Drug Crimes
Accusations of Washington State drug crimes are taken very seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts. But we have come a long way, and the treatment of crimes involving drugs have changed significantly over the years. A conviction for a Washington State drug crime will have serious long-term consequences including, but not limited to potential jail time and significant fines.
Our office understands after you have been arrested for a Washington State drug charge you may have feelings of despair, hopelessness, and even anger. There is hope that your charge will be successfully resolved and, even more importantly, you will make it through this period.
Alternative courts, such a drug courts, veteran’s court, mental health court and other thearapeutic courts may be an option for you now.
If you have been charged with VUCSA (Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act) the potential jail sentence depend on the allegations, your criminal history, and any enhancements to the charge.
Types of Drug Charges:
Misdemeanor Drug Possession
It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to possess marijuana in any amount. If caught with a total amount of marijuana under 40 grams, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. The penalty is up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Felony Drug Possession
Possession of any type of drug, excluding small amounts of marijuana, is a Class C felony in the State of Washington. The punishment for this type of offense is up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This includes possession of cocaine, prescription drugs, methamphetamines, ecstasy, heroin, methadone, oxycodone, Vicodin, Percocet, and many other drugs.
Manufacture/Delivery/Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Manufacturing, delivering or distributing a drug such as cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, or ecstasy is a Class B felony in Washington that carries with it a potential punishment of ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Simply having what police consider to be a large amount of drugs in your possession could mean facing this serious charge, even if there is no evidence of a sale.
Manufacture/Delivery/Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Manufacturing, delivering or distributing a drug such as cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, or ecstasy is a Class B felony in Washington that carries with it a potential punishment of ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Simply having what police consider to be a large amount of drugs in your possession could mean facing this serious charge, even if there is no evidence of a sale.
Drug Charge Enhancements:
Gun Possession:
It is illegal for any person under the age of 21 to possess marijuana in any amount. If caught with a total amount of marijuana under 40 grams, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. The penalty is up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
School Zone:
If the offense took place in a school zone, the state could seek to add an additional two years on your sentence.
Drug Free Zone:
If the offense took place in a drug free zone, such as a public park or city bus, you could face enhanced penalties and jail time.