Cocaine Crimes Overview

Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys for Those in Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Throughout Michigan Charged with Cocaine Possession, Distribution, Delivery or Manufacture

In the state of Michigan drug crimes are taken very seriously. Individuals who are arrested for using, possessing, distributing, manufacturing or selling cocaine will face serious and even life-changing consequences if convicted. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan drug crimes defense lawyers are knowledgeable, skilled, and aggressive. We take pride in the fact that we are regarded as one of the best criminal defense teams for fighting drug charges and getting results in the state of Michigan. No matter how minor or serious the charge against you may seem, it is urgent you discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney.

Cocaine is generally found in two forms, "freebase" or crack cocaine, and hydrochloride salt. Crack is normally smoked, while hydrochloride salt is powdered and dissolved in water, then snorted, injected or taken by mouth. One of the most popular and highly used drugs in the U.S., cocaine is used by people of all ages and is considered a "party drug" often used by a younger generation with money to spend. In Detroit and other areas of Michigan, crack cocaine is frequently the drug of choice because it is cheap and easy to find. Regardless, if you are caught with cocaine you will need a trusted attorney to protect your legal rights and keep you out of jail.

Michigan Law Firm for Cocaine Drug Offenses

Most people are not familiar with the various offenses related to cocaine unless they have been arrested in the past. Use of cocaine is considered a misdemeanor offense, while possession or possession with intent to distribute, manufacture, or deliver are all charged as felony offenses. The penalties get progressively worse depending on whether you were caught using cocaine, in possession, or whether police and prosecutors believe you intended to manufacture, distribute, or sell the drug. We aggressively defend clients arrested for or charged with drug crimes involving cocaine in order to protect you from harsh punishment.

Effects of Cocaine

Contrary to many people's beliefs, cocaine is not a narcotic drug but a stimulant. Those who use cocaine find that it produces elation, a feeling of alertness, enhanced motor skills and an increased desire for sex. However, cocaine also has many negative side effects, because it stimulates the nervous system. Some of these "bad" side effects include convulsions, anxiety, shallow or rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, mood swings and hallucinations.

When an individual becomes addicted to cocaine, he or she may find that it is necessary to consume more of the drug more often to maintain the "high" that is experienced. If you are on probation and are required to submit to drug testing, cocaine can be detected in urine, plasma, and blood. This could leave you facing a charge of probation violation.

Michigan Penalties for Cocaine Drug Charges

While all cocaine charges are serious, use of the stimulant is a misdemeanor offense that if convicted will leave you facing up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. However, if it is determined that you are in possession of cocaine, the penalties become far more severe. Essentially, the larger amount of cocaine you possess, the harsher the punishment will be. According to the Michigan Penal Code, the penalties are as follows:

• Possession of less than 50g of cocaine (felony) - Up to 4 years in jail, fines of up to $25,000, or both.
• Possession of between 50g and 450g of cocaine (felony) - Up to 20 years in jail, fines of up to $250,000, or both.
• Possession of between 450g and 1kg of cocaine (felony) - Up to 30 years in jail, fines of up to $500,000, or both.
• Possession of more than 1kg of cocaine (felony) - Possible life in prison, fines of up to $1,000,000, or both.

However, when it is determined that an individual possessed cocaine with the intention to deliver, manufacture, distribute or create the drug, the punishment is even harsher. For example, if the amount involved is less than 50 grams, possible penalties include prison time of up to 20 years, versus 4 years if simply found in possession without intent. Other factors also determine the punishment you will face, including prior criminal convictions and whether the drug offense occurred within close proximity of a park, school, church, or business.

Contact an Aggressive Michigan Cocaine Defense Attorney Today

It is important that you discuss your situation with a competent Michigan drug crime lawyer at once, whether you are under investigation or have already been charged. The sooner you seek legal representation, the sooner work can begin on your case to develop an effective defense strategy, and explore all of the options.

For more than a decade the lawyers at Grabel & Associates have been successfully defending individuals charged with crimes involving cocaine and crack. Because we are dedicated to criminal defense, we are capable of obtaining the best possible results for our clients. We work to protect your reputation, career, and freedom, finding alternative solutions to jail or prison.

Our experienced case analysts are available to assist you 24/7. Call our toll free number today at 1-800-342-7896, and learn more about the benefits of choosing our prestigious law firm. Use our online contact form to set up a free consultation.