Drug Crimes
Michigan Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
Drug crimes in Michigan carry some of the toughest penalties in the state, including long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, probation, and lifelong consequences for your career, reputation, and record. Whether you are accused of simple possession or a serious trafficking offense, the prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. As a former prosecutor, our attorney knows exactly how drug cases are built—and how to attack the weaknesses in the evidence, the search, and the police investigation.
We defend clients facing all levels of drug charges throughout Metro Detroit and Michigan.
Overview of Michigan Drug Laws
Michigan’s drug laws cover controlled substances such as narcotics, stimulants, opioids, hallucinogens, prescription medications, and synthetic drugs. Charges may be filed as misdemeanors or felonies depending on:
- Type of drug
- Weight or quantity
- Possession vs. distribution
- Whether minors or weapons were involved
- Prior convictions
- Federal involvement
Even a minor drug charge can carry severe consequences without the right defense.
Schedule of Controlled Substances in Michigan
Michigan categorizes drugs into five schedules based on potential for abuse and accepted medical use:
- Schedule 1: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy, hallucinogens (highest potential for abuse; no accepted medical use)
- Schedule 2: Cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, morphine
- Schedule 3: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, some prescription medications
- Schedule 4: Xanax, Valium, Ativan
- Schedule 5: Lower-strength prescription drugs with limited quantities of codeine
The drug’s schedule plays a major role in determining the potential penalties.
Drug Possession
Drug Distribution / Trafficking
Drug Manufacturing
Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID)
Prescription Fraud
Marijuana Charges
Cocaine Charges
Heroin Charges
Methamphetamine Charges
Fentanyl Charges
Penalties for Michigan Drug Crimes
Penalties depend on the type of drug, its schedule, and the amount involved. Possible consequences include:
- Misdemeanor or felony convictions
- Jail or prison sentences
- Large fines
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation or parole
- Mandatory drug treatment
- Immigration consequences
- Asset forfeiture
- A permanent criminal record
Felony drug cases can carry decades in prison, especially for manufacturing or trafficking.
Federal vs. State Drug Charges
You may face federal charges if:
- The case involves interstate activity
- Large quantities of drugs are seized
- Firearms were present
- The DEA, FBI, or Homeland Security becomes involved
- The case involves fentanyl, meth, or heroin networks
Federal drug cases are extremely serious and require a defense attorney experienced in federal courts.
Defense Strategies
Common defense approaches include:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Invalid traffic stop
- Lack of probable cause
- Problems with the search warrant
- Lab testing errors or contamination
- Drugs belonging to someone else
- Entrapment in undercover operations
- Constitutional violations
- Chain of custody issues
- Addiction treatment alternatives
Every case is different—your defense is tailored to the facts, the evidence, and your goals.
Drug Court Options
Michigan offers specialized drug courts that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. If eligible, you may avoid jail and even keep a conviction off your record by completing treatment, testing, and court supervision.
Drug court may be an option for first-time offenders and individuals struggling with addiction.
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