Other Drugs Crimes

Criminal Defense for Those in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan Charged with Drug Crimes

There are many drugs that are not well known, but still illegal when not used for their intended purpose or without a prescription in the state of Michigan. While heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana are some of the most familiar and abused, other drugs such as codeine, fentanyl, Demerol, alkyl nitrates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates may also leave an individual facing serious charges for their use, possession, or possession with intent to distribute or deliver. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan drug crimes attorneys provide individuals who have been arrested or charged with crimes involving these drugs with unsurpassed legal guidance.

Many of the offenses that fall under "other drugs" in Michigan include crimes involving drugs classified as Schedule III, Schedule IV and Schedule V drugs. Most of the drugs that are considered highly addictive and/or abused and have little or no valid medical use are classified as Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. However, even when an individual is found using or in possession of some of the drugs considered less risky or addictive, the penalties can still be substantial.

Some of the lesser known drug crimes include:

• Maintaining a drug house
• Operating or maintaining a controlled substance laboratory
• Prescription form crimes
• Obtaining controlled substances through fraud
• Imitation controlled substance crimes
• Counterfeit substances

In Michigan, Penalties for All Drug Crimes are Severe

Whether you are arrested for maintaining a drug house, fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance or any other crime, you will face serious and even life-changing consequences if convicted. For example, those convicted of maintaining a drug house and who are convicted may face a criminal fine of up to $25,000 or may be found guilty of a high court misdemeanor, which means you could be sentenced to prison time of up to two years.

Even over the counter medications containing codeine or ephedrine can leave you facing serious penalties if they are obtained or otherwise used illegally. Drugs classified as Schedule III, IV, or V drugs may be less risky in terms of addiction or abuse, but will still subject those convicted of possessing, distributing or selling to serious penalties.

Some schedule III drugs include medications such as Tylenol 3, Empirin with codeine, or cough medicines such as Tusslonex which contain codeine. Florinal contains a small amount of barbiturate. Librium (chlordiazepoxide), Equanil (meprobamate) and other sedative or hypnotic drugs found in Schedule IV can leave you facing serious consequences if used in a way other than prescribed.

While the penalties for these other less addictive drugs are less severe than those for Schedule I and II drugs, you could still spend time in jail and/or face monetary fines. It is critical that you consult with an experienced and effective Michigan criminal defense attorney.

It's important that you take steps to protect your legal rights, freedom, and reputation. At Grabel & Associates, our primary focus is to help our clients avoid serious criminal penalties and jail or prison time. Our experienced case analyst is ready to answer your questions any time day or night; we are available 24/7, so contact us today at 1-800-342-7896.