Drug Possession

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Get a Strong Drug Possession Defense

If you’re facing a drug possession charge, it’s important to know Michigan’s drug possession laws because every drug possession crime carries a maximum penalty. In some cases, that penalty is four years in jail. Michigan prosecutors take possession of a controlled substance and drug possession charges very seriously.

You don’t have to face those charges alone.

With nearly 30 years of experience, we have only rarely seen a drug possession case get the maximum sentence. Even so, the penalties for a drug possession conviction can be very serious and you should not take criminal drug possession charges lightly.

Common Ways to Get Caught

One of the most common ways for someone to get caught with drugs in their possession is through a routine traffic stop because:

They either violated traffic laws
They are in a known area for drug trafficking
Other reason for probable cause

When police initiate contact during a routine traffic stop they may become aware of the possession of drugs or usage of drugs through someone in the car, whether legally or not.

Another common way to have a drug possession charge is through someone tipping off the police, either through a confidential informant or through other means. A search warrant can be attained in some of these cases.

Avoid These Mistakes

Rule #1 when in police custody is not to talk too much – especially without a lawyer present. There are many tactics police use to gain trust or scare people – including giving someone the assumption that the police have more information than they really do. Anything said can be used against someone in a court of law, so the best idea is to not say anything as early as possible.

Fleeing or evading police is another grave mistake because it opens a person up to other potential charges.

Representing yourself is one of the largest mistakes a person can make. Hire a knowledgeable and experienced drug crimes lawyer who can help you navigate and give you the best possible defense. Call us at (248) 266-8720 or send us an e-mail.

Penalties with a Drug Possession Charge

The immediate penalty for a drug possession conviction may be as minor as a fine and probation. However, consider the other consequences of a drug possession conviction. The following consequences apply to any drug possession conviction, even a first offense:

The federal government can deny you student financial aid and federal housing assistance like Section 8.
Potential employers will see the conviction on your criminal record if they do a background check.
Any future drug crimes conviction will carry more serious penalties.
Canada can deny you entry at the border.

Get a Strong Drug Possession Defense

The Schwartz Law Group believes that every individual deserves an aggressive, intelligent defense. Clients of our office work directly with veteran criminal defense lawyer Steven L. Schwartz, an AV-rated* attorney who has been a Michigan criminal defense lawyer for over 20 years.

We work with clients accused of possession of any type of illegal drug or controlled substance:

Marijuana possession
Ecstasy possession
Possession of crystal meth
Possession of heroin
Possession of crack cocaine
Illegal possession of prescription drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin or Percocet

If you are a first-time offender, we may be able to get you a deferred sentence under Michigan’s MCL 333.7411 law. If the judge in your case agrees, you can go on probation instead of receiving a conviction. If you complete the probation according to the terms, then the charges against you are dismissed and stay off your criminal record.

Fight Back Against a Drug Possession Arrest
Depending on the quantity seized, the police or prosecutor may try to prosecute you for conspiracy to deliver drugs, possession with intent to sell, or possession with intent to deliver. Those charges carry even harsher penalties.

Get help as soon as possible from a dedicated and knowledgeable Birmingham drug possession defense lawyer. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

* CV, BV, and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.