Drug Crime Appeals

Michigan Drug Crime Appellate Attorneys Representing Those in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan

At Grabel & Associates, one important aspect of our law practice is criminal appeals for individuals convicted of drug crimes. Even in the legal justice system, mistakes are often made. Legal errors may have been made on the part of your attorney, the court, or you may feel that you have grounds for an appeal of your drug conviction based on the ineffectiveness of your legal counsel. Our drug crime attorneys have experience navigating the appellate courts in Michigan.

There are instances in which individuals are convicted of drug crimes unfairly. For instance, evidence, which may have been beneficial in your case, may have been wrongly excluded; damaging evidence, which should have not been allowed in court, may have been allowed. In some circumstances, a judge may unfairly deviate from the sentencing guidelines. You should be aware that prosecutors are more vigorous in their efforts to prosecute certain drug crimes, particularly those which involve the manufacturing, sell, or distribution of those drugs or narcotics considered highly addictive or abused.

Today, prescription drugs like OxyContin are being used more and more for recreational purposes. Sometimes referred to as "club" or "designer" drugs, prosecutors are often over-zealous when it comes to individuals who may possess only a few pills for their own use. Regardless of your circumstances, there may be options other than simply accepting the hand you have been dealt. You may have been wrongly convicted, or you may feel that the sentence handed down was not in proportion with the severity of the crime committed.

Post-Conviction Rights and Options for Individuals Convicted of a Drug Crime

While not all of the following post-conviction options may apply in your situation, some include:

• Appeal sentencing if your sentence was excessive
• It may be possible to motion to change or withdraw your plea if you pleaded guilty and accepted a plea bargain offered by prosecutors that was not honored
• File a motion for a new trial
• File a motion for Ginther Hearing if you received inadequate or ineffective counsel and feel that it resulted in a guilty verdict
• Record expungement of your criminal record after serving your time

In simple terms, a successful appeal may result in the charges being dismissed and your conviction set aside, or a new trial. In regards to sentencing, an appeal could ultimately result in your case being sent back to trial for resentencing, or a reduction in the sentence you are currently serving.

Judges Have Substantial Judicial Discretion and Flexibility When Imposing Sentences

Unlike a decade ago, judges today have greater flexibility and judicial discretion in sentencing individuals for drug crime convictions. Until March of 2003, judges were required to sentence individuals based mostly on drug weight, which meant harsh penalties. Today, judges can determine the sentence for an individual convicted of a drug crime based on several factors; those considered low-level offenders may be allowed a probation term of five years under current Michigan law. In addition, some individuals serving prison time for drug crimes may be granted early release at the discretion of the parole board.

Even though the laws have changed, excessive sentences are still being pronounced today for some first-time offenders.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Drug Crime Appeals Attorney Now

Our team of Michigan drug crime attorneys is not only capable and effective trial lawyers, but appellate attorneys as well. We will analyze court records and review the entire process in your case in order to determine if at any time during the trial or sentencing your legal rights were violated. We may be able to help whether the judge erred, you were convicted due to juror bias or misconduct, or if ineffective/inadequate counsel led to your being found guilty for a crime you did not commit. Additionally, if you were given a sentence that goes beyond what is permitted under the law or you feel it was excessive, we will work vigorously to have your sentence reduced.

At Grabel & Associates our goal is to help improve the outcome of your case. We provide aggressive post-conviction representation, and will thoroughly investigate to ensure that any possibility of having your convicted overturned or your sentence reduced is uncovered.

It is important that you take action now, as there is a limited window of time in which post-conviction motions and appeals may be filed due to the statute of limitations. Call us immediately at 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online for outstanding legal support and representation.