Seattle VUSCA Criminal Charges

There are many different types of drug crimes that you can be charged with. Depending on the amount of drugs involved, the type of drug and the circumstances of the case, you could face either a misdemeanor or a felony drug charge. Some of the most common types of drug charges include:

Drug Possession - Depending on the quantity and type of drug, a drug possession charge will likely be a felony and conviction can lead to a year of jail time, fines, and even the loss of your driver's license. Drug possession is the most common type of drug charge and you can be charged with possession even if the drugs are not on your person. If drugs are found in your car, locker or property that you have access to, you can be arrested for drug possession.

Drug Delivery – Drug delivery is defined as transferring drugs, paraphernalia or counterfeit drugs to another person. Unlike drug possession charges, drug delivery is always a felony and always serious. It does not matter if you were not selling the drugs; the act of simply transferring an illegal substance to another person is considered a serious crime.

Drug Trafficking – If you are accused of multiple drug offenses like cultivating, manufacturing, distributing and selling drugs, you may be facing drug trafficking charges. Trafficking of drugs is one of the most serious drug crimes you can be charged with. Even a first time offense carries a minimum penalty of 5 years in jail.

Drug Cultivation – If you are accused of growing marijuana or other drugs in Seattle, you could be facing felony charges. Even growing a small amount for personal use is a serious offense.

Drug Manufacturing – Just like with cultivation, a drug manufacturing charge can have serious consequences and can lead to years in jail. Even if you are only found with the equipment and chemicals needed to manufacture drugs, you could still be charged with a crime.

Marijuana – Marijuana charges are some of the few drug charges that can be misdemeanors. However, even a misdemeanor charge can have serious penalties like jail time, community service, and more. If you possess over a certain amount or are accused of dealing or cultivating marijuana, you will be charged with a felony drug crime

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Even the possession of drug paraphernalia such as items used to manufacturer or consume drugs can lead to a drug crime charge. If there is any residue in the paraphilia, you could even face drug possession charges.

Prescription Drug Fraud – Prescription drug abuse is rising all over the country. You can be charged for a number of crimes related to prescription drug abuse. You can be charged with possessing prescription drugs without a prescription, prescription fraud, doctor shopping, or dealing / possession with intent to sell.

Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUSCA) – Any drug crime in Washington is a violation of the uniform controlled substance act and is referred to as a VUSCA charge.

Juvenile Drug Charge – If you are under the age of 21 and charged with a drug crime, you will face an additional one year of license suspension in addition to the sentence for your charge if you are convicted.

Drug Related DUI – You can be charged with driving under the influence for drugs the same as if you with alcohol. The penalties for a DUI drug charge can include loss of license, jail time, probation, community service, steep fines and more.

Drug Crime Lawyer in Seattle

Seattle police investigate and arrest people for drug crimes every day and most crimes of drug possession are charged as felonies. Any type of criminal conviction can be serious, but a felony can have long term and dire effects on the rest of your life. In order to protect your record and your freedom, you need an experienced Seattle drug crime attorney. Attorney Steve Karimi understands the fear and uncertainty you experience after being arrested. He cares about his clients and uses his experiences as a former prosecutor to help people just like you get the results they want.

If you have been arrested in Seattle for a drug crime, you will need the best defense attorney you can get. A drug conviction can be serious and lead to jail time, fines, probation, community service and more. If the charges are really serious, you could even be charged with a felony. A felony conviction on your record can negatively affect your job, school and housing admissions. The good news is you always have defense options regardless of the charges you face. Call our office now and speak to a dedicated Seattle drug crime lawyer. Attorney Steve Karimi will listen to your case and help you devise a defense strategy. Call now for a free consultation.