Methamphetamine VUCSA Crimes

Methamphetamine is one of the fastest growing illegal drugs in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that “approximately 13 million people 12 years and older have abused methamphetamine in their lifetime”. A study performed in 2010 also found that about 353,000 were currently using methamphetamine. Also referred to as meth, methamphetamine is a controlled substance that can have serious and permanent effects on the user. This demonstrates a serious and growing problem in our country.

Law makers in the U.S. work to reduce drug use by making the laws surrounding the use, possession and distribution of dangerous and addictive controlled substance like meth very severe. If you have been accused of a drug crime in Washington that involves methamphetamine, contact our office right away. The only way to avoid the penalties associated with a conviction of a VUCSA crime is to fight your charges. An experienced defense attorney can help you with your fight.

Washington Methamphetamine Laws

When a person is accused of a drug crime in Washington, it is referred to as a VUCSA. This stands for Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. One drug that is commonly the subject of VUCSA offenses is Methamphetamine or Meth. Methamphetamines can be used in any form and can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected. Effects of the drug can last from 4 to 8 hours or more depending on how much is consumed. Methamphetamine is a stimulant because it has a stimulating effect on a person's central nervous system.

Controlled substances are classified under schedules of categories depending on factors like their addictiveness, danger and more. Under the Washington state legislator RCW 69.50.206, methamphetamines and amphetamines are classified as Schedule II drugs and can result in some of the most serious VUCSA charges. If you have been arrested for a crime involving Methamphetamines, contact a Seattle VUCSA attorney right away.

Penalties for Methamphetamine

The penalties for any VUCSA crime can be steep and must drug crimes in Washington are felonies because lawmakers take drug charges very seriously. Most controlled substances are subject to sentencing standards based on the schedule of VUCA that they fall under.  Washington law RCW 69.50.401, however, has a special section just for methamphetamine crimes. According to section (b) of this law, it is unlawful for any person to manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver "Amphetamine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers, or methamphetamine, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers” Anyone who violates this law will face class B felony charges. The penalties for these crimes are based on the amount of the drug that is involved and include the following:

• For crimes involving less than 2 Kg of the drug:
  
  • A maximum of 10 years of incarceration OR
  • A maximum fine of $25,000 OR
  • A combination of imprisonment and fines

• For crimes involving 2 Kg or more of the drug:
  
  • A maximum of 10 years of incarceration OR
  • A maximum fine of $100,000, plus an additional $50 for every Kg in excess of 2 OR
  • A combination of imprisonment and fines

Also, under this law, $3,000 of the fine may not be suspended. This means that, no matter what the outcome, a minimum $3,000 will be instated for a conviction. Additionally, anyone convicted of a meth crime will have the added disadvantage of being a convicted felon. This will appear in background checks performed by banks, schools and businesses when making decision about admissions and loan approvals. A landlord may even decline renting an apartment or home to a tenant who has a felony conviction on their record. The best way to avoid a criminal record and the steep penalties associated with a VUCSA conviction is to build a strong defense. At The Law Offices of Steve Karimi, we can help you get the best results possible.

Seattle Methamphetamine Crime Defense Attorney

Anyone facing a methamphetamine charge or any type of VUCSA crime should contact an experienced Seattle defense attorney right away. Attorney Steve Karimi can help you get the results that you want. Any type of drug charge can have serious penalties including a felony conviction. The best way to avoid the penalties is to fight your charges and avoid conviction altogether. In order to stand your best chance, you should get an experienced attorney to help you build a strong defense.

Attorney Karimi is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of Washington criminal law. He is a compassionate and devoted attorney who will work hard to get you the results you want. Attorney Karimi has a proven track record of success. For more information about your drug charges, call out office and set up an appointment. Best of all, you can contact him now to set up a free consultation.