Marijuana Cultivation

Attorney Defending Individuals Charged with Marijuana Cultivation in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan

Individuals arrested for marijuana cultivation or maintaining grow houses in Michigan should consult with an attorney immediately to work to avoid harsh criminal penalties. Because it has become increasingly difficult to import drugs from Mexico, Canada and other countries due to increased efforts by the Department of Homeland Security, more people choose to grow marijuana in their homes, on their property or in 'grow houses.' Those who cultivate marijuana are targets of law enforcement. Individuals who are under investigation or who have been charged with cultivating marijuana are urged to contact Michigan drug crime attorney Scott Grabel at once.

Essentially, grow houses allow individuals to cultivate marijuana under controlled conditions and out of sight of law enforcement. In Michigan, medical marijuana is now legal; however, authorities may still target you.

Michigan Law is Harsh on Individuals Accused of Marijuana Cultivation

When an individual is found to be growing or tending to cannabis plants or marijuana, law enforcement may suspect that the individual had the intent to sell or distribute the drug, particularly when there are many plants involved. Cultivating many plants raises suspicion; even when someone is found to have a single marijuana plant, he or she may face felony charges and up to four years in prison if convicted. In most cases, the penalties become even harsher when it can be proved that marijuana cultivation is for the purpose of distributing rather than for personal use only.

Marijuana Cultivation and Distribution

Even though medical marijuana is legal in Michigan today, cultivating marijuana plants whether the intent is to distribute it or not is illegal. According to Michigan Penal Code 333.7401, penalties for marijuana cultivation or a mixture containing marijuana include (all are felony charges):

• Twenty plants or up to 5 kilograms. Up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000 or both.
• Between 20 and 200 plants, or 5 and 45 kilograms. Up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000 or both.
• More than 200 plants, or 45 kilograms. Up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000 or both.

Hiring a Michigan Marijuana Cultivation Defense Attorney is Crucial to Protect Your Freedom

Charges involving the cultivation of marijuana, or cannabis, can become quite complex, especially given the fact that Federal or state law enforcement officials may target legal growing operations of marijuana for medical purposes. Cultivating marijuana is not legal under Federal law in any regard, which only serves to further complicate the situation. Essentially, the laws governing medical marijuana in Michigan can in fact muddy the waters, making it unclear whether individuals were cultivating marijuana with the intent to sell or distribute, or for legitimate medical use.

Ultimately, Michigan has some of the most severe marijuana cultivation laws in the U.S. today; those who are caught growing marijuana illegally will face severe consequences if convicted. Our team of skilled Michigan drug crime defense attorneys work vigorously to defend clients who are unfairly accused of or arrested for cultivating marijuana. We understand the criminal justice system and legal process, and take the time to explain what is often a complex situation to our clients. This helps eliminate some of the fear and uncertainty, and to give clients the information and guidance necessary to decide on the best course of legal action.

Whether you have been accused of or arrested for marijuana cultivation, take action now. Contact the professionals at Grabel & Associates for unparalleled legal guidance and representation. We will begin examining every aspect of your case, so that an effective defense can be determined quickly. Call us today at 1-800-342-7896.