Flint DUI Lawyer & OVI Attorney

Of all the states, Michigan has one of the harshest stances on drug crime. The penalties you’re facing will depend on the drug crime you’re charged with. Here are a few possible outcomes. The severity of your punishment may depend on whether you have a competent drug crime attorney.

The law around possession and intent to distribute can be found in Section 333.7401 and Section 333.7403. Here are a few possible penalties for drug crimes.

• Imprisonment, sometimes up to life in prison
• Fines up to millions of dollars
• Asset forfeiture
• Loss of federal financial aid for school
• Reduction in child custody and visitation
• Loss of immigration visa, denial of citizenship or deportation for non-citizens

Aside from the legal penalties, a drug conviction can have a major impact on your life. Here are a few of the things you might experience:

• Loss of job and trouble finding employment
• Loss of your driver’s license
• Difficulty finding housing
• Loss of professional license
• Inability to apply for certain jobs (e.g. nurse, teacher)

The impact of a drug conviction will be life changing. That’s why it is so important to have a successful, experienced drug defense lawyer in your corner.

How Bruce Leech Defends Against Drug Charges

There are several approaches to defending against drug charges. Here are a few strategies that an experienced drug attorney might be able to use:

• Proving that police obtained evidence illegally, performed an unlawful search, or illegally seized your property
• Proving that police arrested you without probable cause or performed illegal surveillance on you
• Proving that the substance in question was misidentified and wasn’t actually an illegal drug

In some cases, a plea deal might be the best way to obtain a lesser penalty. In these cases, Bruce will help you understand the arrangement and decide that best serves your interests.

Regardless of the approach, Bruce Leach will put his experience with drug laws to use to help either get your case dismissed or reduce your penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges

Michigan’s drug crime laws can be confusing, and its penalties are severe. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we hear from clients.

Will I got to jail for drugs in Michigan?

Not necessarily. Whether or not you serve jail time depends on the crime in question, the evidence against you and the situation of your arrest. Some cases can be dismissed if the evidence and the prosecution’s case is week. In other situations, you may be included in a deferred adjudication program, in which case you wouldn’t go to jail.

Should I choose a public defender or drug lawyer?

Public defenders work hard to get a good outcome for clients. However, public defenders typically handle many cases and don’t have the time or resources to mount the most effective defense for your drug charge. That’s why we recommend you choose a drug defense attorney like Bruce Leech.

Are drug charges a felony?

Usually drug charges that involve large amounts of drugs are felonies. These are charges like manufacture, sales, distribution or trafficking. There are other circumstances involved in deciding when a drug charge is a felony, including:

• Your prior criminal record
• Type of drugs involved in the offense
• Amount of drugs involved in the offense

Are drug charges a misdemeanor?

Use and possession of a controlled substance of some sort is often a misdemeanor in Michigan. If you’re convicted of a drug misdemeanor, you may face penalties such as probation, community service, or even one year in jail.

What makes drug charges federal?

Drug charges that involve the transport of drugs across state line can be federal drug charges. Being charged with a federal drug offense means that the potential penalties you would face with a conviction would be much more severe.

Can drug charges be dropped?

Yes, drug charges can be dropped. Usually, drug charges get dropped if the police did something wrong during the course of the arrest. For example, if they didn’t read you your Miranda rights or conducted an unlawful search.

Can drug charges be expunged?

It is possible, but difficult to get drug charges expunged (taken off your record and so not reported on a background check. Not every drug charge can be expunged, and the requirements are strict.

Do drug charges affect financial aid?

Public defenders work hard to get a good outcome for clients.

Get Help from an Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing drug charges, Bruce Leach can help. Michigan’s drug laws are strict and prosecutors are eager to throw the book at you. Get an experienced attorney in your corner so that you can have the best possible outcome. Call 810-275-8899 or contact us online to set up a consultation.