Drug Charges in Seattle

Washington drug offenses can range from simple possession of marijuana to very serious felonies involving the manufacture, sale, and trafficking of controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, steroids and other illegal narcotics. Drug crimes also include possession of drug paraphernalia as well as the unauthorized use, sale, or distribution of prescription medicines, otherwise known as prescription drug fraud. Penalties for these drug offenses can be severe; they will depend upon the nature of the charge, the quantity of drugs involved, whether you have any prior criminal history, and other factors.

A drug conviction can have many adverse effects on your life and future. Aside from potential incarceration, heavy fines, probation, and other court-mandated consequences, a permanent criminal record involving drugs can put future employment or career advancement at risk. A drug conviction may also result in being disqualified to receive federal aid in the form of student loans. In the face of such heavy penalties, it is crucial that you retain the services of a qualified attorney who is well-versed in drug defense. At the Matto Law Firm, PLLC attorney Jag Matto practices criminal defense only; this concentrated legal focus has given him a deep understanding and extensive experience in this field in the local courts.

Washington Drug Crime Cases

While Washington law permits the use of medical marijuana, anyone else found possessing, distributing, selling, cultivating, or trafficking in marijuana will be prosecuted. If you are convicted of possessing less than 40 grams of marijuana on a first offense, you will be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of one day in jail and $250 in fines with a potential jail time of 90 days and fines of up to $1,000. Those under the age of 21 who are convicted of this crime face a one-year driver's license suspension as well.

With the help of Seattle criminal defense attorney Matto, you may be able to obtain sentencing alternatives, such as drug court or the Drug Offender Sentencing Program (DOSA). Drug court involves a drug treatment program in lieu of jail. DOSA involves supervision and an outpatient treatment program which reduces jail time.