Drug Crimes

Even with recent changes to Washington State drug laws, most drug charges can result in severe sentences. If you are arrested, or believe you are under investigation, for a drug crime, Budd Bay Law, P.S. can help. Our Olympia, WA criminal defense attorneys have more than 150 years of combined experience in successfully defending clients accused of misdemeanor and felony drug offenses.

Drug crime charges are still serious in Washington State and penalties increase for intent to manufacture, deliver or possess with the intent to deliver (sale of drugs). Like the federal government, Washington law divides drugs into schedules according to their addictiveness.

Marijuana. The possession of less than one ounce for personal use is legal in Washington State for anyone over 18 years old. Marijuana drug crimes include:

• Over one ounce but less than 40 grams.  Possession, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver is a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 90 days of imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
• Over 40 grams. Possession, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver is a Class C felony with a penalty of not more than five years or a $10,000 fine or both.
• Possession of any amount by anyone less than 18 years of age is a felony.

Heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine carry especially harsh sentences:

• Possession.  A class C felony with penalties of not more than five years of jail or a $10,000 fine or both.
• Over 40 grams and less than 2 kilos. Manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver is a Class B felony punishable by not more than ten years imprisonment and a $25,000 fine.
• Over two kilos. Manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver carries a $100,000 fine for the first two kilos plus $50 for each additional gram, plus prison time.

The manufacture, delivery, traffic or possession with intent to deliver of Schedule I drugs like morphine and opium and Schedule II drugs like LSD and Ecstasy is a Class B felony. The penalty is no more than ten years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

The manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to deliver Schedule III, IV and V controlled substances like prescription drugs such as Vicodin, anabolic steroids, Darvon or Xanax is a Class C felony, punishable by not more than five years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000.

Olympia criminal defense attorneys use legal tactics to get drug charges dismissed or reduced, including:

• Demonstrate law enforcement officers overstepped search and seizure laws
• Prove those caught with significant amounts of illegal substances did not intend to profit
• Show entrapment
• Establish search warrants were illegal
• Challenge informants

Attorneys can make the case that you qualify for Washington State’s First-Time Offender Waivers or Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) such as community service, outpatient treatment, counseling and drug testing.

When your freedom is at stake, you need an aggressive defense. The attorneys at Budd Bay Law, P.S. have successfully defended clients against drug charges in hundreds of felony trials. Call our office today or contact us online for immediate assistance if you or a loved one is facing drug crime charges.