Drug Charges in Metro-Detroit

If you are facing drug charges t a drug-related crime in the Detroit Metro area, then you know that significant penalties await you if you’re convicted. Thankfully, you have the chance to fight your charges. A drug attorney in metro-Detroit can help you battle the prosecution in court.

When you’re caught by the police with drugs in your possession, assumptions may be made about your intentions. Unfortunately, the police likely won’t give you time to explain yourself when illegal substances are present. Even if you weren’t using the drugs or the drugs weren’t yours, you may get charged with a drug-related crime. 

At the Schwartz Law Group, we understand that there’s more to the story than the drug crime you’ve been charged with. When you approach us with your case, we’ll listen to your explanation and use the details from your arrest to form a strong criminal defense. Having a Detroit drug lawyer from our team support you in court can be the key to getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

Drug Crimes You May Get Charged with in Detroit

The state of Michigan outlines various drug crimes you can commit. There are also levels of controlled substances, and your drug crime will be more severe when the drug crime you commit involves a more dangerous substance.

Drug crimes you can get charged with in Detroit include drug possession, drug possession with the intent to sell, drug distribution, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing. Controlled substances are assigned schedules ranging from I to V, with schedule I drugs being drugs with the highest potential for abuse.

Schedule I substances include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote. Marijuana, however, is punished less severely than other schedule I substances. Some schedule II substances include Vicodin, cocaine, methamphetamine, Dilaudid, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, and Ritalin.

Some schedule III substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone. Some schedule IV substances include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien. Schedule V substances include cough syrups with less than 200 milligrams of codeine.

Penalties for Detroit Drug Crimes

Unlike other schedule I controlled substances, if you’re convicted for possession of marijuana, you’ll receive a misdemeanor on your record, up to one year in jail, and up to $2,000 in fines. If you’re found in possession of another controlled schedule I or II substance, however, you can be charged with a more severe felony. 

Drug possession of less than 25 grams of a controlled I or II substance, for example, will result in a felony charge with up to four years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Possession of more than 450 grams of a controlled I or II substance will result in a felony charge with up to thirty years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines.

Understanding the Lasting Effects of a Detroit Drug Conviction

Regardless of the drug crime you’re charged with, a conviction can lead to decades in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if you don’t prepare a strong defense for court. 

Even once you’ve paid your debt to society, you’ll be labeled as a convict forever. You may have trouble getting a job and finding housing in Detroit. When you have a felony on your record, it also becomes harder for others to forgive you. 

How to Fight a Drug Charges in Metro-Detroit

You may feel like fighting your Detroit drug charge is hopeless, but when you have an experienced legal team by your side, there’s always a chance to make your situation better. A drug lawyer in Detroit can use defense strategies such as challenging the mismanagement or mishandling of evidence used against you.

Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney about Drug Charges

It’s not a desirable situation to be on the defending side of a criminal trial. Although you may feel nervous for what the future holds, it’s better to fight for the hope of a reduction or dismissal of charges than to accept a conviction as your fate. If you accept a conviction without a fight, you must face the maximum penalty and the lasting effects of a criminal conviction on your record. 

At the Schwartz Law Group, we’re ready to give you the fair trail you deserve. We believe everyone needs a second chance and we’ll fight hard to negotiate on your behalf, combat any arguments the prosecution presents, and convince the judge and jury why mercy is necessary. We take cases from Detroit and Metro Detroit including Westland, Southgate, Allen Park, Warren, Ferndale, Troy, Novi, and more.  

If you’re ready to speak with a lawyer from our team about drug charges you’re facing, call 248-930-5019 or fill out the contact form below.