Drug Distribution Attorney IN Seattle

Your Freedom is Too Valuable to Leave to Chance—Hire a Seattle Drug Distribution Lawyer

If you have been accused of distributing drugs in Seattle, you are facing a felony that can affect the rest of your life. You may have been arrested after a search, a traffic stop, or an investigation that you never even knew was happening. Right now, you need clear information and a criminal defense lawyer you can actually talk to.

My name is Matthew T. Hale. I am a criminal defense attorney based here in Seattle, and for more than 27 years, I have defended people charged with serious crimes, including drug distribution and other drug crimes. We offer free, confidential consultations so you can understand your options before you take another step.

At Hale Law Enterprises, I personally handle every case. Clients come to me in some of the most stressful moments of their lives, and my job is to protect their rights, explain what is happening, and start building a defense that fits their situation, not a template. 

If you are ready to talk, you can reach our drug distribution attorneys in Seattle any time at (206) 207-4776. You can also reach out online.

Understanding Drug Distribution Laws in Washington

In Washington, drug distribution is governed by the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, specifically RCW 69.50.401. This statute makes it illegal to "manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, a controlled substance." It is vital to understand that the law does not require money to change hands for a distribution charge to stick—the mere "delivery" or "transfer" of a substance from one person to another is sufficient.

As a Seattle drug distribution lawyer team, we emphasize the distinction between simple possession and distribution: the "intent to deliver" is often inferred by police based on the presence of scales, packaging materials (baggies), multiple cell phones, or large amounts of cash.

Washington categorizes drugs into five "Schedules" (I through V). Schedule I and II drugs, such as Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine, carry the most severe penalties. Methamphetamine is treated with unique statutory rigor, often including mandatory non-suspendable fines. We meticulously analyze the specific charges to determine if the state is overreaching by escalating a case of personal use into a felony distribution charge based on flawed "indicia of sale."

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Distribution Convictions

A conviction for drug distribution in Washington carries a heavy sentencing range, often determined by the state’s "Sentencing Grid," which factors in the type of drug and your prior criminal history (offender score).

• Class B Felonies (Schedule I or II Narcotics): Punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching $25,000 for amounts under two kilograms. For larger quantities, fines can skyrocket to $100,000 plus additional per-gram assessments.
• Class C Felonies: Other controlled substances can result in up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Drug-Free Zone Enhancements (RCW 69.50.435): If the alleged distribution occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, bus stop, or public park, an automatic 24-month enhancement is added to your sentence. In a city as dense as Seattle, these zones are nearly impossible to avoid.

The collateral consequences are equally devastating:

• Professional Barricades: A felony drug conviction often leads to the immediate revocation of nursing, teaching, or commercial driving licenses.
• Firearm Rights: You will face a permanent loss of your right to possess firearms under both state and federal law.
• Housing Instability: Many landlords in King County use background checks to deny housing to anyone with a criminal record.
• Civil Forfeiture: The state can seize your car, cash, and even your home if they claim the assets were "proceeds" of or used in the commission of the crime.

Local Seattle Court Procedures

If your drug distribution case arose in this area, it will typically be filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle. That courthouse is where many felony arraignments, motion hearings, and trials take place for cases that started within the county. Knowing the routine of that building and the local procedures can help reduce surprises for you.

In a typical felony case, the first step after charging is an arraignment. At that hearing, the court will formally read the charge, enter a not guilty plea, and address release conditions such as bail or monitoring. We prepare clients for what questions to expect and how to present themselves so they feel more confident walking in.

After an arraignment, cases usually move into pretrial hearings. Those hearings at King County Superior Court are where issues such as discovery, motions to suppress evidence, and plea discussions are addressed. Because we have appeared in these courtrooms for many years, we understand how local judges often handle scheduling and requests for motion time.

How We Defend Drug Distribution Charges in Seattle

Drug distribution cases are often built on complex investigations. Police may rely on confidential informants, controlled buys, surveillance, or search warrants for homes and cars. Our first step is to carefully examine how the investigation started, how evidence was gathered, and whether officers followed the law at every stage.

