Seattle Drug Trafficking Crime Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges

Being charged with a drug crime can have life-changing consequences for you and your family. Washington drug laws impose harsh penalties for individuals convicted of trafficking, who can be sentenced to serve years in prison. Under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, drug trafficking is a felony, and if convicted, you will face numerous challenges trying to find gainful employment, suitable housing, or be unable to obtain professional licenses.

The most effective way to avoid the legal consequences that can accompany a drug trafficking conviction is to hire a skilled attorney who will fight to get the charges dropped or reduced. If you or a loved one has been charged with trafficking, contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can assist you.

When Can Police File Drug Trafficking Charges in Washington State?

Under Washington drug laws, police can file drug trafficking charges when they have sufficient evidence that an individual is distributing, selling, or manufacturing controlled substances. With recent changes to state laws, police may now reclassify possession allegations as felony trafficking offenses when they believe there is evidence of intent to distribute.

Factors that may lead to trafficking charges include:

Police and prosecutors will readily file drug trafficking charges if there is evidence of intent to sell. Some of the factors that typically lead to trafficking charges include:

  • Quantity: Possessing an amount of drugs that exceeds what qualifies as personal use, such as excessive amounts of fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamine.
  • Packaging Materials: Controlled substances found in separate baggies, or scales, and other packing materials.
  • Communications: Evidence that includes texts, call logs, emails, or social media posts discussing sales or distribution.
  • Cash: Large quantities of money, especially in smaller denominations, indicating sale proceeds.

It is worth remembering that a defendant’s prior criminal history can also influence whether a prosecutor pursues drug trafficking, especially in cases where an individual has past convictions for the same offense.

When Do Drug Charges Become a Federal Crime?

A common question our clients often ask is, “When do drug charges become a federal crime?” In Washington state, drug offenses can become federal crimes when they violate U.S. federal law rather than state law. The U.S. Attorney prosecutes anyone charged with federal drug trafficking, and those who are convicted face harsh penalties, including possible mandatory minimum sentences.

Common grounds for federal drug indictments include:

  • Large quantities of drugs, indicative of drug trafficking.
  • Transporting a controlled substance across state lines or importing them from other countries.
  • Drug offenses committed on federal land, such as federal buildings, post offices, national parks, or military bases.
  • Being part of a drug conspiracy, such as participation in a large-scale drug network.
  • Use of interstate communication that includes using the post office, phone lines, or the internet for drug trafficking.
  • When the investigation is led by a federal agency such as the DEA, FBI, or Homeland Security.

What are the Potential Penalties for a Drug Trafficking Conviction?

Drug trafficking convictions can lead to severe penalties, as these criminal offenses are classed as felonies under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA). Penalties are generally based on the drug’s “schedule”, the quantity involved, and the defendant’s prior criminal history.

For example, if you can be charged with a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for trafficking in Schedule I or II drugs such as heroin, MDMA/Ecstasy, or methamphetamine.

Likewise, you can be charged with a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for Schedule III, IV, or V drugs, which often include ketamine, anabolic steroids, or opioid addiction treatments such as Suboxone.

If the offense involves two or more kilograms of a Schedule I or II narcotic, the maximum fine for the initial two kilograms is $100,000, with an extra $50 levied for every additional kilogram.

What Are the Most Effective Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges?

The most effective way to steer clear of a drug conviction is to hire an experienced attorney who can build a strong defense on your behalf and help you avoid the consequences of a criminal record. Some of the most effective legal defenses that can protect you from drug trafficking charges include:

Search and Seizure Violations

Often, law enforcement officers aggressively pursue drug trafficking cases, but they often violate a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights. A knowledgeable defense lawyer can often identify legal issues with search warrants or lack probable cause to stop and search a vehicle.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

The prosecution must prove that you knew the drugs were in your possession or that you were aware you were distributing them. Your lawyer can build a defense that disproves these allegations and casts doubts on the state’s case.

Constructive Possession Challenges

If the large quantities of drugs were found in a shared residence or a vehicle that you borrowed, your lawyer can argue that you did not have authority or control over the substances.

Entrapment

Depending on the facts of the case, your lawyer may be able to argue that undercover law enforcement authorities or informants persuaded you to commit the crime that you would not have otherwise committed.

Procedural Errors

Your lawyer will assess if any procedural issues occurred with collecting, storing, or testing the drugs. If procedural issues are identified, your lawyer can argue that evidence can be excluded, significantly weakening the prosecutor’s case.

Contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC to Take the First Step in Your Defense

Being charged with a drug-related crime is a serious legal matter that requires the help of a skilled attorney. If you or a loved one is facing charges, your first step should be to contact The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold, PLLC. Our attorney and legal team have extensive experience handling drug trafficking offenses and obtaining favorable client results.

Contact our law firm today at 206-590-7667 to schedule a free consultation and get started on your case.