Drug Crimes

Drug Violations

FELONY, MISDEMEANOR DRUG CHARGES IN MICHIGAN CAN HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES - DON'T WAIT TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE

If you are convicted of a drug offense in Michigan, you could easily find yourself fined thousands of dollars and/or be sentenced to jail for several months or years. When so much is at stake, you need a highly skilled defense attorney guiding you.

Attorneys Matthew Berry and Denise Standard have dedicated their careers to helping people deal with all types of serious charges throughout West Michigan. They work tirelessly on every single case because they realize that a drug conviction can turn a person’s life upside-down.

Don’t wait to contact us. A delay could affect the outcome of your case. We can help you if you have been charged with drug possession, marijuana charges or other drug charges in Michigan.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR A DRUG CHARGE CONVICTION IN MICHIGAN?

Drug crimes in Michigan are punished according to various state and federal laws. Convictions for drug crimes are also divided into two major categories:

  • Felony Drug Crimes
  • Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

The difference between a felony and misdemeanor charge can be dramatic. Some of the consequences for various drug convictions in Michigan include:

Marijuana Charges
  • Possession – Up to one year in jail and up to $2,000 in fines
  • Distribution – Up to 4 years in jail and up to $20,000 in fines (for up to 5 kilograms or 20 marijuana plants. Penalties increasingly severe for more than 5 kilograms)
Prescription Drug Charges
  • Possession – Penalties vary. Up to 4 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines for possession of up to 25 grams of drugs classified as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. Click on the following links to find a complete list of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 drugs in Michigan.
  • Distribution – Penalties vary. Up to 40 years in jail and up to $250,000 in fines for sale of controlled substance
Methamphetamine Charges
  • Possession – Up to 10 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines (depending on the amount of methamphetamine in your possession at the time of the arrest). Possession of this drug is a felony offense
  • Distribution – Up to 20 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
Cocaine/ Crack Cocaine Charges
  • Possession – The penalty depends on the amount of cocaine in your possession at the time of the arrest:
    • 49 grams or less: Up to four years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines.
    • 50 grams to 449 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
    • 450 grams to 999 grams: Up to 30 years in prison and/or up to $500,000 in fines.
    • 1,000 grams or more: Up to life in prison and/or up to $1 million in fines.
  • Distribution – Up to 20 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines
    • 49 grams or less: Up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines.
    • 50 grams to 449 grams: Up to 20 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.
    • 450 grams to 999 grams: Up to 30 years in prison and/or up to $500,000 in fines.
    • 1,000 grams or more:  Up to life in prison and/or up to $1 million in fines2
Heroin Charges
  • Possession – Up to 4 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines (for less than 50 grams of heroin. Penalties more severe for possession of more than 50 grams of heroin)
  • Distribution – Up to 20 years in jail and up to $25,000 in fines (same rules apply as possession of heroin charges listed above)

Both attorneys are natives of Grand Rapids. We know the area. We will aggressively fight to provide you with a strong legal defense. This often includes carefully reviewing your arrest report to make sure the officer followed the correct procedures, consulting with experts and filing the necessary paperwork with prosecutors, courts, and other legal entities.

Felony Drug Crimes

In general, most felony convictions for drug crimes result in prison sentence of one year or more. You could also lose certain rights if you are convicted of felony, including the right to vote while you’re in jail and the right to own a firearm for 3-5 years after your prison sentence. And even then, a licensing board must approve your right to own a gun in certain cases.

Felony convictions are divided into eight categories. Class A Felony is the most serious charge and has a maximum prison sentence of life in prison. Class H Felony has the shortest prison sentence (often one year) and may simply result in probation in some cases.

The sale of illegal drugs and drug trafficking is classified as a felony in Michigan. Possession of certain illegal drugs is also a felony. These drugs include:

  • Heroin
  • Cocaine
  • Illegal prescription drugs

The possession of marijuana and other illegal drugs can also be classified as felony if you have a large enough quantity of the drug.

Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

Misdemeanor charges in Michigan have a maximum jail term of one year or less. The fine for most misdemeanor charges is also often less than $1,000. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor drug crime, you could have trouble getting certain jobs and encounter other complications due to having a criminal record. A non-citizen convicted of a misdemeanor could be deported or denied citizenship or naturalization.

In most cases, misdemeanor charges involve smaller amounts of illegal drugs. But a conviction on a misdemeanor drug charge can have serious consequences. We can walk you through all your legal options

Gun/Firearm Charges

Have you or someone you know been arrested for a gun charge? It is important to obtain a skilled attorney right away. The consequences of being convicted of gun charges go beyond jail, probation, and court fines. Some gun charges carry mandatory prison sentences while others restrict your future right to own or possess a gun. 

Some common gun charges are:

  •   Felony Firearm

  •   Felon in possession of a firearm

  •   Carrying a concealed weapon without a license (CCW)

  •   Possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony (felony firearm)

  •   Unlawful discharge of a firearm — for example, from a car or at a dwelling

  •   Carrying a weapon (such as a gun or knife) with the intent to commit a crime

  •   Brandishing a firearm in public

Call the attorneys at Standard & Berry today for your free consultation! Let us work to ensure your rights are protected.