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Cocaine laws and sentencing in Washington

| April 13, 2023 

In all states, cocaine possession, distribution and trafficking qualify as serious criminal offenses. Individuals caught violating laws regarding cocaine could face severe legal consequences. The following details spell out important state laws and the resulting sentences for violations.

Possession

Possession is a felony offense for individuals caught with cocaine. The crime carries a sentence of up to five years in prison with a maximum fine of $10,000.The court considers a personโ€™s previous criminal record and the amount of cocaine found in their possession. These details may affect the severity of the offenderโ€™s sentence.

Offenders with clean or minor criminal records may be eligible for drug court, which allows them to receive probation instead of incarceration. Drug court provides resources and support for addiction recovery and helps non-violent offenders avoid repeating drug-related crimes.

If the court determines that an individual possessed cocaine intending to distribute it, the legal penalties increase to prison time of up to 10 years with a fine of up to $25,000.

Distributing

Individuals caught distributing cocaine have committed a serious criminal offense and can face felony charges. Penalties consist of up to 10 years in prison with a financial fine of up to $25,000. If the person was caught transporting cocaine across state lines, they could also face federal drug charges.

Trafficking

Trafficking cocaine carries more severe penalties as it is a very serious drug offense. The charge carries a minimum of three years in prison, with a fine of up to $100,000. An individualโ€™s prior criminal record and the quantity of cocaine involved in their trafficking can affect the severity of their penalty.

Three-strikes law

Several states have a three-strikes law, and individuals convicted of three drug offenses can face more strict legal sentences. However, the state revised its three-strike law in 2022 from a life sentence to less severe penalties for non-violent offenders.

Understanding the laws regarding cocaine possession, distribution and trafficking can help individuals make better choices about using or selling cocaine.

Further Reading

Plea agreements in the state of Washington

December 23, 2022 
Plea agreements are a common practice in the criminal justice system of Washington. These agreements allow defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dismissal of additional charges. Plea agreements can be a valuable tool for both prosecutors and defendants, as they can save time and resources [โ€ฆ]

The problem of insurance fraud

August 1, 2022 
An insurance policy serves a vital purpose. Whether someone takes out a homeowner, auto insurance or business liability policy, the contract locks the provider into assuming financial responsibility for covered perils. That means the insurance company must pay a customer for any valid claims, provided the policyholder is not in breach. Fraud would assuredly be [โ€ฆ]
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