Bellevue Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

Accusations of drug possession are serious charges that can carry devastating consequences if you do not approach them with care and composure. Whether this is your first time facing criminal charges or you have been convicted of drug charges previously, having a professional and knowledgeable legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. If you have been arrested on drug possession charges in Bellevue, you need trial-proven legal representation. 

Puget Law Group is composed of nine former prosecutors who have the experience and skills needed to conduct an exhaustive investigation, examine the evidence, and challenge the charges against you. Retaining a dedicated Bellevue drug possession defense lawyer is a critical step in determining the outcome of your case. Connect with a respected Bellevue drug crime defense lawyer with our team today to learn more about how the state’s case against you can be disputed and how you can protect your rights and freedom. 

The State’s Evidence Against You May Be Compelling

If you hire your Bellevue criminal defense lawyer from Puget Law Group, we will be given access to every piece of evidence the state has against you through a process known as discovery. Once we have an idea of the strength of the state’s case against you, we can begin formulating a strategy to defend you. We will thoroughly investigate every part of the state’s case and do everything we can to refute their evidence. 

The evidence the state presents against you will vary depending on the circumstances of your arrest, the amount of substance you are accused of possessing, and the exact substance in question. Even if they have compelling evidence to prove their accusations, we can still challenge the charges. According to RCW §9A.04.100, the state must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

To attain this standard of proof, the prosecution must present evidence that proves you violated the law beyond any doubt. Some examples of evidence they may use against you include video evidence, audio recordings, and witness statements. Many of these pieces of evidence can be challenged in court. 

Charges You Could Be Facing Are Serious and Need a Dedicated Approach

Drug possession charges can range in severity from gross misdemeanors to serious felonies. Drugs are classified into five drug schedules as described by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Controlled Substances Act. Some examples of these Schedules are:

• Schedule I – Drugs with a high potential for abuse and no medical use, including heroin and LSD. 
• Schedule II – Drugs with a high potential for abuse with limited medical applications, such as methamphetamine and dangerous narcotic prescription drugs such as oxycodone.
• Schedule III – Drugs with a moderate potential for abuse and specific medical uses, such as ketamine and preparations containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine. 
• Schedule IV – Drugs with a low potential abuse and therapeutic effects when used properly, including Xanax and Ativan. 
• Schedule V – The least potential for abuse; examples of these drugs include Lyrica, Motofen, and cough suppressants with less than 200 milligrams per 100 milliliters of codeine. 

The amount of substance and its Schedule will guide the prosecution to which code you will be charged under. If you are suspected of possessing a small amount of heroin, for example, you could still be facing charges at the felony level because heroin is a Schedule I substance under RCW 69.50.401. Consulting with your committed and highly skilled drug possession defense lawyer in Bellevue if you have been arrested is crucial to building a powerful defense. 

Defense Strategies that May Work in Your Case

The police and other law enforcement agencies have specific rules and protocols they must follow. If they obtain evidence without abiding by these rules, we may be able to get the evidence ruled inadmissible, or thrown out. The circumstances of your case will help us determine how best to proceed with building your defense. 

Violations of Your Rights

Law enforcement can often be overzealous when interacting with the public and suspects. When the police violate your Fourth Amendment or any other rights, this can have serious consequences for their case against you. Our Bellevue drug possession defense lawyer can uncover any violations of your rights when we review the details of your case. 

Bellevue Drug Possession FAQs

Should I Try to Explain My Situation to the Police Who Arrested Me if They Made a Mistake?

No, you should never make a statement to the police without first consulting with your drug possession defense attorney in Bellevue. Law enforcement can and will use any statements you make against you. 

Can the Police File Charges Against Me Whenever They Want?

Depending on the exact statute under which you are charged, the state prosecutor will have a specified time limit to bring charges against you. For example, if you are facing a gross misdemeanor-level offense, the prosecutor may only have two years to file charges. 

Should I Just Use a Public Defender?

While you can have a public defender represent you if you cannot afford a private attorney, that may not be in your best interests. Public defenders, while dedicated to their jobs and clients, are often overworked and do not have access to the resources necessary to bring about a positive outcome to your case. 

Will I Be Able to Get My Charges or a Conviction Erased from My Record?

Under RCW §9.94A.640, you may be eligible for your record to be expunged of your drug possession conviction if you meet certain criteria. A Bellevue DUI defense lawyer with our firm can help you understand what steps you must take to have these charges removed from your permanent record. 

Connect with Washington’s Leading Criminal Defense Law Firm

Drug possession charges can have devastating effects on your life. From fines to considerable prison sentences, a conviction may affect every aspect of your life. You may even face collateral consequences such as the destruction of relationships with family and friends, loss of employment, and a permanent stigma on your record that can show up in background checks. 

Put our combined 150 years of legal experience to work for you when you choose a Bellevue drug possession defense attorney from Puget Law Group. With the wealth of knowledge that our law firm can bring to your case, you can be confident that we will work tirelessly to get you the most favorable outcome possible. Call our office or fill out our convenient contact form now to schedule a free consultation as soon as today.