Seattle VUCSA Crimes in Public Places
A drug crime in Washington is also referred to as a Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA). A VUCSA can result in steep penalties including fines and jail time. In addition, RCW 69.50.435 states that a VUCSA that is committed in certain locations can lead to even steeper penalties. Under this law, any of the following crimes committed in a designated drug-free zone can lead to twice as much jail and/or fines:
- “Manufacturing, selling, delivering, or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a controlled substance listed under RCW 69.50.401”
- “Selling for profit any controlled substance or counterfeit substance classified in schedule I”
Washington Drug Crimes in Drug Free Zones
A person who commits any of the above listed crimes will be subject to double the jail, double the fines or a combination of both penalties recommended under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act if the crime occurs in any of the following places:
-
In a school – This includes both public and private schools
-
On a school bus – This includes buses for both public and private schools
-
Within 1,000 feet of a school bus stop as designated by the school district – A bus stop is any “stop as designated by a school district”
-
Within 1,000 feet of school property – This includes both public and private schools
-
In a public park – A park is considered “land, including any facilities or improvements on the land, that is operated as a park by the state or a local government”
-
In a public housing project that is designated as a drug-free one – Defined under RCW 35.82.020
-
On public transit – This includes motor vehicles, streetcars, train, trolley vehicles, or any other device, vessel or vehicle used by the public transit system
-
In the shelter of a public transit stop – This includes shelters designated at any public transit stop
-
At a civic center that is designated as a drug-free zone – A civic center is defined as a “publicly owned or publicly operated place or facility used for recreational, educational, or cultural activities”
In order to avoid the increased penalties of these crimes, you should contact an attorney to find out about fighting the charges you face. Many of these offenses are Class C felonies and are punishable under this law by 10 years of jail and/or $20,000 in fines.
Seattle Drug Crime Attorney
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Seattle that took place as a school, a public park or in any other drug-free zone, it is important that you understand the penalties you face. VUCSA defense lawyer Steve Karimi can help you by answering all of your questions about your charges and helping you build a strong defense. Call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi right now to set up a free consultation appointment with attorney Karimi.