Washington Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers
Drug Possession and Trafficking Defense
The State of Washington is no stranger to drug crimes of possession and trafficking. Throughout 2006, Washington State Patrol made 2,249 felony and 7,793 misdemeanor arrests and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported making 1,036 arrests for Washington drug violations. However, not everyone accused of such crimes is actually guilty.
Drug Possession
According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), possession of a controlled substance is a class C felony in which "it is unlawful for any person to possess a controlled substance unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of his or her professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by this chapter." (RCW 69.50.4013) Although charges vary and depend on the controlled substance in possession and the amount therein, the consequences of drug possession in Washington can influence your ability to attain future jobs or maintain your current one as well as put you in an extremely difficult financial predicament from having to pay large fines.
Most often at the root of the problem for those accused of drug possession is addiction. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported in 2006 that 23.6 million persons aged 12 or older required treatment for an illegal drug or alcohol abuse problem in which only 2.5 million (10.8% of those who needed help rehabilitating) actually obtained specialty assistance. Most alleged drug offenders would not possess drugs in the first place if they were not victims to their own compulsion. Even in cases where a drug offense was in fact committed, alternative sentencing and drug rehabilitation programs can have a more productive outcome in the long-run rather than lengthy jail sentences or imposing a high payment.
Drug Trafficking
Located on a portion of Canada’s widespread border, Washington is a prime passage point for Canadian marijuana, MDMA (ecstasy), and other drugs headed into the United States. This location is also a transshipment spot for monies and drugs entering Canada, making police officers on high alert for signs of drug trafficking and possession, so much so that false accusations and unfair arrests are sometimes made.
Based on a 2006 report by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Federal agencies noted seizing 289.8 kilograms and 2,464,251 dosage units of MDMA (ecstasy) in the State of Washington. With drug arrests, including trafficking, increasing by 212 instances from 2005 to 2006, it is understandable that some attribute the increase to wholesale amounts of powder cocaine destined for Washington that are chiefly controlled by Mexican drug organizations with connections to large scale traffickers in California and Mexico.
When drug trafficking arrests are made, many people may be falsely accused of being involved based on inaccurate leads and other information, forcing innocent individuals to have to fight to protect their reputation. At McNeese & Trotsky, PLLC, we understand how critical every moment is when facing Washington drug possession and trafficking charges. No matter how minor or severe the charges are against you, our Washington drug crime defense attorneys will execute every possible course of action that best suits your specific situation to help reduce your charges or have them dismissed completely. Call us today for a free evaluation.