Drug Charges Attorneys in Detroit, Michigan

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), more than 1.1 million arrests were made for drug law violations in the United States in 2020. In the state of Michigan, a person may be arrested and charged for the illegal possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances.

Drug charges in Michigan are serious and can jeopardize your quality of life, liberty, personal reputation, eligibility for government assistance, and professional and future opportunities. With your freedom and future at risk, it is natural for you to feel scared and overwhelmed.

If you’re facing drug crime charges or if you’re under investigation for violating a drug law, retaining an aggressive and highly-skilled Michigan criminal defense attorney is imperative to build your defense. At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we have the diligence, resources, and expertise to defend and represent clients arrested and charged with drug possession or distribution.

Our skilled legal team can investigate every aspect of your unique situation and strategize an effective defense in pursuit of the most favorable outcome in your case. Detroit Legal Group PLLC proudly represents clients across Detroit, Michigan, and the surrounding areas of Southfield, Dearborn, and Warren.

Federal Drug Crimes

Both state and federal statutes prohibit the unlawful possession, sale, manufacture, and distribution of drugs or controlled substances. However, a drug crime will become a federal offense when:

• An undercover federal agent apprehended the offender.

• The drug crime crossed between state lines (such as drug distribution or trafficking).

• The defendant was arrested while committing the drug crime on a federal area or property.

• The drug offense involved other criminal acts, such as gang-related activity or money laundering.

• The drug crime is very serious and must be punished harshly.

A skilled drug crimes attorney can review the surrounding facts of your case and enlighten you about the severity and nature of your drug charges.

Drug Charges in Michigan

Here are some common drug charges in the state of Michigan:

Drug Possession

According to Michigan law – Michigan Public Health Code, Section 333.7403 – it is illegal for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance, a controlled substance analog, or a prescription form without a valid prescription.

Drug Distribution/Manufacturing

Under Michigan law – Michigan Public Health Code 333.7401 – it is unlawful for a person to manufacture, create, sell, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture, create, sell, or deliver a controlled substance or a prescription form.

If you or someone you know has recently been arrested and charged with a drug law violation, you need to reach out to a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney right away. Your legal counsel can fight vigorously to defend your rights and refute the charges against you with overwhelming evidence.

Drug Schedules in Michigan

In Michigan, controlled substances are categorized into five “schedules,” including:

Schedule I: These are substances with a high potential for abuse and have no known medical purpose. Examples include heroin, peyote, marijuana, psilocybin, GHB, and hallucinogens (LSD).

Schedule II: These are drugs with a high potential for abuse but limited restrictions for medical uses. Examples include opium, cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone.

Schedule III: These drugs have a moderate potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II substances. They are strictly restricted for medical use. Examples include Ketamine, anabolic steroids, and codeine.

Schedule IV: These substances have a lower risk for abuse compared to Schedule III drugs. They are allowed for medical uses. Examples include stimulants and depressants, such as Xanax, Rohypnol, and Valium.

Schedule V: These are substances with a very low potential for abuse. They are permissible for medical purposes and can be obtained over the counter. Examples include cough syrups with codeine, Lomotil, cold medicines, and medicine with ephedrine.

However, the severity of your penalties will depend on the quantity of drugs involved, the type or schedule classification of substance, and other surrounding circumstances.

Possible Penalties of a Conviction

The implications of a drug charge in Michigan can be far-reaching. Depending on the surrounding circumstances, a drug crime conviction could possibly result in any of the following penalties and consequences:

• Hefty fines

• Prison sentences (ranging from months, years, or decades)

• A criminal record/history

• Probation

• Mandatory drug treatment classes

• Increased difficulty in getting public benefits or government assistance

• Increased difficulty in securing a job, housing, scholarship, or educational opportunities

• Inability to carry, own or possess firearms

• Loss of voting rights

• Ineligibility for some financial loans

• Increased difficulty traveling to other countries

• Possible deportation or inadmissibility to the United States

An experienced Michigan drug charges defense attorney can help strategize a strong defense to avoid the devastating penalties and consequences of a criminal conviction.

Work With Experienced
Criminal Defense Attorneys

Defending your drug charges without experienced representation could expose you to the risks of getting convicted or ending up in the worst-case scenario. If convicted, you could face devastating punishment, including massive fines, a lengthy prison sentence, a criminal record, and other life-changing ramifications. Therefore, when facing drug charges, it is paramount that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to build your defense strategy.

At Detroit Legal Group PLLC, we are dedicated to providing skilled legal guidance and protecting individuals facing drug charges in Michigan from the worst possible punishments. As your attorney, we can evaluate every aspect of your case carefully and craft a strong defense strategy to help fight your drug charges. Using our in-depth knowledge, we will help you navigate the Michigan criminal justice system.