Kirkland Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

When you are accused by law enforcement of drug possession, it can turn your life upside down. You may be worried that the prosecution has enough evidence to lock you up or that the police have done everything according to the letter of the law. Whether you are being charged with a misdemeanor or felony, you will need the support and advice of dedicated legal counsel. 

With an in-demand and highly experienced Kirkland drug possession defense lawyer from the Puget Law Group, you can be confident in facing the charges against you. Your Kirkland drug crime defense lawyer with our law firm consists of nine former prosecutors who know the inner workings of the Washington judicial system. We can thoroughly investigate the evidence against you, speak with any witnesses, and possibly make a deal with the prosecution for a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Collateral Consequences Might Ruin Your Life

Beyond the consequences imposed by courts, if you are convicted, there could be other effects that could haunt you for years to come. When you are branded as a convict, especially for a felony-level drug possession charge, you could have difficulty finding housing, loss of your firearm and voting rights, and you may lose your ability to find gainful employment. With a conviction being a worst-case scenario, your Kirkland criminal defense lawyer will explore every possible outcome and work tirelessly to fight for your freedom. 

You May Be Accused of Serious Criminal Charges

Drug possession is a serious criminal charge that requires a delicate and sophisticated approach. Your drug possession defense lawyer in Kirkland will walk you through the charges you are facing and how you can fight back against them. Depending on the exact substance you are accused of having and the amount of that substance will determine what level of charges you could be facing. 

Washington follows the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Uniform Controlled Substances Act according to Chapter 69.50 RCW. Under RCW 69.50.4013, possession of certain substances can be charged as a gross misdemeanor. The DEA has classified most substances and dangerous drugs under five drug schedules, which will have a significant bearing on your case and the charges against you. 

In an effort to offer rehabilitation instead of jail time, the police also have the discretion to offer alternatives to arrest for people who are addicted to illegal substances. According to RCW §10.31.110, individuals who have a substance use disorder may benefit more from other rehabilitative measures than jail or prison time. Your Kirkland drug possession defense lawyer can take every factor into account when building your defense. 

A Conviction Could Have Lifelong Consequences

In Washington state, a conviction for drug possession can result in a range of penalties. If convicted of a gross misdemeanor, you could face up to 364 days in county jail and up to $5,000 in fines, according to RCW §9A.20.021. If you are facing charges of a Class C felony for possession of heroin, for example, you might be facing up to five years in state prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both if convicted. 

Building a Strong Defense Is Critical

Understanding all the circumstances of your case will help us build a strong defense for the charges against you. Whether the state has a weak case against you or the police obtained evidence illegally, our investigation can work in your favor. We will check every piece of evidence, interview every witness, and explore every possible option to avoid a conviction that could ruin your life. 

Kirkland Drug Possession FAQ

Being arrested on drug possession charges can leave you confused and terrified at what the future might hold. To help you understand the potential impact of a conviction, we have compiled a list of our clients’ most asked questions. If you have questions specific to your case or about how to get started building the strongest possible defense, reach out to our dedicated legal team today. 

Can My Drug Possession Charge Be Expunged from My Criminal Record?

Yes, even if you have been convicted of a drug possession charge, you can have this removed from your record, provided you adhere to certain conditions under RCW §9.94A.640. Check with our team at Puget Law Group to see if you may qualify to have your record expunged. 

Is There a Statute of Limitations for the Charges Against Me?

Yes, the state prosecutor only has a specific window of time to file formal charges against you. According to RCW §9A.04.080, if you are suspected of felony drug possession, they may have up to five years to file charges, while if you are suspected of a gross misdemeanor offense, they may only have two years to bring charges against you. 

Should I Give a Statement to the Police to Try and Clear Up My Situation?

You should never attempt to clear anything up with the police without first talking to your drug possession defense attorney in Kirkland. You have a Fifth Amendment right to stay silent and not give any statements to police until you have spoken with your lawyer. 

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer Rather than Use a Public Defender?

Private attorneys usually have far more considerable resources to draw from than public defenders. When your freedom is on the line, it may be in your best interests to hire the most qualified legal advocate you can. 

Get the Representation You Need to Fight the Charges Against You with Kirkland’s Leading Criminal Defense Firm

You may feel like your world is falling apart if you have been arrested for drug possession charges. You have the right to fight back against the accusations you are facing. Find out about the state’s case against you, what defense strategies may be most appropriate for your specific situation, and how you can protect your rights and reputation. 

Puget Law Group has successfully defended many clients against various drug and criminal charges throughout the Kirkland area and the entire state of Washington. Working with your Kirkland drug possession defense attorney from our team of former prosecutors, you can be confident in a strategy that can result in the most favorable outcome possible for your particular case. Complete our easy and confidential contact form now or call our office to schedule an appointment for a consultation as soon as today.