Providing Drug Representation from Misdemeanor Possession to Felony Distribution

If you are facing drug charges in Southwest Washington including Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties, it is critical that you retain the right attorney with experience, to aggressively represent you and protect your rights. John Davis is an experienced Vancouver drug lawyer you can trust whether you are charged in state or municipal court.

John Davis routinely handles drug cases in Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties. He knows the system and is dedicated to protecting your rights wherever you are accused. Some of the common drug charges our clients face include:

• Misdemeanor drug possession that includes simple possession of marijuana following a routine traffic stop or other contact with law enforcement.
• Felony drug possession that includes Drug distribution, transportation, importation or trafficking
• Drug cultivation or manufacture (marijuana grow house or meth lab cases)
• Illegal possession, sale or distribution of prescription drugs
• Driving under the influence of drugs (often known as drug DUI)

Many of the drug cases we handle involve "bad" traffic stops and illegal searches. John Davis has a proven success record in having drug charges reduced or dismissed when overzealous law enforcement agents violate our clients' rights.

First Time Drug Offenders

At John Davis, we believe that every person charged with a first offense of drug possession deserves an opportunity in an adult diversion program, such as those operated by the Clark County prosecutors office. Another option for clients that qualify is Clark County’s Drug Court program that is a treatment focused program that often results in no Jail time. Diversion and Drug Court may be options, provided there are no other complicating circumstances, such as other felonies charged in association with the drug offense. Enrollment and successful completion of the Diversion program can result in your case being dismissed.

More severe charges, however, typically result in harsher penalties. Even less serious charges, such as possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, may have severe consequences, especially if prior convictions, firearms, activity near protected zones (e.g., schools and parks), or minors are involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime, consult with John Davis an experienced criminal defense drug attorney.

Legal Overview of Washington Drug Offenses

Drug crimes cover a broad range of offenses involving controlled substances, from possession and sale to manufacture and distribution. These crimes involve violations of federal or state law, or both. Depending on the particular circumstances of a case, these offenses can result in a broad range of potential criminal and administrative consequences, including probation, prison, property forfeiture and participation in a court-ordered drug treatment program.

The federal government has exercised control over the importation and manufacture of drugs since the mid-1800s. In 1970, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, which took the place of numerous existing drug laws and classified controlled substances into five categories (Schedules I to V), based on their abuse and addiction potential compared to their therapeutic value. Also known as the Controlled Substances Act, this law established regulatory requirements, enforcement mechanisms and penalties for the unauthorized manufacture, distribution or possession of controlled substances.

Searches and Seizure in Drug Cases

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government; however, the government's "War on Drugs" and new powers granted under the Patriot Act have eroded those protections and made it easier for authorities to detain individuals they suspect are involved in any type of criminal activity, including drug crime.

You still have rights. The constitution still protects you against unlawful search and seizure. In almost every drug case we handle, one of the first steps we take is to explore the possibility of whether the initial search violated our client's Fourth Amendment right.

In drug cases, the legality of how evidence was obtained is frequently challenged. If the government violated the Constitution, the evidence cannot be used. Without the evidence to prove the charges, the State may have to dismiss its case. If you have been charged with a drug crime, John Davis  an experienced criminal defense drug attorney, can advise you whether the evidence leading to the charge may have resulted from an illegal searches and seizures.

Contact Our Drug Defense Law Firm

If you are facing drug charges involving marijuana, methamphetamine (crystal meth), GHB (the date-rape drug), MDMA (Ecstasy), heroin, HGH (human growth hormone), cocaine (powder or crack), or prescription drugs like Adderall, OxyContin or Xanax, or any narcotics violation, for a consultation with John Davis.

Vancouver Washington Attorneys At Law