VUCSA Crimes Involving a Minor
Some of the most serious VUCSA (Violations of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act) offenses involve persons under the age of 18. Under RCW 60.50.4015, a person can be charged with an additional offense if they "compensate, threaten, solicit" or involve a person under the age of 18 in any way during a drug transaction. This includes manufacturing, selling, or delivering a controlled substance. Even if the minor is not purchasing the drug, involving them in any part of the drug process will result in additional charges. This crime in and of itself is a class C felony and will likely include other charges for the actual drug crime.
In addition, according to RCW 69.50.406, a person who is over the age of 18 who is found guilty of distributing a drug listed under Schedule I, Schedule II (narcotics and amphetamines) or schedule IV to a person under the age of 18 will be charged with Class A felony. Class A felonies are the most serious crimes that a person can be charged with in Washington.
According to that same law, a person who is over the age of 18 and is convicted of distributing or selling any type of controlled substance to a person who is under the age of 18 and at least three years their junior will be charged with a class B felony.
Penalties For Juvenile VUCSA Related Crimes
According to the UCSA, a person convicted of a drug crime involving a minor will face the following penalties:
- Class C Felony:
- Up to 5 years of jail time OR
- Up to $10,000 in fines OR
- A combination of jail time and a fine
- Class B Felony:
- Up to 20 years of jail time (The max is 10 years under RCW 9A.20.021, but a violation of RCW 69.50.406(2) states that the jail time can be doubled) OR
- Up to $20,000 in fines OR
- A combination of jail time and a fine
- Class A Felony: (for a violation of RCW 69.50.406(1), the law calls for)
- Up to 20 years in jail OR
- A fine of up to $100,000 OR
- A combination of jail time and fines
Seattle Underage VUCSA Lawyer
If you are facing charges for a drug crime in Seattle that involved a person under the age of 18, make sure you understand the severity of your charges. If a minor was involved in any art of the crime, you could be facing felony charges in addition to those for drug possession, manufacturing or distributing. Call The Law Offices of Steve Karimi now to speak to an experienced and capable VUCSA defense lawyer. Attorney Karimi is a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the legal process. Call now to set up a consultation.