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Drug Crimes Who You Hire Makes a Difference

Seattle Drug Crime Attorney

Fighting Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUSCA) Charges

Perhaps one of the most serious types of criminal charges a person can face is drug crimes accusations. While the general attitude towards many drugs across the United States is shifting, law enforcement and prosecutors come down particularly hard on drug crimes. Even marijuana, which has been legalized in the state of Washington, is regulated and someone can still be accused of a crime. Depending on the type of controlled substance in question, along with its amount and intended purpose, a person could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

At Guadagno Law, PLLC, I have defended many people in Seattle accused of possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of a controlled substance. As an experienced Seattle drug crime lawyer, I am ready to do the same for you.

Arrested for a drug crime? Request a FREE Consultation with our Seattle drug crime attorney by calling (206) 895-6800.

What Is VUSCA?

Under Washington law, a drug charge is referred to as a VUSCA or, Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. The Uniform Controlled Substance Act outlines the charges and penalties for the illegal use, possession, distribution, and sale of controlled substances within the state of Washington. Controlled substances are classified by their severity as Schedule I, II, III, IV and V drugs.

Washington's Drug Schedules

The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) describes Schedule I, II, III, IV and V drugs as such:

Schedule I

  • The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
  • The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
  • There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
  • Examples of Schedule I substances include heroin, gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana, and methaqualone.

Schedule II

  • The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
  • The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
  • Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
  • Examples of Schedule II substances include morphine, phencyclidine (PCP), cocaine, methadone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.

Schedule III

  • The drug or other substance has less potential for abuse than the drugs or other substances in Schedules I and II.
  • The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
  • Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
  • Anabolic steroids, codeine products with aspirin or Tylenol, and some barbiturates are examples of Schedule III substances.

Schedule IV

  • The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III.
  • The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
  • Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule III.
  • Examples of drugs included in Schedule IV are alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam.

Schedule V

  • The drug or other substance has a low potential for abuse relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV.
  • The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
  • Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the drugs or other substances in Schedule IV.
  • Cough medicines with codeine are examples of Schedule V drugs.
  • Examples of drugs included in Schedule IV are alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam.

What are the Penalties for Drug Offenses?

If convicted of a drug crime, you could experience the following consequences: 

  • Class A Felony: Life in prison and a maximum $50,000 fine.
  • Class B Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $20,000 fine.
  • Class C Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
  • Misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine.

Why Do I Need a Seattle Drug Crime Lawyer?

While it is not required that you have a Seattle drug crime lawyer to handle your drug charges, there are numerous benefits to having one by your side. I have served clients in Seattle for years, building relationships with judges across the city, allowing me to use the law to fight for the best possible outcome for you.

I have extensive experience handling a wide range of drug crime charges, including but not limited to:

After a thorough review of your case, which begins with a free case evaluation, I may be able to obtain a reduction in charges by proving that you were unaware of the drugs in your possession. This happens more often than you would think. You can buy or borrow a car, then get pulled over by a law enforcement officer and suddenly find yourself in handcuffs when drugs are found in the vehicle.

When it comes to protecting the rights and freedoms of my clients, I am relentless and will stop at nothing to make sure you obtain the fair treatment you deserve. My firm has distinguished itself for the unique services I provide to clients, which include former prosecutorial experience and 24-hour emergency counsel.

Protect Your Freedoms by Taking Legal Action Today!

If you have been accused of a drug crime, you are probably experiencing a great deal of stress and anguish over your situation, understandably. Considering that your freedom and reputation are at stake, you need to take immediate legal action by contacting a Seattle drug crime attorney as soon as possible. I can provide you with the aggressive and results-driven case strategy that fits your needs.

Facing drug crime charges? With our Seattle drug crime lawyer on your side, you can look to the future with confidence. Call (206) 895-6800 today!

Our Satisfied Clients

  • “I was able to win my case due to him.”
    After having experienced one of the most difficult times in my life after being charged for a crime, I contacted Albert at Guadagno Law. Albert was able to help me in this difficult time and was able to take a very stressful situation and put me at ease. Albert promised that he would work hard and diligently for me, and he did. I was able to win my case due to him. Albert was gracious, direct, and honest about my case and what he was going to do to help me win. I will highly recommend Guadagno Law if one needs to seek legal advice.
    - Ben
  • “Impressive defense attorney”
    I have never had to hire an attorney before and Albert was just amazing. He took on my case quickly and was incredibly efficient and professional. He spent hours with me on the phone over several months, helping to ease my fears and worries and offering words of encouragement and advice. Albert is kind, thoughtful and generous with his time and I consider him a friend. He was very supportive to me during such A difficult time in my life. He fought tirelessly for me and my family with great success. He truly went above and beyond to fight for a full dismissal. I highly recommend his services.
    - Coral
  • “Puts his heart & soul into protecting his clients”
    I have been a client of Alberts for going on 3 years, he has been there for me during a very difficult time in my life. Never was there a time when I was not able to be in contact him, weekday or weekends. He has given his all to go to bat for me and defend me in every possible way. He is very educated in his profession! I have again and again recommended him to anyone I know who is in need of representation.
    - Jay M.
  • “Albert was incredible!!”
    Albert was absolutely amazing! He quickly took my case on short notice and helped me immensely. I highly recommend him. If you are hesitant or feeling apprehensive, DONT!! He is worth every penny
    - Tracy
  • “The best and professional lawyer”
    Mr.Guadagno is very professional, friendly , attentive and very supportive when you face a difficult situation. Gave you support and comfort makes you feel you have someone who really cares and is there to help you. Always available to reach regardless if it is week days or weekend. Response to you immediately and works with you. We really really appreciate his support in a time we were stressed out he gave us so much comfort. Really recommend him to others. Grateful to know him .
    - Adiba
  • “Excelente”
    Sinceramente estoi satisfecha porque Alberto Guandageno Alludo muy bien enel casi de mi hijo lo recomiendo hiso un excelente trabajo en la defensa de mi hijo si yo le mandaba textos me respondía en minutos si le abla a por teléfono inmediatamente me respondía igual si le escribí correos electrónicos respondía rápido y me desia esactamente lo que estaba pasando enel caso de mi hijo porque mi hijo dio autorización que me dijera lo que pasaba y gracias a él abogado Alberto todo salió bien es un ángel que Dios pone en el camino de los que nesesitan su alluda muchas gracias abogado Alberto Guandageno
    - Mamá feliz
  • “Albert Guadagno truly cares”
    Albert really goes above and beyond to not only treat you as a client - but as a human. He listens to your situation, tries to understand from different sides, and lets you know what to expect honestly without sugar-coating. His year’s of experience in law really helps you navigate a, sometimes, convoluted legal system with confidence affordably and with careful attention to detail. Highly recommend.
    - Kienan
  • “110% in your corner”
    Albert is 110% in your corner. His prior experience as a prosecutor is what drew me to hiring him. He knows the process from all sides and will fight for you as well as explain outcome possibilities in great detail. He is also a tremendous listener who empathizes and puts your mind at ease (without giving you false expectations) He is a consummate professional of whom I would hire again if needed. Go with someone that not only has the knowledge and skills to help you through your case, but will also be a human being by listening to your concerns. Go with Albert.
    - CS

Why Choose Guadagno Law, PLLC?

  • I offer affordable payment plans to focus on what matters.
  • I have over 17 years of criminal defense experience.
  • I have a sole focus on criminal defense law.
  • I am on call for 24-hour emergency counsel.
  • I have handled thousands of cases over the years.
  • I have worked on both sides of the criminal courtroom.