Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Seattle
Understanding Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA) Charges in Washington State
In Washington, drug crimes are legally known as Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA) which prohibits illegal/prescription drug possession, manufacturing, delivering, or even possession with intent to deliver.
Fortunately, Washington state courts often lean toward a rehabilitative approach when it comes to drug crimes. With the help of Attorney Matthew Hale, you may be eligible for enrollment in an alternative drug treatment program, such as SOSA, in exchange for reduced incarceration time.
Washington Drug Crime Sentence Enhancements
A sentence enhancement is when the judge increases your sentence with additional fines or jail time. Sentence enhancements can be attached to your charges for a number of reasons, most typically due to repeat offenses.
In the Washington VUCSA statutes, there are specific scenarios that, if proven to be true, will automatically result in a sentence enhancement.
You may end up with a sentence enhancement if your case involved the manufacturing, selling, or delivering of a controlled substance:
- To a minor
- In or near a school
- In a school bus or near a school bus stop
- In a public park
- In a government- declared drug-free zone
- On a public transit vehicle or near a public transit stop-shelter
Is Marijuana Legal in Washington State?
Although marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, it has been legal for recreational use in Washington State since 2012. In addition, medical marijuana is also available to qualified patients. There are still laws that limit how much an individual can possess at any given time. This also directly impacts the amount an individual can purchase in a single transaction at stores that sell marijuana legally.
It is important to understand that it is considered a felony for any individual to be carrying more than 40 grams of marijuana. The penalties for this may include up to $10k in fines and up to 5 years in prison. In addition, no minor (under 21) may hold more than 1oz of marijuana.
Experienced Drug Crime Legal Counsel from Hale Law Enterprises
Since 2001, Seattle drug crime defense lawyer Matthew T. Hale has been successfully defending good people accused of DUI and all other crimes in Washington and Texas. Over 20+ years of experience, Hale has accumulated a very strong record of getting criminal charges reduced or dropped, including cases that involved professional athletes and executives. He has developed a thorough understanding of the intricacies of drug crimes in Washington and is confident and prepared to help you make intelligent decisions for your case, such as navigating plea bargains versus jury trials. Hale Law Enterprises happily serves Spanish-speaking clients as well and is ready to aggressively defend your rights in court.
Contact Hale Law Enterprises for your free consultation with an expert Seattle drug crime defense attorney at (206) 207-4776!
