The Seattle Law Firm of Dixon & Cannon, Ltd.

DRUG CRIMES

Drug crimes range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies. Generally, drug crimes fall into three different categories: straight possession, possession with intent to deliver, and delivery of a controlled substance.

The attorneys at Dixon & Cannon, Ltd. have successfully challenged the unlawful actions of the police, both at the time of an initial stop and in the subsequent search for drugs. Our successful challenges have resulted in the dismissal of charges for our clients.

DRUG POSSESSION CRIMES
Drug possession can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the substance and the quantity. The government proves a charge of drug possession through either actual possession or constructive possession of a controlled substance. For example, the police may find the drugs on your person, or they may find them in close proximity to you.

MISDEMEANOR: If you are caught possessing an amount of marijuana under 40 grams, then it is a misdemeanor crime punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $1000 fine.
IMPORTANT: This offense carries a minimum mandatory jail term of one day as well as a mandatory fine of $250.

FELONY:
  • If you are caught possessing an amount of marijuana over 40 grams, then it is a felony and the penalty varies depending on your criminal history.

  • If you are caught possessing any amount of any other type of controlled substance, for example, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, etc., then it is a felony and the penalty varies depending on your criminal history.

DRUG DELIVERY CRIMES
Delivery of a controlled substance is defined as the transfer of a controlled substance from one person to another. Possession with the intent to deliver, and delivery of a controlled substance are felonies. The penalties for both crimes are severe, and vary depending on your criminal history.

Delivery of a controlled substance:  This charge typically arises in one of two ways:
  • The police observe you delivering a controlled substance to another person. This is often referred to by the police as a "See-Pop".

  • The police use an undercover officer to buy drugs from you. This is often referred to by the police as a "Buy-Bust".
Posession with the intent to deliver:  The government may charge you with this offense if they do not have evidence of an actual delivery, but believe you intended to deliver the drugs in your possession at the time of your arrest. Evidence the government typically relies on for this charge includes:
  • A quantity of drugs more than is typically consumed
    by an individual.

  • The controlled substance is wrapped in many small individual baggies.

  • A large amount of cash.

  • A scale for weighing the drugs.

Dixon & Cannon, Ltd. attorneys provide experienced, compassionate, and aggressive representation in all drug cases.

If you have questions about a drug crime, call us for a FREE 30-minute initial consultation at 206-957-2247.  We can help!

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE LAW

Dixon & Cannon, Ltd. is licensed to practice law in the States of Arizona and Washington. This Web site is created for your general information only and does not represent legal advice. An attorney-client relationship between you and our law firm is not created by you reading this information or calling us. If we decide to work together, we sign a contract to establish our attorney-client relationship.
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