If you’ve been charged with a drug offense in Michigan, you could be facing hefty fines and—potentially—prison time. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you could be facing deportation. Hiring the right Lansing drug crimes lawyer is crucial in protecting your freedom and future.
When you work with an experienced attorney, they will gather evidence and work hard to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. So, it’s best that you get an experienced drug charges lawyer on your side to defend your rights and build a strong defense on your behalf.
The consequences of a drug crimes conviction in Michigan
Michigan controlled substance laws are complex. Penalties for drug convictions will depend on the amount and type of drug. Drugs are classified into five schedules.
Drug schedules
- Schedule 1: Heroin, BZP, ecstasy, LSD
- Schedule 2: Codeine, morphine, cocaine, fentanyl, oxycodone
- Schedule 3: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, benzphetamine
- Schedule 4: Diazepam, phenobarbital, lorazepam
- Schedule 5: Cough syrup, cold medicine, loperamide
Penalties for sale or possession of schedule 1 or 2 narcotics and cocaine
- Less than 50g: Up to $25,000 in fines and/or 20 years in prison
- 50-450g: Up to $250,000 in fines and/or 20 years in prison
- 450-1,000g: Up to $500,000 in fines and/or 30 years in prison
- Schedule 4: Diazepam, phenobarbital, lorazepam
- A kilo or more: Up to $1 million in fines and/or life in prison
Penalties for sale or possession of methamphetamine and ecstasy
- Illegal possession: up to $15,000 in fines and/or 10 years in prison
- Illegal sale: Up to $25,000 in fines and/or 20 years in prison
Penalties for possession of schedule 5 substances, peyote, lsd, or psychedelic mushrooms
- Up to $2,000 in fines and/or one year in jail
Other drug penalties
- The illegal sale of other schedule 1, 2, or 3 drugs (excluding marijuana) can result in fines of up to $10,000 and/or seven years in jail.
- Illegal possession of other schedule 1, 2, 3, or 4 drugs can result in fines of up to $2,000 and/or two years in prison.
Aggravating factors that can enhance drug penalties
Aggravating factors can enhance drug penalties in Michigan, such as:
- Committing the crime in a public or private park: You can be guilty of a separate crime punishable by up to two years in prison if the crime took place within 1,000 feet of a public or private park.
- Delivering a controlled substance to a minor: Penalties may be doubled. In addition, a mandatory minimum of one year will be imposed if it’s cocaine or a schedule 1 or 2 narcotic.
- Repeat offenses: Prior drug convictions can double the sentence.
- Committing the crime near a school property or library: A mandatory sentence of at least two years in prison applies if the crime takes place within 1,000 feet of a library or school. Other enhanced penalties will also apply.
I founded Coontz Law with the mindset that everyone deserves high-quality legal representation that is both compassionate and aggressive. I take an analytical approach and offer fresh, creative perspectives on criminal defense strategies.
How a Lansing drug crimes lawyer can strengthen your case
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Michigan, it’s important to consult an experienced lawyer immediately. A drug charges lawyer may help strengthen your case in many ways, such as:
- Negotiating lower charges. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may be able to negotiate and lower felony charges to misdemeanor charges. Lower charges can mean lower penalties and fines.
- Keeping your record clean. There’s a Michigan statute—MCL 333.7411 (typically just referred to as “7411”)—that allows certain drug offenses to become nonpublic. If the person successfully completes 7411 probation, then they’ll have the entire case dismissed!
- Building a solid defense. Maybe the officer found the drugs through an unlawful search and seizure. Those are our favorite cases, and we love challenging the cops when they violate the Constitution! Entrapment, chain of custody issues, and other defenses can also be used to help achieve a better outcome in your case.
- A drug crime conviction can turn your life upside down. Don’t leave your future to chance. An experienced drug crimes attorney with a track record of success will help protect your rights and build a defense to help achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out to schedule a free case review with a Lansing drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible.
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“text”: “Depending on the circumstances, expungement may be possible. In Michigan, adult criminal convictions may be expunged or removed if:
They aren’t federal convictions.
The conviction wasn’t a felony or an attempted felony with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
It has been more than five years since the date of the conviction, your release from jail/prison, your discharge from parole, or your completion of probation, whichever came more recently. The time period is seven years if you’re looking to have multiple felonies expunged.
You don’t have any pending criminal charges.
You haven’t had any new convictions in the relevant time period.
An experienced Lansing criminal defense attorney can help you determine whether your conviction is eligible for expungement and walk you through the process.”
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“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How Can a Drug Conviction Affect My Life?”,
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“text”: “A drug conviction can affect your life in many ways. You may lose your freedom, but you may also face:
Hefty fines
Difficulty finding employment
Strained relationships with family members and friends
In Michigan, convictions on drug charges also result in automatic license suspension, even if you weren’t operating a vehicle at the time of the arrest. The length of the suspension depends on whether or not this is your first time being convicted of a drug-related crime.
First-time offense: If you have no previous convictions, you may lose your license for six months. After 30 days, you may be eligible for a restricted license.
Prior convictions: If you have prior convictions within the last seven years, you may lose your license for 12 months.
Reinstating your license can be a costly and time-consuming process.”
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