In many cases, the real question is whether the state can actually prove distribution, or possession with intent to deliver, instead of simple possession. We look closely at the amount of the substance, how it was packaged, any alleged sales communications, and what officers claim they saw. After decades in Washington courts, we know the arguments prosecutors tend to make and where those arguments are often weak.

With more than 27 years in courtrooms in and around Seattle, including work on serious and high-profile criminal matters, we have seen how search and seizure issues, informant reliability, and chain of custody problems can affect a case. Our goal is to identify every legal and factual issue that might limit the government’s evidence or reduce your exposure.

Our firm doesn't just "react" to the state's case; we take the lead. Our methodology is built on:

• Fourth Amendment Litigation: Many Seattle drug busts occur during traffic stops or home raids. If the police lacked probable cause or exceeded the scope of a warrant, we move to have the evidence suppressed.
• Forensic Scrutiny: We don't take the state's lab work at face value. We look for "ghost" data in digital forensics and re-verify the chemical purity of the substances involved.
• Informant Impeachment: We relentlessly investigate the backgrounds of "snitches" used by the police, uncovering biases and incentives that show they are unreliable witnesses.
• Mitigation Advocacy: We prepare "humanizing" packages for the prosecutor and judge, highlighting your history, employment, and potential for rehabilitation to secure a reduction in charges.

No web page can tell you exactly what will happen in your case. Outcomes depend on the evidence, your history, the specific court, and the decisions you make along the way. What we can offer is a clear explanation of how Washington drug laws apply to you and practical advice about the range of paths in front of you.

Why Clients Choose Our Firm

Choosing the right attorney for a drug distribution case is about more than a website or slogan—it’s about who will stand with you in court and take the time to understand what is at stake in your life. Our practice is built on personal involvement and honest communication, ensuring each client feels supported and informed throughout the process.

We have been defending clients in Washington criminal courts since 1998, handling serious and high-profile cases, including matters that attracted media attention. That experience makes us comfortable in high-pressure situations and skilled at navigating complex evidence and aggressive prosecution strategies.

Every client works directly with us, never with an inexperienced attorney. We meet with you, answer your questions, review discovery, and prepare you for each court date in Seattle and the surrounding courts. By tailoring the defense to your unique background, family, and goals, we ensure your case receives individualized attention and a strategy aligned with what matters most to you.

Talk With Our Drug Distribution Lawyers in Seattle About Your Case

A drug distribution charge in Seattle is serious, but you do not have to face it alone. With decades in Washington criminal courts and a practice built on personal attention, we work to guide you through each decision and protect what matters most to you.

When you contact our firm, you speak directly with Attorney Hale about what happened, what you are worried about, and what options you might have. The consultation is free, confidential, and focused on giving you clear information, not pressure. 

If you are ready to take the next step, call  (206) 207-4776 or reach out online now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What penalties could I face for drug distribution?

Drug distribution is usually charged as a felony, and penalties can include significant jail or prison time. The specific range depends on the drug type, quantity, your prior record, and any aggravating factors. We review these details with you so you understand both worst case and more realistic possibilities.

Should I talk to the police about my case?

In most situations, we recommend that you do not talk to police about the facts of your case before speaking with a lawyer. Statements you make can be used against you later. Once we talk, we can advise you about whether any communication with law enforcement makes sense.

How quickly can you help after my arrest?

I am available 24/7 for urgent calls, and we work to get involved as early as possible. That often means reviewing paperwork, advising you on bail and release conditions, and preparing you for your first appearance in Seattle. Early action can help protect important rights and evidence.

Can you help if my case might go federal?

Some drug investigations can lead to federal charges, depending on the allegations and agencies involved. We have defended serious felony cases for decades and can discuss what it might mean if federal involvement appears likely. Together, we can talk through realistic scenarios and possible strategies.

How much does it cost to hire you?

I offer a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation before you decide anything. If you choose to move forward, we explain our fees clearly and answer questions about payment. My goal is for you to know exactly what to expect before we begin working together.

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