Oxycodone and Vicodin Drug Crimes

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

Oxycodone, commonly known as OxyContin, and Vicodin (Hydrocodone) are drugs, which are frequently prescribed for pain. However, these prescription drugs are highly addictive and abused, and often used or even distributed illegally not only in Michigan, but throughout the U.S. Individuals found in possession of these drugs and who have not been prescribed them or who are determined to have distributed, sold, delivered or manufactured Oxycodone or Vicodin will face severe penalties if convicted. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan drug crime defense attorneys are skilled and aggressive. We are a team of criminal defense lawyers widely respected throughout Michigan for obtaining positive results for individuals arrested for prescription drug crimes.

While possession or intent are serious charges, prescription fraud involving Oxycodone or Vicodin may leave you facing serious consequences as well. Whether you have obtained a prescription from numerous doctors for one of these drugs or written out fake prescriptions, you could be subject to severe penalties. We work diligently to protect our clients' legal rights, and to keep you out of jail. We understand how a conviction on drug charges negatively impacts our clients' lives, and strive for the best possible outcome.

Prescription Drug Crimes in Michigan are on the Rise

Because of their highly addictive tendencies, the abuse of Oxycodone and Vicodin is on the rise in Michigan. Pain medications often produce a "high" or sensation similar to that of illegal substances and drugs. It is not uncommon today for individuals to be prescribed pain medications and become addicted following long-term use. When this happens, some individuals may go to great lengths to obtain more of the drug, including prescription fraud.

You may have obtained Oxycodone or Vicodin from a friend or family member who has legally been prescribed the drug for medical purposes, or you may have obtained the drug through other illegal measures. Regardless, if you are found in possession of prescription drugs or it is believed that you intended to sell, distribute or deliver them, your freedom could be at stake.

Classification of Oxycodone and Vicodin

In Michigan, various prescription and illegal drugs and substances are classified according to the potential for addiction and whether they serve any legitimate medical purpose. Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug, which means that while the drug does serve a legitimate medical purpose, it is highly abused and addictive. Vicodin is considered a Schedule III drug, somewhat less risky in terms of addiction and/or abuse.

If you are arrested for a drug offense involving Oxycodone (also referred to as Ox, Oxy, and Cotton), you could face serious prison time and/or substantial fines. Vicodin, also known on the street as "Vike" or "Watson-387," is a pain killer often involved in drug offenses. While its use without a prescription is considered a misdemeanor, possession or possession with intent of Vicodin is a felony offense.

Penalties for Oxycodone or Vicodin Possession or Possession with Intent in Michigan

Without the experience and legal expertise of a skilled Michigan prescription drug defense lawyer on your side, you will likely face harsh sentencing. When imposing penalties, judges have an enormous amount of discretion. You could inadvertently do or say something that leads to increased punishment. Below are the potential penalties individuals face when convicted for a drug crime involving Oxycodone or Vicodin:

Oxycodone possession is considered a felony. If you are found to be in possession of less than 50 grams, you could face up to four years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both. If the amount you possess is 50 grams to 449 grams, the penalties increase to up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $250,000. Possession of 450 grams to 999 grams means potential prison time of up to 30 years and/or fines of up to $500,000. Possess 1,000 grams or more, and you may spend life behind bars along with fines of up to $1,000,000.

If it is determined that you intended to sell, distribute, create, or deliver Oxycodone, the penalties remain the same other than for an amount of less than 50 grams, in which case potential prison time increases to 20 years.

Vicodin possession is a felony offense with potential penalties of up to two years in prison, up to $2,000 in fines, or both, regardless of the amount involved. If you are found guilty of possession with intent to deliver, distribute, sell, or manufacture, penalties increase to up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Other factors can affect sentencing, including where the alleged drug crime occurred (close to a school, church, park, or business, for example), whether you have a previous drug record, or if a minor was involved. Regardless of how serious you believe your situation is, you must consult with a seasoned Michigan drug crime attorney.

Contact an Effective Michigan Oxycodone and Vicodin Defense Lawyer Immediately

Our primary objective is to keep our clients out of jail and protect them from severe punishment. We analyze every client's situation, explore all of the options, and consider alternative sentencing methods in order to determine the most effective legal approach. Let us develop a strong and effective defense strategy for you, preserving your freedom and reputation.

At Grabel & Associates, we are available to our clients 24/7. Let us begin fighting the allegations against you today. Call us for a free consultation or to speak to our experienced case analyst at 1-800-342-7896. Do not delay - it is your future, career, freedom and reputation that are at stake. Contact us online.