Bellevue Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Facing a misdemeanor or felony drug charge can be overwhelming. It can significantly impact your defense by seeking legal help. A Bellevue criminal defense lawyer may be able to find a way to get the charge against you reduced or dismissed.

Puget Law Group (PLG) is a top choice for those in need of a criminal defense lawyer in Washington. Our Bellevue drug crime defense lawyer is available to discuss your case. Contact us today.

Drug Crime Definition

In Washington, drug crimes are regulated under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (UCSA). It is against the law for someone to deliver, manufacture, or possess a controlled substance. There are five schedules for controlled substances, and how a drug is classified depends on its potential for abuse, medical use, and liability.

A court may consider many factors as it tries to determine whether to convict someone of a drug crime. It may evaluate the nature and amount of drugs in question and account for a defendant’s intent.

A drug crime defense lawyer in Bellevue, WA cannot change the fact that you were charged with a criminal act. However, they may help you craft a legal strategy to contest your charge. If your attorney succeeds, you may be able to avoid a conviction that hurts you long into the future.

Types of Drug Crimes

Drug crimes vary in terms of severity. How you treat a drug crime charge is key. Crimes a person may face relating to drugs include:

Possession

According to CNN, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill in May 2023 designed to prevent the legalization of all drug possession. This also increased the penalties associated with possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance. Conversely, a person may now have the option to complete a pretrial diversion program if they are charged with possession of a prohibited substance.

Trafficking

When a person traffics drugs, they manufacture, deliver, or possess them in large quantities. A trafficking penalty may be imposed at the state or federal level. A drug crime defense attorney in Bellevue, WA, may answer frequently asked questions and any other questions you may have about this charge and the penalties associated with it.

Distribution to a Minor

Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §69.50.406, it is illegal to distribute a substance considered to be a narcotic drug to someone under the age of 18. This may be punishable by a fine or imprisonment. A Bellevue drug crime defense attorney may be able to help you protect against either or both of these penalties.

If you are worried about a drug crime conviction, the team at PLG may be able to help you out. Our drug crime defense attorney in Bellevue can take a look at your case and go over your legal options with you. For more information, reach out to us.

Marijuana Charges

Recreational marijuana use in Washington State is legal. An adult may possess up to 1 oz. of cannabis for personal use. They may also possess up to 16 oz. of a marijuana-infused product in a solid form and 72 oz. of this type of product in a liquid form.

Comparatively, a person cannot use marijuana in public. If they do, they may be subject to a violation and fine. Also, a person may not consume cannabis if they are in a moving vehicle, and this may be considered a traffic infraction.

Those who possess anywhere between 1 oz. to 40 g of marijuana may be charged with a misdemeanor. At this point, an individual may receive a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 90 days in jail and a mandatory fine of $250 for a first offense. Penalties may escalate for subsequent violations.

Drug Crime Penalties

If you are found guilty of manufacturing, distributing, or possessing a controlled substance, you may be subject to penalties. A prosecutor is unlikely to take it easy on you, and they may do everything they can to make sure you face the full extent of the law. Here are the penalties you may receive for various drug charges:

• Possession of Less Than 2 kg of a Schedule I or II Narcotic: A first offense may result in a prison sentence that lasts up to 10 years, a fine up to $25,000, or both, and a second offense may lead to double these penalties. 
• Possession of Any Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V Controlled Substance: A first offense may lead to up to five years in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both, and these penalties may be doubled for a sentence offense. 
• Sale of Heroin: A first offense may result in a mandatory prison sentence of two years or a fine of up to $500,000, and a second offense has a mandatory prison sentence of five years.

A drug crime defense lawyer in Bellevue may explain the penalties associated with your case. They may also provide you with tips and recommendations on how to avoid these penalties. With your lawyer’s guidance and support, you may be able to find a way to show a court that you do not deserve to be convicted and help you achieve the best possible case results.

Drug Crime Legal Defense Strategy

When it comes to contesting a drug crime charge, it may be helpful to receive legal assistance. An attorney who has received positive client reviews may be able to help you build a successful legal strategy. Here are common defenses attorney use to protect their clients against drug crime convictions:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: You may argue that police officers illegally entered your home and arrested you for drug possession. 
• No Possession: You may be able to show you were not actually in possession of a controlled substance. 
• Entrapment: You may be able to prove you were set up as part of a sting operation and persuaded to commit a drug crime by a federal agent or informant.

You have the right to contest a drug charge. By hiring an attorney, you may be able to capitalize on this right. Your attorney will represent you in court, protect your legal rights, and help you figure out the best course of action to avoid severe penalties.

Partner with a Bellevue Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

PLG is the highest-rated criminal defense law firm in the Pacific Northwest. Our team may be able to help you with your drug crime defense. To get started, contact us today for a consultation and discuss the details of your case.