Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Pullman

Former Prosecutor Devoted to Defending Your Rights

The criminal justice system can seem adversarial, overwhelming, and completely frightening at times. Having handled thousands of cases just like yours in the Pullman, Washington, area, we know how easy it can be to experience complex emotions after an arrest. The prospect of going up against police officers or prosecutors who have seemingly endless resources to investigate a case against you could cause you to lose hope and plead guilty.

Do not be tempted to make hasty decisions at this time. You have the right to fight the charges filed against you. Assert your right to legal counsel by working with Baumgarten Law Offices, PLLC. Our lead attorney, Luke Baumgarten, is a former prosecutor who knows how to challenge information in police reports and discredit any evidence presented against you.

Protect your future with a Pullman drug crime defense lawyer. We provide flat-fee rates and are available to help any time or any day for your drug crime case. Reach us online or call (509) 207-1282 for your free consultation.

Types of Washington Drug Charges We Handle

Drug cases in Washington cover a wide range of situations, and understanding what type of charge you are facing is the starting point for building an effective defense. 

Washington’s drug laws are primarily found within the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (RCW 69.50). These laws classify substances into "Schedules" based on their potential for abuse and medical utility. Understanding where your specific charge falls is the first step in building a defense.

• Simple Possession: The lawmakes the knowing possession of a controlled substance (such as cocaine, meth, or heroin) or the knowing use of a controlled substance in a public place a gross misdemeanor. While this is a step down from previous felony classifications, it still carries the weight of a criminal record and potential jail time.
• Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Deliver (PWID): If law enforcement finds evidence that you intended to sell or distribute a substance—such as scales, large amounts of cash, or packaging materials—the charge escalates to a felony. This is a far more serious offense than simple possession.
• Drug Trafficking: Trafficking charges involve transporting, selling, or distributing large amounts of controlled substances. Penalties are severe and often include significant prison time. Prosecutors may also seek enhanced sentencing for large-scale operations or organized distribution networks.
• Drug Paraphernalia: Under RCW 69.50.412, it is a misdemeanor to use, or possess with the intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, grow, harvest, manufacture, or ingest a controlled substance. In many cases, a Pullman drug crime defense lawyer can work to have these secondary charges dismissed or merged as part of a larger negotiation.
• Prescription Fraud: Charges for prescription fraud occur when someone illegally obtains, uses, or forges prescriptions for controlled substances. These offenses can include doctor shopping, altering prescriptions, or using fraudulent documentation, and they carry both criminal and professional consequences.
• Marijuana Laws: While Washington was a pioneer in legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over, strict limits remain. Possessing more than the legal limit (typically one ounce of usable cannabis) or possessing any amount as a minor can still lead to criminal charges.

We regularly represent people accused of offenses arising from simple encounters on the Washington State University campus, traffic stops on routes leading into Pullman, and longer-term investigations involving alleged sales. Each case requires a careful review of the specific statute involved and the evidence the prosecutor plans to rely on.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Drug Crimes in Pullman

The "Blake Fix" and other recent changes have modified the sentencing landscape, but the penalties remain significant.

Criminal Penalties

• Gross Misdemeanor (Possession/Use): Up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for the first two convictions. For a third or subsequent conviction, the penalty can increase to 364 days in jail.
• Class C Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Class B Felony: Up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 to $100,000 fine.

Collateral Consequences

The "hidden" costs of a drug conviction can be devastating:

• Student Financial Aid: A drug conviction can lead to the loss of federal student loans and grants—a major concern for WSU students.
• Driver’s License Suspension: Certain drug offenses still carry mandatory license revocations.
• Employment and Housing: A criminal record makes it significantly harder to pass background checks for professional jobs or rental agreements.
• Firearm Possession: Felony drug convictions result in the permanent loss of your right to own or carry a firearm.

Protect Your Future with Help from Baumgarten Law Offices

The state of Washington takes drug crimes very seriously. From the government's perspective, prosecuting drug crimes aggressively can help make the public streets safer for all area residents. Unfortunately, many officers make quick arrests, or in some cases, illegal arrests, in an attempt to keep neighborhoods drug-free.

Common defenses against drug crime charges include:

It is our duty and pleasure to make certain that individuals are not wrongfully charged with serious consequences for a crime that they did not commit or did not know was a criminal offense. We work with industry experts, forensic professionals, and other investigators through every aspect of a case. From depositions to delivering closing statements, we are at your side every step of the way.

We tailor every defense strategy to the specific drug charge you face, whether it involves simple possession, intent to deliver, or a traffic-stop investigation. After discussing your goals, such as avoiding jail or protecting your record, we align our approach accordingly and keep you informed throughout the process. We closely examine police conduct, searches, lab testing, and evidence handling to identify weaknesses and challenge unreliable or unlawfully obtained evidence.

What To Expect After a Drug Arrest in Pullman

After a drug arrest in or around Pullman, the process usually moves quickly, and knowing what to expect can ease some of the anxiety you may be feeling. In many cases, you will first appear in Whitman County District Court or Superior Court, so a judge can address the initial issues of probable cause, release conditions, and scheduling of future hearings. Having a drug arrest attorney in Pullman at or before this stage can make a meaningful difference in the conditions imposed and in avoiding statements that could later be used against you.

Following the first appearance, your case proceeds through a series of pretrial hearings where the court may address motions, evidence issues, and negotiations. During this period, we gather discovery from the prosecutor, conduct our own investigation, and evaluate whether to file motions challenging searches, detentions, or statements. We keep you informed about each court date and explain why it matters so that you feel prepared and know how to present yourself in front of the judge and prosecutor.

Not every case goes to trial, but we prepare every matter as if it might, so that you have real options. Depending on the facts, we may discuss diversion programs, amended charges, or other negotiated outcomes with the prosecutor, while also outlining what a contested hearing or trial in Whitman County could involve. As your drug defense attorney in Pullman, our goal is to guide you through each step, help you weigh the risks and benefits of every option, and stand beside you in court if your case moves forward to trial.

Time Is Of The Essence—Call Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Pullman Today!

We spend all of our time utilizing our arsenal of legal knowledge, trial experience, and professional training to create the most persuasive, powerful, and compelling defense strategy for you. Whether you are currently facing misdemeanor or felony charges, no case is too complex for our legal team. We have handled thousands of cases for men, women, and students in our community. We know what it takes to help you.

The sooner you contact a drug arrest lawyer in Pullman, the sooner we can begin communicating with the prosecutor, protecting you from making damaging statements, and identifying options such as diversion or reduction of charges that may not be available later.

Contact our skilled trial attorneys online or call (509) 207-1282 today to get a head start on a defense strategy.