Drug and Violations of the Uniformed Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA) Charges
Washington State has some of the strictest drug laws in the nation, even for a first offense. Consequences can include jail time, seizure of your property or vehicle and difficulty finding housing or employment. Additionally, if there was a weapon involved in the arrest you may be facing prison. Washington State drug related offenses include:
- Possession of controlled substance.
- Manufacture or Delivery of a controlled substance.
- Possession with intent to deliver.
Challenge the credibility of Police and Snitches
Many drug cases hinge on the testimony of undercover police officers and snitches. Police officers generally use people that have been charged with a drug related crime to gather evidence for police and “snitch” on you. These police officers may coach the informant in what to say and what evidence to bring them.
These informants are generally facing prison, and will do anything to satisfy police. The motivation of an informant is always relevant. Additionally, many informants disappear before the court date. Informants with questionable motivation, criminal records and fear of jail time are notoriously untrustworthy. Juries don't trust them and we don't either. If you are charged with a drug related crime it is important to have a drug crime attorney that isn't afraid to question the motivations of police and informants.
Washington State Alternative Sentencing
Washington State provides non-violent drug offenders with alternatives to prosecution and jail, including Drug Court and DOSA (Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative). An experienced attorney can get you treatment alternatives instead of a long prison term, but only if they know about DOSA and how to get it.
An experienced attorney can work with the prosecution to convince them that jail or prison is not the correct approach for your case. Addiction may be at the root of the reason from your involvement with drugs. If addiction is the cause of your involvement with the criminal justice system then DOSA may be a good fit for you. Your case evaluation is free, call (425) 462-2081 and ask about DOSA.
Can a drug conviction affect my ability obtain federal student aid?
YES; a drug crime conviction can make you ineligible for student loans. Additionally, your eligibility might be suspended if the offense occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, or work-study). When you complete the FAFSA, you will be asked whether you have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.
If you are convicted of a drug-related offense after you submit the FAFSA, you might lose eligibility for federal student aid, and you might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.
