Kent Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

A key characteristic of an effective defense lawyer is knowing how the prosecution works. The team at Puget Law includes nine former prosecutors. If you are facing drug possessions charges, a Kent drug crime defense lawyer from Puget Law can provide the insightful, effective representation you need. 

Drug possession charges can result in serious penalties affecting your financial well-being, your freedom, and your future opportunities. Do not face these charges without the advocacy of a seasoned Kent drug possession defense lawyer. Your attorney will analyze your case with great care, designing a defense to protect your rights and fair treatment by the criminal justice system and achieve a favorable case resolution. 

How Your Drug Possession Attorney in Kent Will Help

Your Kent criminal defense lawyer will examine the details of your case and arrest to discover and expose any violations of your civil rights. If law enforcement failed to execute your arrest properly or conducted an illegal search and seizure, your attorney may use those violations as grounds to have your case dismissed. Throughout your case, your attorney will monitor the prosecution’s actions to protect your rights and call out injustice. 

The team at Puget Law will use its previous prosecutorial experience and years of defense experience, as well as knowledge of Washington’s drug possession laws and the criminal justice system, to design a powerful, strategic defense. Your drug possession defense lawyer in Kent will present mitigating factors to reduce your penalties and challenge aggravating factors–those the prosecution might raise to increase your penalties.

As your case proceeds, you can count on your Kent drug possession defense attorney to negotiate with the prosecution to secure a plea deal, working to bring your case to a resolution with as little disruption to your life as possible.

If your case goes to trial, you will have the fierce protection and advocacy Puget Law offers. We know the importance of preparing for a criminal trial, and throughout proceedings, you will have our full legal and personal support. Facing charges is a frightening experience, but we will get through it together, and our team will fight tirelessly to deliver the best attainable outcome.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

The consequences of a conviction on drug possession charges can impact your life for years to come. Convictions come with legal penalties, which are tough on their own, but the penalties do not stop when you are released from jail or have paid your fine–they reach into other areas of your life. A drug possession defense lawyer in Kent, WA, will work to minimize your consequences. 

Legal Penalties for Drug Possession Charges

Drug possession charges are often issued to those carrying smaller amounts of substances intended for personal use. In these cases, the charges rendered are gross misdemeanors. The “gross” classification indicates these offenses are still seen as minor crimes but on the more serious end of the minor-crimes spectrum–and for the best case result, you need a lawyer to fight a misdemeanor charge.

Drug possession charges violate RCW §69.50.4013, a law declaring that “knowingly” possessing a controlled substance” or “knowingly” using a controlled substance in a public place” is illegal unless the substance in question was obtained for medical use through a legal prescription issued by a medical practitioner in the course of their professional duties. A conviction for violating this law can bring offenders:

• Jail terms of up to 180 days
• A maximum fine of $1,000
• A jail sentence and fines

Penalties can increase (or see reduction) based on specific factors present in the offense. Factors include the offender’s age, the amount of drugs in possession, the type of substance involved, and the offender’s criminal history. For example, those with two or more prior possession convictions can see an extended jail sentence–up to 364 days.

Increased Penalties for Intent to Deliver

Those found with a larger amount of a controlled substance, an amount likely intended for sale and distribution, can face charges for violation of RCW §69.50.401. This law makes it unlawful for anyone to “manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.” Again, specific factors can affect the severity of the charges and penalties:

• The type of controlled substance
• The amount of the substance in question
• The offender’s age 
• The offender’s prior convictions
• Whether the offender intended the substance for personal use or distribution
• Whether the offender was also in possession of weapons

Offenders can face Class B or Class C felonies for violating this law. As per RCW §9A.20.021, possible consequences include:

• Up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine (or both) for a Class B conviction
• Up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine (or both) for a Class C conviction

A Kent drug possession defense attorney from Puget Law knows the nuances of Washington’s drug laws and will work to ensure your fair treatment under those laws and to have all factors working in your favor considered. For drug possession charges, your attorney will likely fight to have you avoid jail time and instead attend drug rehabilitation programs. For more serious charges, even if it is not possible to have them dismissed, your lawyer will work to negotiate with the prosecution to see them reduced.

Additional Consequences

Unfortunately, the consequences of a conviction do not stop once you have paid the legal penalties. The conviction stays on your record and can limit future opportunities. You may have problems passing potential landlord’s background checks, securing employment in certain fields, or having a professional license revoked.

Representation from a skilled drug possession defense attorney in Kent, WA, can have a significant, positive impact on your situation. A charge dismissal clears your record. Charge and penalty reductions allow you to get back on your feet and on the right track more quickly.

Protect Your Future with a Strong Defense

Puget Law has a successful history of criminal defense case results and is ready to give you the strong defense you need to protect your future. A Kent drug possession defense lawyer from our firm will work diligently to have your possession charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

We will give you trustworthy legal guidance and the support you need to help you move on from this difficult situation and toward a more promising future.