Michigan Drug Crime Lawyer

Michigan Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crimes of any kind can lead to consequences that can affect the rest of your life. Navigating the legal process after being charged with a drug-related offense can be complicated and confusing. This is especially true if you don’t have experienced and skilled legal help.

In these circumstances, it’s important to seek legal counsel from a trusted Michigan drug crime lawyer.If you’re in need of an attorney to help you with drug charges, look no further than Jeffrey Randa and Associates. Since 1993, our team has been representing clients facing all types of criminal charges and drug offenses throughout the greater Detroit area.

Our lawyers are familiar with Michigan’s drug laws and exactly how the local courts handle drug crimes. We will use our extensive experience and knowledge to provide you with an intelligent defense in order to get the best possible outcome in your case.

Drug Crimes in Michigan

Drug possession and delivery charges have always made up a large part of the court dockets in Michigan. This is true even though drug-related fatalities have been on a subtle downward trend over the last five years or so.

The opioid crisis remains a significant problem, with synthetic drugs like fentanyl leading the pack in overdose deaths. In 2023 a total of  17,558 people entered treatment for opioids in Michigan. Approximately 3,000 Michigan residents died from overdoses in 2022.

The prevalence of drug-related deaths contributes to the firm drug enforcement laws and policies.

Our job at Jeffrey Randa and Associates is to help defend those who are facing drug charges so they can get back a normal life after all is said and done. A key part of that is to keep your record clean, avoid jail, and also to keep you from winding up on long, demanding and intrusive probation.

Types of Drug Charges in Michigan

There are many different types of drug charges a person can receive, and each charge comes with different levels of penalties. It’s important to understand the nature of your charges so you know the right way to defend yourself. Some of the most common types of drug charges our team at Jeffrey Randa and Associates have worked on include the following:

• Manufacture/Delivery. The sale and distribution of drugs in Michigan is a serious crime. Depending on how much (and what) you’re moving, you could be facing a very serious felony.
• Possession. Possession of illegal drugs and some legal drugs over a certain limit is illegal in Michigan. Possession charges can be further classified as simple possession or possession with the intent to deliver. Simple possession refers to possession for personal use. If you have too much of a substance on your person or property, you can be charged with the intent to distribute.
• Use. Getting caught using drugs can also result in drug charges in Michigan. Of course, it’s even worse if you are caught operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs.

The exact penalties associated with your charges are ultimately going to depend on the amount and type of drugs involved along with any other aggravating factors. It’s important to be completely honest with your Michigan drug lawyer so they can do everything in their power to build you a strong defense.

Drug Classifications in Michigan

Drugs are organized into five categories under Michigan law depending on their accepted use in a medical setting and their potential for abuse. The type of drug involved in a crime impacts the severity of the punishment. Here’s how these drugs are classified:

• Schedule I. These drugs are deemed to have a high potential for abuse and do NOT have any accepted medical use under the law. Ecstasy, heroin, and LSD, all fall into this category.
• Schedule II. Drugs in this category have some accepted medical uses but are still considered to have a high potential for abuse. This schedule of drugs includes cocaine, high-grade morphine, methamphetamines, opium, and oxycodone.
• Schedule III. These types of drugs have less of a risk of abuse but can still lead to physical and psychological dependencies. Anabolic steroids, codeine mixtures, ketamine, and low-grade morphine are all Schedule III drugs.
• Schedule IV. These drugs are safer than any of those listed above, but can still pose a minor risk for abuse. Some examples of Schedule IV drugs include Ambien, Rohypnol, Soma, Valium, Xanax, and Zolpidem.
• Schedule V. These are the safest drugs that pose a very limited risk of dependency or other issues. Drugs on this list include cough syrup, Lomotil, Lyrica, Motofen, and Parepectolin.

No matter the severity of your charges, working with a genuine Michigan drug crime lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Our criminal defense attorneys in Michigan at Jeffrey Randa and Associates have over three decades of experience representing clients in a wide range of criminal cases. We will carefully examine all the details of your situation and make sure you get the most lenient possible outcome.

What to Do After I’m Arrested on Drug Charges in Michigan

After being charged with a drug crime, it’s important to act promptly to give yourself the best shot at either getting the case dismissed, or at least protecting your freedom and your record. When it comes to building your defense in a drug case, it’s never too early to begin collecting evidence and information.

Whatever else, don’t let emotions take control if you’re arrested on drug charges. Sure, this is scary, but we can protect you.  Try to make a note of everything you recall about your arrest and the circumstances surrounding it. No detail is too small when it comes to defending you in a drug crime case.

By having a lawyer who is experienced handling Michigan drug crimes, you can best protect yourself from the fallout of any charge(s) brought against you.

No matter what, the goal in every case is to either get out of it completely, or if that can’t happen, to avoid as many of the legal penalties and negative consequences as possible. As noted above, that means both avoiding jail and keeping your record as clean as possible. In many cases, we can even keep the entire matter off your record.

Always remember, success in a criminal case is best measured by what does NOT happen to you.

FAQs

How Much Does a Michigan Drug Crime Lawyer Typically Charge?

The cost of working with a Michigan drug crime lawyer is dependent on a number of different factors. First and foremost is the underlying charge(s). A felony drug delivery charge is going to cost a lot more than a low-level possession charge. Also, a law firm’s experience level and reputation can affect how it sets its rates.

Criminal defense lawyers may charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we work on a flat-fee basis, and we are proud to be transparent enough to publish our Fees online.

Is Drug Possession a Misdemeanor or Felony in Michigan?

Depending on the substance, drug possession in Michigan, can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. For example, possession of Schedule I, II, III, or IV drug will charged as a felony. A Michigan drug crime lawyer can evaluate your charges and work to have them reduced or dropped when possible.

What Is the Most Common Type of Drug Charge in Michigan?

Drug crimes are taken very seriously in Michigan. There are different types of drug crimes you can be charged with, including drug manufacturing, possession, possession with the intention to deliver, and outright delivery. Possession, especially for personal use, is one of the most common types of drug crimes. The type of drug matters. In any case, greater the quantity of it that you have, the more serious the punishment. Possession with intent to distribute is also taken much more seriously than simple possession.

What Is the 650 Law in Michigan?

The 650-Lifer law affects how drug possession in Michigan is charged. Passed in 1973, this law made it so certain offenders charged with narcotic possession of 650 grams or more were never eligible for parole. The law has since been revised, but it still imposes harsh penalties for possession charges, especially for large quantities of substances like cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin.

Talk to a Michigan Drug Crime Lawyer You Can Trust About Your Case

Facing drug charges in Michigan is stressful, especially if you’re trying to navigate the legal proceedings without experienced legal representation. The good news is that our team of Michigan drug crime lawyers at Jeffrey Randa and Associates has over thirty years of experience navigating criminal cases, and we’re ready to protect you.

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation, conveniently done over the phone. Our team is made up of very friendly people who will be glad to answer your questions and explain the legal process.