Edmonds Felony Drug Crime Lawyer

Put a Former Prosecutor on Your Case in the Greater Puget Sound Area

Drug crimes are some of the most common types of criminal charges heard in Washington state courts. While the personal recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in our state, this does not mean that the courts are lax on other drug offenses. Actually, most drug crimes in the state are charged as felonies that can range from the least serious Class C felonies to the most serious Class A felonies.

When facing any drug charge, it is imperative that you have the support and advocacy of an experienced criminal defense attorney. As the founder of Johanson Law Group, Inc., I have 30+ years of experience defending clients in state and federal courts of all types of drug charges, from possession to distribution. Because I am a former prosecutor, I have an insider’s understanding of how the prosecutor will work to bring any case to a conviction. This gives my clients an advantage when I work with the other side in seeking a favorable outcome. I also am well-known and respected with local judges and attorneys which is an additional advantage in bringing credibility to the defense strategies I craft on your behalf.

Are you facing felony drug charges in or around Edmonds? Contact Johanson Law Group, Inc. at (425) 341-4347 or through the online request form to schedule a case evaluation.

Felony Drug Charges in Washington State

Drug crimes in Washington state are formally labeled VUCSA which stands for Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This Act outlines the laws pertaining to the various types of illegal drugs and activities associated with them. This includes prescriptions drugs gained through unauthorized means and fraud as well.

Possession of any drug other than simple possession of marijuana in the state of Washington is charged as a felony regardless of the amount. This includes such commonly prosecuted drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and street drugs such as Molly, bath salts, and more. Additionally, possession of more than 40 grams of marijuana is charged as a felony.

Drug felonies also include engaging in activities such as distribution, sales, transportation, importation, cultivation, manufacture, and large-scale trafficking operations of any controlled substance. The level of felony charge you will face will depend on various factors such as the quantity found in your possession, the type of activity engaged in, and previous drug convictions, if any.

Penalties for Drug Felonies

Maximum sentences in drug felony cases will be based on the Class of felony charged:

• Class C felonies carry up to five years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines
• Class B felonies carry up to 10 years in jail and up to $20,000 in fines
• Class C felonies carry up to life in prison and up to $50,000 in fines

Where multiple charges lead to multiple convictions in any case involving drugs, you may face fines and sentences that are doubled.

Washington state also carries penalty enhancements for aggravating factors such as the following:

• Drug crimes occurring in a protected zone, such as within 1000 feet of a school
• Drug crimes occurring in the presence of or involving a minor
• Drug crimes committed in a county jail or state prison
• The sale of drugs to a minor who is a minimum of three years younger than the alleged offender
• Drug crimes committed while using a firearm or deadly weapon

Aggressive Legal Support from an Edmonds Felony Crime Attorney

Whiles penalties can be harsh in cases involving the most serious drug crimes, those who are addicted may seek alternative programs designed for rehabilitation. These programs generally include drug treatment programs in lieu of incarceration. Your best action to take in any drug felony case is to learn how the law applies to your situation, what your available options may be, and how best to move forward with a legal strategy designed for optimum results. All of this can be done when you bring your case to Johanson Law Group, Inc. As a skilled criminal defender, I can advocate on your behalf based on decades of experience representing clients from all walks of life accused of drug crimes.

Contact my firm at (425) 341-4347 to schedule a confidential consultation with me today.