Drug Possession

Drug possession is the crime of possessing illegal substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. In Washington, a drug possession charge will often be referred to as a VUCSA or UPCS. VUCSA stands for Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act. UPCS stands for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance. Both a VUCSA and UPCS charges are felony offenses. Unlawful possession of drugs can be found by both actual and constructive possession of an illegal substance. Actual possession applies when one is physically in control of the drugs at the time of discovery, such as someone who has drugs in their pant pocket. Constructive possession entails the person has control over and access to the drugs, though they may not be physically holding the drugs at the time of arrest. For instance, constructive possession may be established if found in one’s car such as a glove box.

Though Washington may seem like a progressive state when it comes to legalizing marijuana, it is very tough on possession of illegal drugs.