Drug Related-Charges: Know Your Best Options
If you are facing any drug crime charges, Verity Criminal Defense has a proven record of defending clients in King County, Pierce County, Skagit County, and Snohomish County. Our team has handled a diverse range of drug-related cases. Should you require legal representation for a drug-related charge, Verity Criminal Defense stands ready to assist you.
Understanding Your Charge
When creating a defense plan, it is important that you understand the charges. The severity of a drug-related charge can vary depending on factors such as
The type of drug
The quantity of the drug
The intent of the drug (possession or distribution)
If there were aggravating factors
Depending on the severity of the charge, consequences can include fines, probation, jail time, loss of your driver's license, and difficulty finding future employment.
Diversion Programs
If you are charged with simple possession, Washington State does allow for the charges to be dismissed if the defendant agrees to attend a treatment program. According to the Municipal Research and Services Center, “the judge must advise the defendant of a program’s availability at arraignment and the prosecuting attorney must consent to the defendant’s participation.”
The Association of Washington Cities also states that the pre-trial diversion program “requires use of a recovery navigator, an arrest and jail alternative, or a law enforcement assisted diversion program [and] If the individual completes six months of substantial compliance with treatment, the court must vacate the conviction.” Talking with the lawyers at Verity Criminal Defense is the first step in knowing if your case can be dismissed by attending a diversion program and whether this would be your best defense strategy.
Other Defense Options
If diversion programs are not eligible for your charge or are not the best legal strategy, there are still other legal options. Depending on your case, other legal strategies can include
Taking a plea bargain
Challenging evidence in court
Filing a pretrial motion to dismiss charges
Appealing or expunging your conviction
The best legal strategy depends on the specifics of your case, such as the type of drug-related charges and the evidence against you. A defense attorney helps create a legal strategy that is tailored specifically to your case and situation.
For anyone facing drug-related charges, it is important to understand the complexity of the legal system. Contact the experts at Verity Criminal Defense to request a free case review. We will help you understand your charges and create a defense plan tailored to your situation. Give us a call at (425) 905-2908 to find out where you stand and the next steps in planning your defense.