Drug Possession in Olympia

Although our neighbors in Oregon have decriminalized certain drugs, and cannabis is legal in Washington for adults 21 and over with regulated quantities, drugs are still mostly illegal in the state. However, Washington’s drug laws are very controversial and often confusing, unclear, and overly punitive. Our drug possession defense attorneys are here to challenge drug cases head-on by thoroughly reviewing the evidence and building a strong defense. We'll use the state's legal gray areas to our advantage to strengthen your case. Call our law offices for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.

Fighting Drug Possession Charges For Over 20 Years

If you've been charged with drug possession in Olympia, you need a skilled, dedicated defense team to protect your rights. Our Olympia drug defense attorneys have over 20 years of experience handling drug-related charges. We know the intricacies of Washington state's drug possession laws. Whether you are facing charges for the possession of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs, we can help you achieve reduced sentences, dismissals, and favorable plea deals.

Drug possession charges can be overwhelming, but with the right legal representation, you can work toward a positive resolution. Let our Olympia law firm fight for your future.

Washington's Drug Laws Are Controversial

Washington state's drug laws can be tricky, with grey areas that we can use to our advantage when facing charges. For example, while marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older, there are strict limits on possession and distribution. Accusations of violating those limits can create opportunities for us to challenge the evidence. In cases involving substances like cocaine or meth, we can investigate how law enforcement obtained the evidence by determining whether the search was legal or if it violated your rights.

Additionally, Washington's evolving stance on drug offenses means we can explore alternatives like treatment programs or diversion, especially if addiction is a factor. By using the nuances in these state laws, we can build a defense strategy aimed at reducing penalties or securing a more favorable outcome for you.

How Our Olympia Attorneys Fight Unfair Drug Possession Charges

Drug possession charges in Olympia can affect your future. Our goal is to use every possible defense to challenge the charges and reduce your penalties. Here are some of the key strategies we'll explore:

• Illegal Search And Seizure: If law enforcement didn't have probable cause or a valid search warrant, we'll challenge how the drugs were found and may get the evidence thrown out.
• Lack Of Knowledge or Intent: We can argue that you didn't knowingly possess the drugs, whether they were in your car or home.
• Possession For Personal Use: In some cases, we can argue that the drugs were for personal use and not for distribution, which can lead to reduced charges or penalties, especially if it's a first offense.
• Chain Of Custody Issues: If there were mistakes in how law enforcement handled the drugs, we'd challenge the integrity of the evidence to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
• Coercion Or Duress: If you were pressured or forced into possessing or transporting the drugs, we can argue coercion or duress.

Once we've thoroughly investigated the details of your case, we'll build a defense to achieve a favorable outcome. Our Olympia attorneys are here to fight for your future and ensure you get the representation you deserve.

Penalties You Face If You Are Convicted For Drug Possession In Washington State

The penalties for drug possession in Washington state depend on the type of drug, the amount, and your criminal history. Below is an overview of what you may face if convicted:

Possession of Marijuana (over the legal limit): Personal possession of more than the legal limit (1 ounce) can lead to a gross misdemeanor charge.

• Penalties: Up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000
• Note: Recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and over, but possessing more than allowed or selling it without a license can still result in charges.

Possession of a Controlled Substance: Class C Felony for most drugs like meth, cocaine, and heroin

• Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines
• Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Prescription

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

• Misdemeanor offense
• Penalties: Up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000

If you have previous drug convictions, you will have harsher sentences, longer prison time, or additional fines. Beyond these legal penalties, a drug possession conviction can affect your future by impacting employment, housing, and your ability to obtain professional licenses. Having an experienced attorney is crucial to minimizing these consequences and protecting your future if you're facing drug possession charges.

Don't Leave Your Future To Chance, Call Our Olympia Defense Attorneys Now

Our team of drug defense attorneys in Olympia works hard to protect our community. You may see us around the town visiting the Washington State Capitol, enjoying the Olympia Farmers Market, and spending time at Squaxin Park. We also shop at the Capital Mall, walk the Chehalis-Western Trail, relax at Woodard Bay Conservation Area, enjoy the views at Budd Inlet, and frequently explore places like the Hands On Children's Museum and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. We know this area, and we know how to fight drug charges in Thurston County Courts.

Our Olympia drug defense team believes that every drug possession charge can be challenged. In our over 20 years of experience, we have challenged charges by questioning the legality of searches, proving lack of intent, or showing insufficient evidence. Call us now to schedule a consultation with our Olympia legal team specializing in drug defense.

Drug crimes have many different aspects which must be addressed in order to get an appropriate resolution. It may seem like you are facing an obvious open and closed case but that may not be true. It is important that you have an attorney who will be able to explain your circumstances to both the prosecutor as well as the Judge. A drug charge can result in a felony conviction which means possible jail, fines, probation, court ordered treatment, loss of rights, and more. If there was an intent to deliver, actual delivery, or manufacturing, your consequences are even more serious.

The full extent of the penalties you face is dependent on a number of different variables, including”

• What type of drug was involved
• How much of the drug was involved
• Whether the drug was for personal consumption or not
• Whether you have prior convictions / a felony score
• Whether you were also in possession of a weapon

An experienced attorney will help you get through this difficult process as smoothly as possible. It is understandable to be stressed out and not know what to do. We are here to guide you through this situation. Give our office a call for a free consultation.