Drug Crimes in Kent

Washington state drug laws are controversial because of their complexities and ongoing debates about decriminalization. While marijuana is legal for recreational use, other substances remain strictly regulated. Penalties can vary significantly depending on the charge and circumstances. While these legal inconsistencies can make facing drug charges difficult, these same inconsistencies can be built into an effective defense. Our Kent drug defense attorneys are well-versed in Washington's drug laws and know how to use them to your advantage. Call our law offices now for a free consultation to learn your rights and legal options when facing drug charges in Kent.

We have over two decades of defending our neighbors across Western Washington against drug charges. Washington state drug laws have a lot of gray areas, which we've used to build strong defenses. We can help you challenge any drug possession charges, including:

• Simple Possession Of Controlled Substances
• Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia
• Manufacture, Delivery, Or Possession With Intent To Deliver Controlled Substances
• Unlawful Delivery Of A Controlled Substance To A Minor
• Drug Trafficking In A Protected Zone
• Operating A Drug Lab
• Fraudulent Obtaining Of Prescription Drugs
• Unlawful Possession Of Prescription Drugs
• Marijuana-Related Offenses
• Unauthorized Manufacture Or Sale Of Marijuana
• Maintaining A Premises For Drug Activity
• Drug Endangerment Of A Child

Washington state's drug laws are complex, and penalties often vary depending on factors like the type and quantity of drugs, your prior record, and where the offense occurred.

Facing drug charges in Kent can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately makes a big difference in the outcome of your case. Here's what you should do:

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: Do not make any statements to law enforcement. Invoke your legal right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney.
2. Avoid Giving Consent to Searches: You are not obligated to consent to searches. Without a warrant, law enforcement's ability to search is limited, and refusing consent may provide grounds to challenge any evidence obtained.
3. Contact an Experienced Defense Attorney Immediately: Reach out to an attorney who is familiar with local drug laws and the Kent courts. Our team knows the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures, which can strengthen your defense.
4. Identify the Specific Drug Charge: Review any paperwork or citations to identify the exact charge you're facing. Understanding the charge helps us develop a strong defense strategy.
5. Preserve Evidence and Documents: Gather any relevant documents, such as medical records, proof of ownership, or witness contact information, and share them with your attorney.
6. Avoid Discussing Your Case with Anyone Except Your Attorney: Do not discuss your case with friends, family, or anyone else. Conversations can be used as evidence, so keep everything private between you and your attorney.
7. Stop Any Potentially Incriminating Activities: If you're involved in anything that could further implicate you, stop immediately to show the court you're serious about resolving the situation.
8. Follow Up with Your Legal Team Regularly: Stay in close contact with your attorney and provide updates as needed. We'll guide you through the process and ensure you are well-prepared.

You also need to know where your case will be processed:

• Kent Municipal Court: Handles misdemeanors like possession of drug paraphernalia or small amounts of marijuana beyond the legal limit
• King County District Court (Kent Division): Handles gross misdemeanors and some lower-level felony drug charges
• King County Superior Court (Maleng Regional Justice Center): Handles felony charges such as possession with intent to deliver or drug trafficking

After the arraignment, the pre-trial phase involves the exchange of evidence and motions to challenge the charges or suppress evidence. You can resolve your case before trial through diversion programs or plea negotiations, depending on the circumstances. Diversion can lead to dismissal after completing treatment, and plea negotiations can reduce charges or penalties.

By staying proactive, working with an experienced attorney, and understanding the court process, you can take control of your situation and work toward a favorable outcome.

If you're facing drug charges in Kent, the right defense strategy makes a huge difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some defenses we will explore:

• Lack Of Knowledge Or Intent: If you were unaware you possessing drugs, such as those found in a borrowed vehicle, this lack of intent can serve as a strong defense.
• Illegal Search And Seizure: If evidence, like drugs found in your home, was obtained without a valid warrant, probable cause, or consent, we can argue to suppress it.
• Insufficient Evidence: The King County prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. We can challenge weak, circumstantial, or mishandled evidence, such as improper lab testing.
• Chain Of Custody Issues: If evidence was mishandled or improperly stored, we can challenge the integrity of the evidence and weaken the prosecution's case.
• Entrapment: We can argue entrapment if Kent law enforcement induced you to commit a drug offense you wouldn't have otherwise, such as pressuring you to buy or sell drugs.
• Medical Or Legal Exceptions: Legally possessing marijuana or prescription drugs within Washington state's legal limits or with a valid prescription can serve as a defense.
• Drugs Belonged To Someone Else: If drugs were found in a shared space, we can argue they belonged to someone else and challenge the prosecution to prove you had control over them.

Our team will analyze your case, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's arguments, and develop a strategy for a favorable outcome. Let's fight this together.

We live in Kent. Some of our favorite activities include visiting the Kent Historical Museum, enjoying the Kent International Festival, and spending time at Soos Creek Park. Our team also shops at Kent Station, walks the Green River Trail, relaxes at Clark Lake Park, and frequently explores places like the Kent Farmers Market, the ShoWare Center for local sports, and the beautiful Lake Meridian. We know the city, so we know how to fight charges in King County Courts. With the right defense, we believe every drug charge can be challenged. Contact our law offices now for a free consultation with our skilled drug defense lawyers to learn more about how we can help you.

Drug crimes are treated with the utmost seriousness in Washington, with penalties that can have a far-reaching effect on your life. Law enforcement officials on the Municipal, State, and Federal level often seek maximum sentences for drug crime offenders. The entire Seattle region is a hub of illegal drug trafficking activity because the airport, seaports, and close proximity of the I-5 Corridor running from Mexico to Canada offers a transportation nexus for criminals.

The Kent area sees drugs like heroin, prescription drugs, crystal meth, and cocaine routinely being trafficked and sold. Local Kent police and prosecutors will likely seek maximum sentences for anyone making, selling, or possessing drugs or paraphernalia. If you are charged with a drug crime of any sort, our Kent drug lawyers will defend your rights and fight to minimize the penalties associated with a conviction.

Mandatory penalties for drug crimes will have a direct impact on your life, and could lead to a prison sentence. Violations of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, also called VUSCA, incur penalties that may be even more severe. You can be charged with this violation for manufacturing drugs, but sometimes a simple possession charge qualifies. Our Kent drug attorneys will help you better understand how Washington law applies to your situation, and explain the punishments associated with a conviction, and how you can take steps to avoid this end result.

Drug crime charges may include possession, sales or delivery, possession with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, drug DUI, or drug manufacturing or importation. The federal schedule of the drug in question will also be taken into consideration, as will the amount of the drug in your possession when you were arrested.

If you already have a criminal record, the penalties can be even more severe. If it's your first offense, the court may allow you to enter a diversion program, but if you have prior drug convictions, the prosecutor may seek to punish you to the fullest extent of the law.

If you've been charged with any drug crime, contact our Kent law office without delay and speak with one of our Kent drug attorneys. We have more than thirty years of combined experience, and have witnessed firsthand how devastating a drug crime conviction can be.

Our Kent drug lawyers will investigate your case in an effort to uncover evidence that results in a positive outcome. We will develop an aggressive defense designed to have your charges dismissed or reduced in some way, but the outcome will largely depend on the details surrounding your arrest, pertinent evidence, and prior convictions.

Protect your future with help from our Kent lawyers by taking advantage of our free case evaluation offer.