Washington, also known as Will Washington, was arrested in September 2008 when police served a search warrant on Charles Street in Reedsburg. Washington had been living in that home’s basement when the police came.

At the time of the search, police found $1,600 cash in Washington’s pocket and 21 bags of cocaine in the basement. Washington feigned ignorance but the bags held his fingerprint, helping the prosecution build their case.

The search warrant that was served that September day came about after months of investigations into Washington and his suspected cocaine dealing activities. According to this report from the Baraboo News Republic, police had used an informant to make several purchases from Washington in the preceding months.

Police often use confidential informants to make controlled purchases when they have reason to believe someone is in the business of trafficking and dealing drugs. In this case the informant was given cash and received crack cocaine from Washington in exchange for the money.

In a plea agreement, Washington faced 2 rather than 4 counts of felony distribution, a charge that normally carries several years in prison. Because he was originally facing 4 counts and the potential of a lengthy prison sentence, Washington may have had a fairly clean criminal history for him to only end up being sentenced to 6 months.

The state of Wisconsin is hard on drug offenders. Especially if you are accused of distributing or trafficking, you can expect to have the charges pursued vehemently by the prosecution.

If, however, you don’t have a criminal history, are employed, and have positive ties to the community, your chances of working out a plea agreement are pretty good.

When you are facing charges in the Wisconsin criminal courts, you need an experienced legal defense attorney to look at all your options and assist you in making the right moves. Contact me today for a free consultation on your case.