Cocaine Possession Attorney in Vancouver, WA: Protecting Your Rights Against Drug Charges

If you have been charged with cocaine possession, the consequences can be severe and far-reaching. While your case will be tried in the normal manner, a conviction for cocaine possession can affect your freedom, your future and affect your future and/or present employment, professional licenses, where you live and/or go to school. Contact a Vancouver, WA cocaine possession attorney to defend you in your cocaine possession case.

At Mcaleer Law, we are able to provide effective representation to those charged with cocaine possession in Vancouver, Clark County, and throughout Southwest Washington. Because every case is significantly different, we work hard to develop an intense and aggressive defense to protect our clients. Our Vancouver cocaine possession attorney strives to provide the best possible result in every case.

Understanding Cocaine Possession Charges in Washington

In Washington, Cocaine Possession is a serious crime. The crime and the potential penalty for Cocaine Possession will depend on a few key facts:

  • The amount of cocaine involved
  • The facts surrounding the arrest
  • Whether other criminal allegations are present
  • The individual’s prior criminal history
  • How law enforcement obtained the evidence

Every case is unique. There are facts that other attorneys miss, which form the foundation of a strong defense.

Potential Consequences of a Conviction

A cocaine possession conviction has many serious consequences for the person who has been convicted of such a crime.

Potential penalties can include:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Substantial fines
  • Probation or community supervision
  • Court-ordered treatment programs
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Difficulty obtaining employment
  • Housing challenges
  • Professional licensing consequences

The consequences of a conviction often extend for years after a case has been disposed of.

How Cocaine Possession Cases Begin

These are examples of the circumstances that can lead to the investigation of a person for drug possession:

  • Traffic stops
  • Vehicle searches
  • Pedestrian encounters
  • Search warrants
  • Anonymous tips
  • Ongoing criminal investigations
  • Execution of arrest warrants

Whether or not the investigation that led to a person’s arrest was lawful can play a huge role in a cocaine possession case.

Common Defense Strategies

Each case is different and will be individually defended based on the evidence presented by both the State and Defense.

Possible defense strategies may include:

Illegal Search or Seizure

Under the United States and Washington Constitutions, the investigation into an individual’s alleged wrongdoing must be conducted in a manner that protects that individual’s rights. Should investigation procedures violate an individual’s constitutional rights, the resulting evidence can be challenged by the individual’s defense counsel.

Lack of Possession

The key to negating a charge of possession of a controlled substance is for the defendant’s criminal defense attorney to demonstrate that the prosecution cannot prove that the defendant had knowing possession of the controlled substance at issue in the case. Frequently, evidence fails to support an inference of possession by the defendant.

Lack of Knowledge

A person does not have to know that they have a controlled substance with them or be in possession of it in order to be charged with an offense.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove each element of the crime charged beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence presented by the prosecution is not sufficient to prove each of the elements of the crime charged, then there is a reasonable doubt of guilt.

Constitutional Rights Violations

Violations of the constitutional rights of the accused at the time of arrest, search, interrogations, etc. that can result in the exclusion of evidence at trial.

The decisions that you make after you are arrested can have serious consequences for your case.

An experienced defense attorney can:

  • Protect your constitutional rights
  • Review police reports and body-camera footage
  • Evaluate search and seizure issues
  • Analyze laboratory evidence
  • Communicate with prosecutors
  • Negotiate when appropriate
  • Represent you during hearings and trial

Having an early legal strategy in place can provide the accused with a number of advantages in order to challenge the case being put together by the prosecution.

Why Choose Mcaleer Law?

At Mcaleer Law, we understand the stress and frustration of being charged with a drug crime. Our experienced attorneys will do their best to protect your future while ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way through the criminal justice system.

Clients trust our firm because we provide:

  • Thorough case preparation
  • Strategic defense planning
  • Detailed evidence review
  • Aggressive courtroom advocacy
  • Honest legal guidance
  • Responsive client communication

Our lawyers are the best to defend you in drug cases!

What to Do If You Are Charged With Cocaine Possession.

If you have been arrested and charged with cocaine possession, or if you have been contacted by a law enforcement officer and believe you are a target for a search for cocaine, it is

  • Remain calm.
  • Exercise your right to remain silent.
  • Do not consent to any additional searches of you, your vehicle, your home or any other property unless required by law.
  • Avoid discussing your case with others.
  • Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Protect your right to a fair trial.

Contact a Cocaine Possession Attorney in Vancouver, WA

If you have been charged with cocaine possession it is very important to seek the help of a Cocaine Possession Attorney in Vancouver, WA as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a Criminal Defense Attorney the better able they will be to assist you in protecting your rights and creating an effective defense for your case.

Contact us at Mcaleer Law today by calling (360) 334-6277w or scheduling a consultation online to have a Cocaine Possession Attorney in Vancouver, WA explain your charges, your options, and then work hard in the court of law to defend you.