What Should I Do When Facing Drug Possession Charges in Michigan?

Any drug crime is a serious offense in the state of Michigan, often being met with severe consequences like hefty fines, lengthy jail sentences, probation, and more. When you are facing drug possession charges, understanding your legal rights and options is paramount in protecting yourself and your future. Reach out to an experienced Marquette drug possession lawyer to discuss your case and obtain skilled representation today.

What is the Crime of Drug Possession?

Under Section 333.7403, Michigan state law prohibits any person to “knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance, a controlled substance analogue, or a prescription form unless the controlled substance, controlled substance analogue, or prescription form was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice…”

In simple terms, no person is permitted to willfully possess a controlled drug or a chemically similar substance unless a practicing doctor allows it in a professional and valid medical capacity.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in MI?

The penalties for drug possession will vary depending on the type of illegal substance in your possession as well as the amount that you are caught with. In general, the standard sentencing guidelines for possession of a Schedule I or II narcotic drug are as follows.

• 1,000 grams or more: Imprisonment up to a life sentence and fines of up to $1,000,000
• 450 to 1,000 grams: Imprisonment of up to 30 years and fines of up to $500,000
• 50 to 450 grams: Imprisonment of up to 20 years and fines of up to $250,000
• 25 to 50 grams: Imprisonment of up to 4 years and fines of up to $25,000
• Less than 25 grams: Imprisonment of up to 4 years and fines of up to $25,000

What Should I Do When Facing Drug Possession Charges in MI?

The most important thing you can do when facing drug possession charges in any state is to contact a criminal defense attorney. You have the right to legal counsel at any point of an investigation or arrest and it is crucial that you exercise this right. It is easy to slip up and say something incriminating, especially if you are nervous or are being questioned in a distressing environment. By asking for a lawyer you can avoid this fate as they will advise you on what to say versus what not to say.

Your lawyer will also be able to skillfully evaluate the case against you to determine what your best option will be. They may be able to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and get it suppressed or even get the entire case thrown out. Depending on the evidence against you they may advise you to take a plea deal where you plead guilty but are given reduced charges or a lesser sentence in exchange.

If your attorney believes that the evidence the prosecution has against you does not outweigh the information they have to shed doubt on your guilt, they may also suggest a variety of potential defensive strategies that can help you win the case. Reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights and potential defensive options today.