Drug use in Washington is a very complicated issue with many aspects to consider and evaluate. The use of illicit drugs can be very dangerous to an individual's health, and to the health of a community. As such, Washington State has legislation that treats the possession and selling of these drugs harshly. However, for many drug users, once they have begun to use illicit substances, it can be difficult to stop even if they wanted to.

If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime in Washington, having an experienced attorney to effectively fight for you can make a world of difference.

University of Washington Study Yields Interesting Results

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, policymakers are looking for answers as to how best serve their populations in creating legislation that furthers the interests of justice and creates safer communities. To this end, a study that was led by researchers from the University of Washington found that 82% of people who inject heroin and about half of the users of methamphetamine are interested in either reducing or entirely stopping their use. These users also indicated that they would be interested in a broad array of services in order to help them reach their goals.

Research is also being done into how to continue programs like needle exchanges during the COVID-19 pandemic. These programs have largely continued to operate but have had to modify the ways in which they deliver services. Some of these changes include providing mobile services or services by delivery, providing their services outdoors, and distributing supplies in a prepackaged form.

King County is also offering screening for COVID-19 downtown at the Robert Clewis Center in order to try to gather as much information as possible and provide a safe environment for Seattle residents.

What Are My Options After a Drug Arrest?

Unfortunately, even if you want to address your addiction to drugs, if you are arrested and charged with drug possession, punishment may follow. As soon as you can, ask to speak with an attorney in order to make sense of what your options might be and how to fight your charges. An experienced Seattle attorney can give you a better idea of what your next move should be.

Certain options may be available for drug charges in Washington. First, Washington has instituted a drug court that specifically deals with VUCSA crimes. A drug court can be a good option for those struggling with addiction—certain cases may even be dismissed if you are able to show successful completion of an addiction treatment program. In addition, DOSA (Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative) may apply after your sentencing and could reduce your time spent in jail or prison by half.

Contact Steve Karimi Law Office Today

If you have gotten tangled up in the legal system, you want an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process. Steve Karimi's experience as both a prosecutor in Seattle and a criminal defense lawyer can help you determine what your options are and help you fight the drug charges in an effective way. For a free consultation, call 206-621-8777.