Washington state’s laws pertaining to drugs have evolved in response to the opioid epidemic, which has led to an increase number of overdose deaths. Legislation passed within this past year, such as Senate Bill 5536, redefined drug possession penalties, making simple possession a gross misdemeanor with increased jail time and emphasizing treatment programs.
Washington State, like many regions all over the country, faces significant challenges related to illicit drug use, possession, and sale. However, recent case law altered the way the state looks at drug crimes.
Washington state, similar to other parts of the country, has been grappling with the opioid epidemic. According to recent data, the Washington State Department of Health recorded 17,502 residents who died from drug overdose between 2007 and 2021. Out of this number, 68% were related to opioids. In 2019, the yearly number of drug overdose deaths was nearly doubled, going from 827 deaths to 1,619 in 2021.
This surge in opioid-related incidents prompted lawmakers and public health officials to reconsider the drug policies in the state. It also reinforced the need for the state to balance access to treatment with harm reduction.
Washington classifies controlled substances into a drug scheduling system. There are five drug schedules, and the state and federal laws divide them depending on the substance’s potential for drug abuse and its accepted medical use.
f you or a loved one is in a bind as a result of criminal allegations immediately contact a Seattle Criminal Attorney. A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney is not going to judge you and understands that everyone makes mistakes. Hiring a Seattle Criminal Lawyer to help can – at a minimum – reduce penalties and can help direct people on how to best deal with their criminal charge, and many times even get them dismissed. So, it should go without saying that someone cited for a misdemeanor or felony should hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Lawyer as soon as possible. Criminal charges can cause havoc on a person’s personal and professional life. Anyone charged with a crime in Washington State should immediately seek the assistance of a seasoned Seattle Criminal Lawyer. SQ Attorneys can be reached at (425) 359-3791 and/or (206) 441-0900.
