Drug Crime Defense

If you are facing drug charges under the Washington State Violation Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA) RCW 69.50.

Securing the right legal representation can make all the difference. At Couture Law Firm, our criminal law team specializes in defending clients facing Washington State drug charges. Our drug crimes attorneys will protect your rights, and provide you with the best possible outcome.

If you are in Washington State, searching for a criminal drug lawyer near me, you have come to the right place. You may schedule a free consultation here.

Expert Drug Defense in Washington State

Our firm focuses on defending drug charges and offering comprehensive legal strategies tailored to each client's unique situation. Whether you're dealing with a first-time offense or have previous drug charges, our experienced illegal substance defense lawyers are here to help. We understand the complexities of drug charges and work diligently to navigate the legal system on your behalf.

When facing a drug charge, understanding the essential factors that can influence your criminal case is crucial. These factors can significantly impact the outcome, so it's important to be aware of them and how they might affect your defense strategy when facing charges involving illegal substances.

Types of Drug Crimes in Washington State include:

Manufacturing Drugs
Use of Drug Paraphernalia
Delivery of Drugs or Narcotics
Drug Trafficking
Possession With Intent to Deliver
Criminal Conspiracy to Deliver Drugs
Money Laundering

Essential Factors in a Drug Case

Lab reports and analysis of drugs

In Washington State Cases, the Washington State Toxicology Lab is responsible for analyzing substances and determining the chemical content of drugs. It can take many, many months for the WSP Toxicology Lab to analyze drugs. In defending drug crimes, it is crucial to have an experienced defense team on your side to analyze your case and prepare a defense. Different illegal substances carry different legal penalties, and larger quantities can lead to more severe criminal charges and even felony offenses.

Intent to distribute illegal drugs? Or only use illegal substances

Prosecutors for drug crimes will look at whether there was an intent to use the drugs personally or if there was an intent to sell or distribute drugs. Many times, the quantity of the substance is the only evidence of the intent to sell or distribute drugs.

Circumstances of the Drug Charge Arrest

The facts surrounding your arrest can influence your case. This includes how the drugs were found, whether proper procedures were followed by law enforcement and whether your rights were respected by police officers during the search and arrest.

Many drug arrests involve Law Enforcement setting up a controlled buy where a snitch or confidential informant takes pre-marked money to pay for drugs from a suspect. In defending drug cases, it is crucial that the drug charge defense legal team understands how controlled buys work and how to attack the credibility of confidential informants. At Couture Law Firm we understand how to attack controlled buys and the credibility of informants.

Evidence in a drug crime defense

The strength of the evidence against someone facing drug charges is a major factor. This includes physical evidence like the drugs themselves, as well as any paraphernalia, witness statements, and surveillance footage. At Couture Law Firm, we will work to challenge the validity and reliability of every piece of evidence.

Criminal History of Drug Offenses

Your prior criminal record, if any, can affect your case. A clean record may lead to more lenient penalties, while a history of drug-related offenses could result in harsher consequences.

Legal Representation for drug charge defense

The quality of your legal representation is perhaps the most significant factor. An experienced drug crime defense lawyer can make a substantial difference by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case, negotiating plea deals, and advocating for your rights.

Jurisdiction

Different states and local jurisdictions have varying laws and penalties for drug offenses. Where you are charged can influence your potential consequences and strategies your lawyer might employ. Drug delivery charges can be filed in Federal Court. It is crucial that your legal team understands the consequences and can avoid Federal Prosecution. Couture Law Firm specializes in Washington State drug charge defense.

Finding the Right Drug Lawyers Near Me

When searching for "drug lawyers near me," look no further than Couture Law Firm. Our local expertise and dedication to our clients make us the ideal choice for anyone seeking knowledgeable and effective legal counsel. We pride ourselves on being accessible and responsive, ensuring you receive the attention and care you deserve.

Why Choose Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyers?

Choosing the right drug crime defense lawyer is crucial. Here are some reasons to choose Couture Law Firm:

Experience

With over 20 years of experience in drug crimes, our team has successfully defended many clients facing drug charges.

We have extensive experience defending drug seizures and property forfeitures. At Couture Law Firm, we will fight to get seized property back from Law Enforcement.

Personalized Approach

We tailor our defense strategies to fit the specifics of your case, aiming for the best possible outcome. Each case is different, and at Couture Law Firm, we work to help each client and make the process as simple as possible.

Commitment

Our drug crime lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Local Expertise in Washington State

As local criminal defense lawyers, we have an in-depth understanding of our area's legal landscape and court systems. This local expertise is invaluable in building a strong defense and achieving favorable results for our clients. When you need a drug crime lawyer in Grant County, Couture Law Firm is here to provide the support and legal representation you need.

Contact Couture Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, don't wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Couture Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled drug crime lawyers. Let us help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and expertise.

We understand that when someone searches for a drug crime lawyer near me, that you have options. Schedule a free consultation to see why we are the best option for your drug case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the law for drug paraphernalia in Washington State?

It is a misdemeanor to use drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, or prepare a controlled substance other than cannabis. RCW 69.50.412. A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. A law enforcement officer can issue a citation directly to a Defendant for this charge.

Is possession of a controlled substance a felony in Washington state?

In February 2021, in State v. Blake, the Washington State Supreme Court declared the Washington State Drug Possession Law unconstitutional. In 2023, the legislature made it a Gross Misdemeanor to knowingly possess counterfeit substances and controlled substances (hereafter “prohibited substances”) or knowingly use prohibited substances in a public place. A misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. A law enforcement officer can issue a citation directly to a Defendant for this charge.

It is a felony to possess 40 grams or more of marijuana. Penalties include a fine of up to $10,000, up to 5 years in prison, or both. In addition, with marijuana possession charges in cases involving 40 grams or more of the substance, you may have additional charges of intent to distribute filed against you.

What is the Marijuana law in Washington?

You must be 21 years of age or older to possess or consume Marijuana or cannabis in Washington State. RCW 69.50.4014.

You may possess up to One ounce of useable cannabis;

Sixteen ounces of cannabis-infused product in solid form;

Seventy-two ounces of cannabis-infused product in liquid form; or

Seven grams of cannabis concentrate.

The public consumption of marijuana is subject to a civil violation and a fine of $50.

Any consumption of cannabis while one is in a moving vehicle is defined as a traffic infraction similar to an open container violation and carries a fine of $550. Traffic safety laws further require that the possession of cannabis in a moving vehicle must be located in a sealed container in either the trunk, glove compartment or some other area that is inaccessible to the driver or passengers.

It is NOT legal for:

For anyone under 21 years old to possess any quantity of marijuana;

To grow marijuana;

To smoke or display marijuana in public;

To sell marijuana;

For people 21 and over to possess greater than one ounce;

For anyone to possess over 40 ounces of marijuana. (Not licensed by the State of Washington to sell or grow marijuana.)

Can the Police seize and forfeit my vehicle?

Yes, vehicles, cash, and other property may be seized for violations of the Washington Uniform Controlled Substances Act if certain conditions are met. A seizure of property commences a forfeiture proceeding in which the law enforcement agency must give notice to the owner and others with an interest in the property within 15 days. After notice has been served, those with an interest in the property have 45 days in the case of personal property and 90 days in the case of real property to respond, or else the items will be deemed forfeited. RCW 69.50.505.

CALL TODAY TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO RESTORE YOUR GUN RIGHTS OR EXPUNGE YOUR CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

LARSON FOWLES, PLLC

OFFICE LOCATION

821 E Broadway Ave. Suite 8 Moses Lake, WA 98837
Tel: (509) 756-6700

Fax: (509) 756-6710