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What Should I Do When Charged With A Drug Crime?

Garbage left behind from drug sites.

Being charged with a drug crime in Washington State can be frighting and stressful. Many drug crimes are considered felonies and could result in months or years of jail time depending on the type of drug, amount, and charge. A felony conviction means voting rights and the right to carry a firearm are lost.

The drug defense lawyers at Verity Criminal Defense want to get you back to everyday life as quickly as possible, and knowing what to do in the case of being charged with a drug crime helps you achieve that result.

What is a drug crime in Washington state?

In Washington state, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, and distribute a controlled substance if it was not obtained through a valid prescription or through another form of legal authorization. Heroin, oxycodone, methamphetamine, Oxycontin, cocaine, and in some cases, marijuana, can be categorized as illegal. Drug crimes can result in serious criminal charges. It is advisable to work with an attorney in the case of a drug crime charge.

Why do I need an attorney?

Many drug crimes can be falsified based on illegally obtained evidence or other grounds. If there is any evidence or sign of an illegal search and seizure, an invalid search warrant, or a lack of probable cause to stop your vehicle, the evidence being used against you becomes invalid and can no longer be used in court. In many drug crime cases, we are able to prove that the evidence being used to charge you was illegally obtained, making it more difficult to convict you. The expert legal team at Verity Criminal Defense has extensive knowledge and experience fighting drug crime charges. We are here to take your side and fight for the best possible outcome.

What to do when arrested

At the time of arrest, the most important thing you can do is stay silent, observe the behavior of the police, and be aware of anything that might violate your rights. How was the evidence secured? Were you read your Miranda rights? Did the officer have adequate reason to believe a crime was committed?

Stay silent, comply with law enforcement, and observe.

What to do when in jail

Always maintain your right to silence and request an attorney. You have a right to representation, and your attorney from Verity Criminal Defense will want to meet with you immediately to hear your story, consider the evidence, and establish any violations of your rights by the police. Every hole in the evidence or police mistake will be found.

Prosecutors can pursue unnecessarily high bail for those arrested for drug crimes, and the attorneys at Verity Criminal Defense want to get you out of there immediately. They will push back for reasonable bail or release on your recognizance.

What happens once you’re released

Your attorney will meet with you immediately to educate you on the process, discuss potential penalties, and initiate your immediate strategy. Prosecutors often have flaws in their charges, and your attorney will examine the prosecutor’s case to negotiate for reduced charges or to have the case dismissed altogether. 

Often, someone charged with a crime and in jail will first wonder, “Who are drug lawyers near me?” Verity Criminal Defense is the law office of choice for those needing a criminal defense attorney in Western Washington. They provide caring and respectful representation and fight for you.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact Verity Criminal Defense. Your attorney will develop a case and push back hard for the most favorable outcome.