Attorney for Possession of Drug Offense

Possession of Drug Charges and Penalties

Best Chance Outcome for Possession of Drug Offense – Don’t Delay Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Although Possession of Some Drugs Constitutes a Felony, a Talented Defense Lawyer Might be Able to Get Charges Dismissed

Police and prosecutors routinely charge people with offenses for possession of drugs in the State of Michigan. Most judges fail to understand the value of rehabilitation and focus too heavily on punishment. Because of the aggressive way possession offenses are handled in the courts, hiring a reputable, experienced drug crime defense attorney should be of paramount importance. Frankly, you simply can’t afford not to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney for these types of charges because the consequences of a conviction can impact every part of your life.

Misdemeanor and felony drug charges can have severe consequences, including jail, loss of your driver’s license, years of probation, loss of your firearms rights, and steep fines. Your freedom is at risk, and you should have a highly skilled drug crime attorney to protect and defend you as you face these charges. With the understanding that this may be one of the most frightening and stress-inducing periods of your life, the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. work closely with each client to defend their liberty and fight for dismissals, lesser charges, and lenient, nonpunitive sentences.

Consequences for Drug Possession Offense Charges

Drug possession charges are taken seriously in Michigan. The severity of your punishment may depend on the type of drug and its weight. Michigan law separates drugs into five different schedules based on how addictive the drugs are and the government’s view of each chemical’s medicinal purposes. Schedule I being the most addictive with little to no legitimate medical purpose, and Schedule V is the least addictive with some medical purpose. Despite the proven health benefits, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug.

Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, GHB (date rape drug), hallucinogenic mushrooms
Schedule II: Cocaine, opium, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, methamphetamine
Schedule III: Ketamine (anabolic steroids, morphine, hydrocodone with the aspirin or acetaminophen
Schedule IV: Valium, Rohypnol, Xanax
Schedule V: cold medicine with ephedrine, cough syrups with coding

Possession of Drugs Penalties

If you have in your possession drugs from Michigan Schedule I or II controlled substance, you may be subject to the following:

Between 25 – 50 grams (felony): Up to 4 years of prison time and up to $25,000 in fines.
Between 50 – 450 grams (felony): Up to 20 years of prison and up to $250,000 in fines.
Between 450 – 1000 grams (felony): Up to 30 years of prison and up to $500,000 in fines.
Over 1,000 grams (felony): Life imprisonment and up to $1,000,000 in fines.

Additionally, depending on the circumstances, possession of ecstasy or methamphetamines, in any amount, can result in jail time of up to 10 years and up to $15,000 in fines. Possessing drugs or controlled substances in any form in a public or private park could put you behind bars for up to 2 years. Additional prohibited locations, such as schools, churches, or businesses, could also result in enhanced sentences.

Call us today if you are facing possession of drug charges for any illicit narcotic. The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. have successfully defended clients charged with possession of all types of drugs and controlled substances for decades. Regardless of the details of your case, we stand ready and able to represent you in a court of law and do whatever it takes to protect you and your rights.

Facing a possession of drugs charge is frightening and potentially life-altering. Our legal team frequently wins dismissals and obtains minimal sentences on behalf of our clients. We work tirelessly to defend our clients and are not afraid to win!