Detroit Drug Crime Lawyer

Detroit Drug Crime Attorney

Criminal drug charges of any degree can have a lasting impact on your future. From monetary fines to jail time to employment opportunities and more, the repercussions of a felony drug conviction are severe and carry the potential of following you for the rest of your life. This is why it is essential that you consult with an experienced Detroit drug crime lawyer to protect your rights throughout the legal process.

At the Law Offices of David I. Lee, P.C., we understand the stigma that people accused of criminal offenses face and we fight to ensure that your rights are protected. Our team prides itself on our decades of proven experience battling back against aggressive litigation and treating each and every case with the compassion and diligence that it deserves.

What Activities Are Subject to Criminal Drug Charges in Michigan?

There is a wide range of activities that can be subject to varying degrees of drug charges in Detroit, Michigan. Here are the most common activities subject to drug charges:

• Possession: Illicit drugs do not have to be directly in your physical possession to qualify as drug possession. Any substances in your home, vehicle, or property within your control can be subject to a possession charge by the authorities.
• Usage: Being caught in the act of consuming an illegal substance by the authorities can result in monetary fines and jail time. Using illegal drugs in certain areas can factor into a drug charge as well, such as consuming marijuana while driving or on federal property, even though it is legal for recreational use in other places.
• Delivery and Manufacture: The penalties for the intent to sell, deliver, and manufacture drugs are typically the most severe. Depending on the type of drug and the overall amount, these cases generally carry the steepest sentences.
• Possession of Paraphernalia: In Michigan, possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor crime and is treated similarly to drug usage since the presence of paraphernalia suggests previous or intended consumption.
• Prescription Fraud: The act of committing prescription fraud is one of the most serious drug offenses and can carry a potential prison sentence.

Regardless of which of the above activities you or a loved one has been charged with, it is imperative that you contact a trustworthy criminal defense attorney with direct experience handling criminal drug charge cases in Michigan. They can provide you with sound legal counsel and guide you through your options to secure the most favorable outcome possible.

Drug Classifications in Michigan

In Michigan, drugs are classified into five separate categories, called schedules, based on certain elements such as the accepted medical use of the drug and its likelihood of abuse. Here are the five drug classification schedules:

• Schedule I: The most severe drug classification is reserved for substances with no acceptable medical use and carry a high potential for abuse. These include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, and marijuana.
• Schedule II: Reserved for narcotics and stimulants that hold a high potential for abuse and can cause physical or psychological dependence. These include morphine, Dilaudid, Percocet, opium, OxyContin, codeine, and methamphetamine.
• Schedule III: These substances hold less potential for abuse but can still lead to low or moderate levels of dependence. These include Tylenol, Vicodin, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV: These drugs carry a low potential for abuse and include Valium, Klonopin, Halcion, and Xanax.
• Schedule V: The least severe classification includes certain substances that contain limited amounts of narcotics, such as cough syrups that contain codeine.

It is important to understand that the more severe the drug classification, the more severe the charges for drug-related crimes.

Defending Criminal Drug Charges in Michigan

A reputable and diligent criminal defense attorney pursues all possible legal avenues when constructing a defense case. Potential defense tactics combating felony drug charges can include illegal search and seizures, entrapment, planted drugs, an error made by law enforcement or the crime lab, and more, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. If any rights were violated or errors were made by law enforcement, you may be able to get the charges lessened or dismissed altogether.

FAQs

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Michigan?

In Michigan, first-time drug offenders can still go to jail, depending on the quantity of possession, drug classification, and overall severity of the charges. However, first-time drug possession charges can be sealed and dismissed from your record as long as they successfully complete the mandatory probation period under Michigan Legislation section 333.7411.

What Is the Penalty for Drug Possession in Michigan?

The penalties for drug possession in Michigan vary largely based on the classification of drugs, the amount of drugs in possession, if it is your first offense or you are a repeat offender, and whether or not you committed other crimes while in possession of the drugs.
A possession conviction of a large amount of a Schedule I substance like heroin or cocaine can lead to likely jail time in addition to fines, whereas convictions for lesser classified drugs in a small quantity can still lead to fines and a driver’s license suspension, but may be able to avoid jail time.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in Michigan?

There are several elements that factor into the total cost of a criminal defense lawyer in Michigan, including the overall severity of the case, the experience and reputation of the attorney, whether or not the case proceeds to trial, and the geographic location of the attorney. For example, a more experienced attorney in Detroit for a felony case is going to cost more than a misdemeanor case handled by a less experienced attorney.

How Long Is Drug Court in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, the Drug Court program consists of three separate phases: the stabilization phase, an intensive treatment phase, and a transition phase. The program can be completed in as quickly as 18 months but can vary depending on the progress of the individual participating in the program.

Consulting with a Reputable Detroit Drug Crime Lawyer

Whether you are a first-time offender or are facing a repeated offense, the severity of felony drug charges can be life-altering, making it paramount to contact a drug crime lawyer you can trust to ensure that your rights are upheld to the fullest extent of the law.

The Law Offices of David I. Lee, P.C., is committed to leveraging our decades of criminal defense experience to represent those faced with criminal drug charges. We are prepared to help you navigate the entire legal process and obtain the most favorable outcome possible for your unique case.

Give us a call today or fill out our online form to get started with a consultation.