Defending Against Drug Charges in Michigan
Being charged with drugs is a dangerous situation. You could lose your job, have your reputation ruined, and face serious criminal penalties. If you have been arrested or accused of a drug crime, you must act quickly and consult with a criminal defense attorney.
An attorney who has handled these cases before and has the resources to counter any investigation or charges that you are facing will be able to seek to avoid a conviction on your behalf. You should not be convicted of a drug offense simply because you were arrested or are a suspect in a criminal investigation. Just because drugs were discovered on your property or on your person does not mean you will be charged with drug possession or a related offense in criminal court.
A lawyer can build an effective defense against criminal charges involving any type of controlled substance, narcotic, or prescription drug in a variety of ways. To determine the best strategy, it is necessary to conduct an individualized and thorough investigation of the charges from every angle. To learn more about how our skilled counsel can help you, call our law offices or contact us online to schedule your confidential case review.
Your initial consultation with a Michigan drug crime attorney at the Law Offices is free, and we will be happy to address your concerns, answer your questions, and assist you in making the best decision about your case and future.
Information on Drug Offenses
This website provides basic information about the various types of drug crimes, our services in this regard, potential defenses to drug charges, and how an experienced lawyer can help you. Click on any of the links below to learn more about a specific topic; you will be directed to a page dedicated to that subject:
Drug Cultivation
What is the definition of drug cultivation? Illegal drugs like marijuana can be grown, which can lead to drug cultivation charges. Despite the fact that medical marijuana is legal in Michigan, it remains illegal under federal law. If convicted, you could face years in state prison as well as felony charges on your permanent criminal record. Please contact our team as soon as possible if you have been charged with drug cultivation.
Drug Distribution
In Michigan, drug distribution is a felony offense. Those accused of drug distribution may face steep fines as well as years in state prison. If you were accused of distributing drugs near a school or distributing drugs to minors, your penalties could be increased. Whatever your situation, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. Having an experienced attorney on your side could make or break the outcome of your case.
Drug Manufacturing
Were you charged with drug manufacturing? Making illegal substances is defined as drug manufacturing. In Michigan, this is a felony offense with serious consequences. You should contact our team as soon as possible if you have been accused of manufacturing heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, or ecstasy. We will do everything possible to have your charges dropped or your case dismissed.
Drug Possession
Possession is one of the most common drug crime charges. You could be charged and convicted of drug possession if you are found with illegal controlled substances on your person or on your property. In these cases, it is critical to have a strong legal advocate on your side to ensure that you are not convicted. You could be charged with possession with intent to sell if you are found to have more drugs in your possession than would be used for personal use.
Drug Trafficking
One of the most serious drug charges is drug trafficking. Drug trafficking is a federal offense because it usually involves crossing state lines or country borders. Having said that, the person facing the charges will face the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Because the penalties include years in prison and large fines, it is critical that you contact our office as soon as possible.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud is one type of drug offense that has been on the rise in recent years. Common drugs abused in this manner include oxycodone, meperidine, diazepam, and methylphenidate. Please contact our team as soon as possible if you have been accused of doctor shopping, prescription forgery, or theft. Prescription fraud offenses can be as serious as other types of drug offenses.
Medical Marijuana
Michigan has made medical marijuana legal. What makes these cases so complicated is that marijuana remains illegal under federal law. If you have been charged with a medical marijuana offense, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices. You can rest easy knowing that you have a strong legal advocate fighting for you.
Possession With Intent
With one exception: the amount. Possession with intent to sell is similar to drug possession charges. When a person is found with more than a certain number of drugs in their possession, the law assumes that they intend to sell the drugs because the amount is greater than what would be used for one person. This could be a felony offense, so you should have a lawyer looking out for your best interests.
Alternative Sentencing
People accused of a crime may be able to seek alternative sentencing. Instead of serving time in prison, you may be able to use deferred sentencing, a rehabilitation program, probation, or community service in Michigan. Those accused of nonviolent crimes (such as drug crimes) for the first or second time are more likely to qualify for alternative sentencing.
Search and Seizure
Illegal search and seizure refer to unlawful police behavior in which evidence is retained outside of the legal boundaries. If they did not have the legal authority to arrest you, search your property, or search your person, any evidence they believe they have against you may be suppressed in court. Allow our team to look into your case so we can start challenging the evidence against you.
Contact a Michigan drug lawyer right away!
Our goal in handling these cases is to provide the necessary combination of aggressive defense counsel and one-on-one client service to provide our clients with peace of mind as we fight for the best possible outcome in their individual drug crime case. In addition to discussing your case with a knowledgeable attorney at our offices, we invite you to review the information on this website to gain a better understanding of what you may be up against and how we can assist.
The attorneys have over 30 years of combined legal experience, which they can apply to your criminal case. Whatever charges you are currently facing, our team understands that they necessitate immediate and aggressive legal action. We will do everything we can to help you understand your rights, the charges against you, and the best defense strategy to use when defending your case. We take each case seriously and treat every client with respect. Your rights and future are our top priorities. Individuals interested in the legal services of our aggressive defense litigators can also schedule a free consultation with our law firm. If you are facing criminal charges for possession, trafficking, distribution, or cultivation, do not hesitate to contact our firm. Contact a Michigan drug crime attorney right away!
Michigan Drug Laws
The following Michigan Drug Laws are classified under “Schedules (I-V)” as penalties increase depending upon the type of Schedule conviction, with Schedule I offenses carrying the most severe penalties and Schedule V offenses the least severe penalties:
Schedule I Substances: Michigan Code MCL 333.7211 & MCL 333.7212:
Schedule I drugs include those that have a high potential for abuse and serve no legitimate medical purpose. If you have been arrested or charged with a Schedule I Substance offense, call Drug Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer for a free case evaluation. Examples of drugs included under the Schedule I heading:
Schedule II Substances: Michigan Code MCL 333.7213 & MCL 333.7214
Schedule II substances often have a high potential for abuse and addiction. While some of these types of drugs are often considered highly regulated “prescription drugs” for medical use, possession of these substances without an authorized prescription can result in strict penalties. If you have been arrested or charged with a Schedule II Substance offense, Examples include:
- Cocaine
- Opium
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamines
Schedule III Substances: Michigan Code MCL 333.7215 & MCL 333.7216
Scheduled III drugs have a lower risk of dependency than those included in schedules I and II. However, the risk is still considered moderate. These drugs also have accepted medical uses. If you have been arrested or charged with a Schedule II Substance offense, call Drug Crimes Criminal Defense Lawyer Kevin Bessant for a free case evaluation Click Here To Call Us NOW!. Examples of Schedule III Substances include:
- Ketamine (anabolic steroids)
- Morphine (lower potency)
- Hydrocodone with aspirin or acetaminophen
Schedule IV Substances: Michigan Code MCL 333.7217 & MCL 333.7218
These drugs have a low risk of abuse and limited addictive tendencies. If you have been arrested or charged with a Schedule IV Substance offense, Examples of Schedule IV Substances Include:
- Cold medicine with ephedrine
- Cough syrups with Codeine
Schedule V Substances: Michigan Code MCL 333.7129 & MCL 333.7220
Substances in this category have a very low risk of abuse, but the potential still exists. If you have been arrested or charged with a Schedule IV Substance offense. Many of these substances can be obtained over the counter, including:
- Cold medicine with ephedrine
- Cough syrups with Codeine