Snohomish County Defense Lawyers for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Charges

Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia are frequently charged crimes in Snohomish County. Depending on the circumstances, including amount and arresting agency, these criminal allegations may be filed in one of the District Courts (Cascade, Everett, Evergreen, and South) or a Municipal Court (e.g., Edmonds, Everett, Lynnwood, Marysville, etc.).  These cases may be filed in Snohomish County Superior Court if the amount warrants a felony charge, or if the charges are combined with another felony allegation.

In 2006, nationwide there were 829,625 marijuana arrests, nearly 88% of which were for simple possession.  In 2002, there were 13,712 marijuana arrests.  Despite strong public opinion (in 2006, 74% of Washingtonians believed that marijuana possession should be a noncriminal infraction or made legal), the State, Counties and Cities are aggressively prosecuting these crimes and allegations. Snohomish County, and cities such as Arlington, Edmonds, Everett, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, and Monroe are no different. The criminal defense lawyers of Ashbach Law Offices, LLC routinely fight for our clients in these courts. Successful results typically include dismissals, reductions in severity of charges, as well as other non-conviction outcomes.

Although classified as misdemeanors, the ramifications of a Marijuana Possession, or Paraphernalia Possession, charge can be substantial and long term. As such, you would be wise to seek advice and/or representation for a criminal defense attorney who regularly handles these kinds of cases in Snohomish County. Ashbach Law Offices, LLC has established a strong track record of successfully defending clients charged with these crimes throughout Snohomish County, Washington and neighboring counties.

Direct penalties for a first-time offense for possessing marijuana (less than 40 grams) can include 90 days in jail, a $1000 fine, required drug and alcohol treatment, and probation.   For a first-time misdemeanor conviction of Possession of Marijuana or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a person is required to serve a mandatory minimum of 24 hours in jail and a $250 fine (plus court costs and assessments). For subsequent convictions, the mandatory fine raises to $500. In many cases, the court costs and assessments

In addition to the direct consequences of a Possession of Marijuana or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia are the downstream effects. These can include loss of employment, disqualification for promotions/raises, inability for student loans, forfeiture of property (such as vehicles), damage to reputation, and family and personal stress. Additionally, a conviction can result in inadmissibility to Canada, as well as denial of citizenship and/or exportation for non-citizens residing in the United States.

While legal under State law, possession of medicinal marijuana is still illegal federally, and a person possessing marijuana could still be federally prosecuted. While medicinal marijuana may be legal under State law, possessing drug paraphernalia is not. Thus, a person possessing a valid marijuana prescription could still be successfully prosecuted for possessing a marijuana (pot) pipe.
The “Aid Elimination Provision” of the Higher Education Act prevents students from receiving federal aid for colleges and universities if the student has been convicted of a drug crime under state or federal law.  Minimum periods of ineligibility range from one year to indefinite.
However, under 2008 amendments, it may be possible for a student who has been convicted of a drug offense to regain eligibility for student loans provided.  Reinstatement, if possible, typically requires the passage of at least one year since conviction, completion of a drug rehabilitation program, and passing unannounced drug tests.

Facing a criminal charge such as Possession of Marijuana or Possession of Drug Paraphernalia can be a stressful period in one’s life. The potential loss of liberty, loss or reduction in employment,  damage to reputation, requirement for treatment, and court supervision via probation are legitimate and powerful concerns. If you are, or someone you care about is, facing a charge, contact the experience, aggressive and successful defense attorneys at Ashbach Law Offices, LLC today. Call 360.659.4950 for a free case evaluation.

* statistics taken from "The Consequences and Costs of Marijuana Prohibition" by Katherine Beckett and Steve Herbert from the University of Washington.