seattle, WA, to start crafting your comprehensive defense. Puget Law Group’s Seattle-based drug crime lawyers are prepared to help you defend yourself from overwrought charges.

Drug Charges in Washington States

The majority of drug-related crimes in Washington state constitute violations of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUSCA). In addition to drug possession, you may face VUSCA violation charges that include the following:

• Drug trafficking
• Drug paraphernalia
• Methamphetamine crimes
• Prescription drug crimes
• Heroin crimes

You may additionally face legal consequences if you get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of marijuana. 

Law enforcement representatives in Washington now treat marijuana like alcohol, meaning that you may face DUI charges if you’re caught driving while intoxicated.

Breaking Down VUSCA Charges

If you find yourself facing accusations of VUSCA violations, Seattle courts may level misdemeanor or felony consequences against you. The consequences you risk facing as a result of your alleged misconduct vary depending on several factors, including your criminal history and the severity of your alleged possession.

Jail Time, Fines, and Additional Consequences for Drug Possession Charges

Misdemeanor cases tend to result in less severe consequences should they go unchallenged. That said, you’ll still want to take steps to avoid them. The penalties for misdemeanor possession may see you face up to 90 days in jail as well as fines of up to $1,000. Gross misdemeanor charges can comparatively result in up to a year in jail and $5,000 fines.

Felony drug possession and related charges can see you face Class C, B, and A felonies, depending on the circumstances around your charging. Class C felonies put you at risk for five years in prison and $10,000 in fines, whereas Class B felonies come with up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines.

If you find yourself up against Class A felony charges, contact a drug possession defense lawyer in Seattle as soon as possible. Unchallenged Class A felony accusations can see you spend life in prison. These charges also come with fines of up to $50,000.

Social and Professional Drug Charge Consequences

There are also social and professional consequences that can come along with unchallenged drug possession charges. If you do not protect yourself from these accusations, you may have to deal with:

• The inability to vote due to your felony charge.
• Restrictions on travel.
• Loss of your job and removal of your professional licenses.
• Restricted child custody.
• Green card or visa revocation, if applicable.

You also put your relationships with your loved ones at risk for dissolution.

An Experienced Attorney Will Challenge the Charges Brought Against You

VUCSA violations can lead to immediate arrest on suspicion of drug possession or related crimes. Officers will immediately process you and restrict your freedoms. That said, you don’t waive all of your rights upon entering police custody. Officers have an obligation to read and honor your Miranda rights.

In other words, you have the right to contact legal representation immediately upon your arrest. You also have the right to remain silent until a Seattle, WA, drug possession defense attorney is on the scene. Be sure you stay off social media and avoid discussing the nature of your charges with anyone, including your loved ones.

We can begin drafting a defense against your drug possession charges the moment we take on your case. 

The defenses most applicable to your case may include the following:

• Unlawful search and seizure in violation of the Fourth Amendment
• Misidentified substances
• Inaccurate assessment of possession
• Entrapment
• Planted materials

We don’t let the justice system get away with its attempts to misrepresent your relationship to illegal substances, and we don’t negotiate harmful plea deals to make your case resolve faster. 

Puget Law Group can continually advocate for its clients, including you, in the face of gross accusations.

Appealing a Court’s Decisions on Your Behalf

Even if we aren’t the first lawyers you reached out to, you can still work with our team. If you disagree with a court’s decision regarding your alleged drug possession, you can request that one of our attorneys help you appeal your case.

We make an effort to offer parties in your position ample post-conviction services, including those that can see your charges reduced or dropped. 

Let Puget Law Group Fight for Your Freedom

Our drug possession defense lawyers in Puget, WA, want to help you protect yourself from undue charges. We know what it’s like to stand on the other side of the bench and what lengths the prosecution may go to in their effort to put you away. Fortunately, our knowledge of prosecutorial tactics helps us craft stalwart defenses on your behalf.

Are you ready to learn more about the defenses you can use against accusations of drug possession or other drug-related charges? Contact our team for a representation consultation today. We charge a flat rate for our criminal defense services and don’t shy away from even the most difficult of the Pacific Northwest’s cases.