Despite Washington adopting laws that legalized marijuana, there are still serious drug crimes prosecuted under the Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. If you or a loved one have been charged with a VUCSA crime, it is serious. Time is not on your side. Regardless of whether you or your loved one is guilty or not, there could be hard prison time involved. You can expect to be investigated and the police will be knocking on your door to question you. You need an attorney to help you navigate your charges.

How to Hire Your Washington VUCSA Attorney

First, you should seek an attorney who has experience in defending the rights of people in Washington. An experienced lawyer will be well-studied on the laws and will be well-acquainted with the courts and the players involved. These relationships combined with a good reputation will empower your counsel to defend you well.

Next, you must seek an attorney who you can work well with and communicate effectively. Your trust and resources will be invested with the attorney you choose. Ask friends and family for referral names and take the time to interview attorneys with good ratings and reviews.

Decisions About Your Washington VUCSA Case

Police commonly seek out those charged with VUCSA crimes to consider being a confidential informant. Your attorney will work with you to decide if this is in your best interest. Often by cooperating with law enforcement this way, you are offered a reduced sentence. When you hire an experienced attorney who you trust and can communicate well with, these decisions are much simpler to make.

Other situations could arise where important decisions must be made regarding whether to share information about acquaintances, friends, and sometimes even family with law enforcement. No one wants to be known as a “snitch” yet there are instances where these tough choices must be made. Your attorney can walk through different scenarios and negotiate options for you and the information you can share. Safety fears are a frequent concern. In these cases, a clear and present threat of others thinking you are an informant already exists, even if you aren't. The danger already is there. Your attorney can help you determine when it is wise for you to act and when it is best to remain silent.

Your Best VUCSA Defense

A VUCSA charge can cause your life to be turned completely upside down. You could find yourself unable to maintain your employment or find a place to live, or you could have a ruined reputation that is difficult to overcome. Steve Karimi knows about challenging VUCSA charges because he has experience prosecuting drug crimes. Today, he devotes much of his practice to helping people who are charged with drug and alcohol-related crimes. Contact Seattle's DUI lawyer, Steve Karimi, today.