Tacoma Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
Just because the police found drugs does not mean they have a slam dunk case. But you may need an experienced attorney to help you fight the drug charges. I work hard to keep you out of jail or prison, and possibly beat the charges all together.
My name is Les Tolzin, and I have defended those accused of drug charges for 18 years. I take cases in the Tacoma and Pierce County area, as well as Thurston County and King County. Call me at 253-274-9441 for a free consultation.
Arrested for Drug Possession — Or Worse?
I defend clients accused of all types of drug charges, including:
- Drug possession (marijuana, meth, heroin, cocaine, crack, ecstasy)
- Prescription drug charges (Oxycontin, Percoset, etc.)
- Possession with intent to deliver
- Delivery (sale)
- Manufacture or cultivation
- Medical marijuana violations
I will tell you, based on my experience, where you stand. In Pierce County, the criminal complaint may read VUCSA (Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act) by possession of a certain illegal drug. The actual charges and potential prison term depend on the severity of the crime, your criminal history and any enhancements to the charge. Possession of a firearm or deadly weapon can add a mandatory three years in prison — with no time off for good behavior.
Experienced Drug Charge Defense
Most drug charges result from a traffic stop or arrest for another underlying offense. During the arrest process, police conduct a search of the vehicle or the person and find drugs in a pocket, purse or passenger compartment of the vehicle. The other common scenarios are drug sting operations or using a warrant to search a house.
I sit down with clients and walk them through the events, then obtain the police report of the arrest. My goal is to identify the mistakes and abuses of constitutional rights so common in these cases. Did you give consent to a search? Was there probable cause for the warrant? Was the confidential informant reliable? Did the prosecutors charge everybody when drugs were discovered in a car or house?
If we can't get questionable evidence suppressed or have charges dismissed outright, I negotiate with the prosecutor to get the best possible plea agreement to avoid or reduce prison time. And I am an experienced trial lawyer who will take your case to a jury if the prosecutor won't offer a decent deal.
For low-level possession/VUCSA charges, you may be eligible for the Drug Offenders Sentencing Alternative (DOSA). This keeps you out of jail and keeps the conviction off your record if you get treatment and stay out of trouble.
Assert your rights and call me immediately! Don't talk to police or the prosecutor! Contact me for aggressive drug charge defense to protect your rights and avoid the worst.
