It is well-known that drug offenses in the state of Washington are treated with great seriousness. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and the penalties can be severe, including high fines, imprisonment, and a damaging criminal record.
These possibilities can be very daunting for anyone. The ultimate impact of a conviction will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the specifics of your situation, the accusations against you, your previous criminal history, and any aggravating circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial to address the situation promptly with the help of competent legal counsel. With a record of taking decisive action to achieve positive outcomes, drug crimes lawyer Morgan Fletcher Benfield is prepared to clarify your situation and fight on your behalf.
If you have been accused of a drug-related offense in Seattle or the surrounding areas, call The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC at (253) 518-3643 for a complimentary and confidential consultation.
Drug Resources
WASHINGTON DRUG CRIMES EXPLAINED
Drug crimes in Washington are considered Violations of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA), according to state law RCW 69.50. It’s important to note that controlled substances include not only drugs such as cocaine and heroin, but also illegal prescription drugs. If you are facing VUCSA charges, the consequences you face will depend on several factors, such as the type and quantity of drug involved, whether you intended to use or sell it, your prior criminal record, and whether a weapon was involved or found in your possession.
VUCSA drug charges fall into two categories: misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanor offenses are typically heard in District and Municipal Court, while felonies are handled in Superior Court. The severity of the misdemeanor charges determines the penalties, which range from a simple misdemeanor with a potential jail term of up to 90 days and a fine of up to $1,000 to a gross misdemeanor with a potential jail term of up to 364 days and a fine of up to $5,000.
Felony charges are classified by their severity, with Class C felonies carrying a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000. Class B felonies carry a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000, while Class A felonies can result in a potential life sentence and a fine of up to $50,000.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
To say that the consequences of a drug conviction are severe is an understatement. In addition to the obvious fines and imprisonment, the long-term effects on your personal and professional life can be devastating. Many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with criminal records, and obtaining affordable housing or financial aid can be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to enlist the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC, we understand your charges are serious. We also realize that many of the people caught up in the criminal justice system for drug offenses often benefit from alternative programs rather than prison. By partnering with a skilled Washington drug attorney, you can often secure a more appropriate option like drug treatment, drug court, and diversion programs for nonviolent offenders.
In every drug case, our goal will always be to aggressively confront the evidence against you and build a strong drug defense. Drug charges usually stem from traffic stops and searches conducted after other minor offenses. We will scrutinize all the evidence collected, including lab reports, witness statements, and police reports to find any mistakes or oversights. If your rights were violated or evidence was improperly collected, we can use that to possibly have the evidence excluded, the charges dismissed, reduced, or to ensure you receive a favorable outcome at sentencing.
YOU NEED AN AGGRESSIVE
DRUG LAWYER
The truth is that the drug laws in Washington are complex and the penalties can be exceptionally harsh.
If you’re facing drug charges, time will be of the essence, and finding a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight for you should be your top priority.
When you call The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC for a free consultation, not only will we go over your situation and provide a better idea of what you are dealing with, we will offer practical solutions, so you obtain the best possible result.
Don’t wait, call us today at (253) 518-3643 to schedule your free consultation and discover your options.
