Drug Offenses

Drug Offenses

What is a drug offense?
A drug offense is a criminal act involving the possession, manufacturing, trafficking, delivery or sale of an illegal drug. Illegal drugs include: heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, MDM, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamines and unauthorized prescription medications such as OxyContin or Vicodin. Any Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA) in Seattle, Tacoma and anywhere in Washington State is a serious matter.

Frequently Committed Drug Offenses
In the state of Washington, drug crimes are taken seriously by law enforcement and drug charges in Washington are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Commonly committed drug crimes include: possession, possession with intent to sell or deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, drug distribution, drug cultivation and money laundering. The likelihood of prosecution for any of these offenses, including possession in Washington State, is very high.

Washington State Drug Offense Legal Penalties
Once a person is convicted of a drug crime, he/she may be punished with:

  • Imprisonment, jail time, electronic home monitoring/detention, work release
  • Large fines
  • Restitution
  • Community service
  • Probation
  • Mandatory DNA sample
  • Mandatory drug and alcohol counseling and treatment
  • Loss of voting rights
  • Loss of firearm rights
  • Enhanced sentence if a firearm is found with the drugs

In Washington State, possession and other drug crime charges and their legal penalties will depend upon the type of crime committed as well as the type and amount of drug under possession. If the defendant is a repeat offender, or if the defendant solicited to minors, he/she may be subject to enhanced criminal charges beyond possession and sentencing.

Due to the life-altering legal consequences that are involved in a drug charge, it is always in a person’s best interest to obtain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who has the legal skills and knowledge of what it takes to successfully fight drug crime charges. Even if you are only charged with minor possession in Washington State, it is always wise to retain an attorney to protect your rights.

Forfeiture
Forfeiture refers to civil lawsuits filed by the government in order to seize and obtain the ownership of property that has been used in relation to illegal drug activity. The purpose is to recover the expense of the drug enforcement activities. Law enforcement can seize anything valuable from those charged with drug crimes including money from drug profits, vehicles and jewelry if those items are found in the vicinity of drugs or drug paraphernalia. Any narcotics or related equipment is automatically forfeited to the state and destroyed. Kannin Law can provide a civil forfeiture attorney to protect your rights if you are subject to forfeiture.

Hiring an Experienced Drug Crimes Attorney
Kannin Law Firm P.S. is a criminal defense law firm that has been helping clients throughout King County in Washington State contest their criminal charges and obtain superior results for more than ten years. Our skilled drug trial attorneys have years of courtroom experience and we are fully prepared to undertake our clients’ cases. When we work with our clients, we do everything possible to make sure that they receive the attention, resources and dedicated legal counsel that they deserve.

Serving all of Washington State
For our clients’ convenience, we are in the vicinity of courthouses in Seattle, Shoreline, SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Redmond, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Tukwila, Federal Way, Kent, Auburn, Bellevue, Newcastle, Redmond, Everett, Bremerton, and Factoria. We represent clients from King, Pierce, Kitsap and Snohomish counties, as well as all areas of Washington State. We are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have been charged with a drug crime and need a criminal defense or drug forfeiture lawyer, call Kannin Law Firm P.S. Additionally, if you have been charged with a federal drug crime, call to discuss your case with an expert federal drug attorney. We can evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights and best options. Schedule a free consultation by calling 206.257.7950.