Drug crimes are some of the most common kinds of misdemeanors and felonies in Auburn. If you are currently facing charges for drug possession, trafficking, or related offenses, an Auburn drug crime lawyer from NextLaw is ready to stand by your side. We can provide legal defense and work to protect your rights and freedoms.
Our team has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has successfully overseen over 150 jury trials. We understand how to effectively navigate Washington’s criminal justice system and ensure your right to a fair trial.
In drug offense cases, the stakes are too high to leave things to chance. Instead, call an Auburn criminal defense lawyer from NextLaw.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
In Washington, drug crimes are prosecuted vigorously and punished harshly. Even when the crime is a misdemeanor, you can still face a prison sentence and hefty fines. The criminal defense lawyers from NextLaw can represent you at every stage of criminal proceedings, from initial pleadings to a final jury trial.
Many of our attorneys have experience as former prosecutors, so we are highly familiar with how the state tries and pursues cases. Our experience allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s strategy and respond in kind.
More generally, we can conduct a parallel investigation to gather evidence of your innocence. While many cases are settled before court, we prepare every case as if it’ll go to trial so we can be ready for any occurrence.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Auburn, call (253) 238-2558
Types of Drug Charges in Auburn
Our team can represent you in a wide range of criminal cases involving drug violations.
- Drug possession. Drug possession under RCW 69.50.4013 in Washington consists of having in your physical possession any controlled substance without a valid prescription. First offenses are typically treated as a misdemeanor, though repeat offenses can incur felony charges.
- Drug trafficking. Drug trafficking involves possessing drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them. Trafficking is often charged as a felony, and, if criminal activity crosses state lines, can trigger federal charges.
- Marijuana crimes. Marijuana is legal for adults to possess in certain amounts in Washington, though there are laws prohibiting possession of large amounts or consuming marijuana in public spaces.
Auburn Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me
Call: (253) 238-2558Penalties for Drug Crimes in Auburn
The exact penalty for drug crime in Auburn depends on the specific offense, the type of drug, and the quantities involved. Low-level simple possession charges are usually treated as gross misdemeanors and can carry up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
Conversely, drug trafficking of highly illegal substances, like heroin or cocaine, can be punished by up to ten years. Aggravating factors, like selling drugs near a school or selling drugs to minors, can result in enhanced charges and penalties.
Aside from jail and fines, a drug conviction can make it more difficult to find housing and employment. Drug convictions can also harm your social reputation among family and friends. The consequences here are serious, so you owe it to yourself to work with a skilled lawyer.
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Potential Defenses to Drug Charges
We understand the structure of effective defense arguments in drug cases. Below are some potential strategies our drug crime lawyers in Auburn can use to defend you against the charges:
- Lack of knowledge. Many drug crimes require you to knowingly commit the act. Drug possession, for instance, requires you to knowingly and intentionally possess the drugs. If the drugs weren’t yours and you didn’t know about them, it could defeat the charges.
- Entrapment. Entrapment defenses rely on arguing that you wouldn’t have committed the crime if it weren’t for the encouragement of law enforcement. This defense can be relevant in cases involving drug stings and undercover officers.
- Illegal search and seizure. The police must have a valid warrant to search your home or car. If they’ve violated your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure, your lawyer can work to have any gathered evidence suppressed.
- Valid prescription. Certain drugs are illegal to possess without a valid prescription, such as certain opioids and pain medications. If you have a valid prescription for these substances, it can defend you from possession or related charges.
- Plea agreement. A plea deal is a type of agreement where the defense agrees to plead guilty in exchange for lower charges from the prosecution. In drug cases, plea deals can be used to reduce felony crimes to misdemeanor crimes with a lesser sentence.
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Call Our Auburn Drug Crimes Lawyers Today
Even a minor drug crime can have far-reaching implications for your freedom, employment, and social reputation. The team at NextLaw can be the advocate you need and fight to secure the best possible outcome for your case. We understand what it takes to win in these cases and will use every strategy to achieve victory.
Charged with a drug crime? Call Dan Next! Our drug crime lawyers in Auburn are ready to help.
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