Possession of Controlled or Prescription Drugs with Intent to Deliver/Distribute

Criminal Defense for Those in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan Charged with Possession of Controlled or Prescription Drugs with Intent to Distribute or Deliver

In the state of Michigan, laws regarding the possession or distribution/delivery of controlled substances and prescription drugs are extremely tough. Individuals who are found in possession of marijuana, ecstasy, Oxycodone, Vicodin, cocaine or other drugs without a prescription face serious consequences, which become even more serious if it is determined you intended to distribute, sell, or manufacture those drugs. At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan drug crimes lawyers are known as some of the best in the state for obtaining positive results for clients charged with drug-related crimes. Our skilled and aggressive approach is effective; we want to keep you out of jail.

The "war against drugs" is one that has been going on for years, and is still going just as strongly today. Police and prosecutors diligently seek out those who commit drug crimes; in fact, they are sometimes overzealous in their efforts, charging those who may have used a prescription drug or controlled substance with possession, or even worse, with intent to deliver or distribute when it simply is not the case. Substantial fines, jail or prison time, and a permanent criminal record that can negatively impact your life forever are an example of the punishment you may face. This is why it is critical that you consult with a confident, capable drug defense attorney immediately.

Michigan Schedule of Controlled and Prescription Drugs

The charge and subsequent penalties convicted individuals who are arrested face vary depending upon the type and amount of drug or controlled substance involved. In Michigan, like most other states, controlled substances are organized into schedules, which assists with prosecuting and sentencing. This schedule is as follows:

Schedule I - This schedule includes drugs that serve no legitimate medical purpose and that have a high risk for abuse and/or addiction. These substances include, but are not limited to LSD, ecstasy, marijuana, peyote, GHB and hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Schedule II - Theses drugs do have a medical purpose, but are highly addictive and therefore tightly regulated. The drugs in this schedule include, but are not limited to methamphetamines, cocaine, Oxycodone, morphine, opium, methadone and Hydrocodone.

Schedule III - Drugs that present a moderate risk for addiction and have accepted medical use are included in this schedule, which include but are not limited to lower potency morphine, anabolic steroids (Ketamine), and hydrocodone which includes acetaminophen or aspirin.

Schedule IV - Substances with a low risk for addiction and/or abuse fall under this schedule, and include but are not limited to Xanax, Valium and Rohypnol.

Schedule V - Substances that fall under this schedule are considered very low risk in terms of abuse, and are usually obtained over the counter. They include cough syrups containing codeine and cold medicines containing ephedrine.

Penalties for Controlled and Prescription Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute/Manufacture in Michigan

Below are the possible penalties individuals face when convicted of the possession of controlled or prescription drugs with intent to distribute, deliver, manufacture or sell. All are felony offenses according to MCL 333.7401.

Schedule I or Schedule II substances:

• Up to 50 grams - Up to 20 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, or both

• Between 50 and 450 grams - Up to 20 years in prison, up to $250,000 in fines, or both

• Between 450 and 1,000 grams - Up to 30 years in prison, up to $500,000 in fines, or both

• More than 1,000 grams - Up to life in prison, up to $1,000,000 in fines, or both

Schedule III substances:

Any amount of a Schedule III drug will result in up to 7 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, or both.

Schedule IV substances:

Up to 4 years in prison, fines of up to $2,000, or both

Schedule V substances:

Up to 2 years in prison, fines of up to $2,000, or both

As you can see, the penalties for possession of controlled or prescription drugs with intent are severe. However, these penalties may be enhanced due to other factors which include a prior drug conviction, whether a minor was involved in the offense, or whether you possessed or distributed drugs in close proximity to a church, school, business, or park.

Contact an Aggressive Michigan Drug Possession with Intent Attorney Today

You must protect your legal rights by contacting an experienced Michigan drug possession with intent lawyer at Grabel & Associates today. While our top priority is to keep you out of jail, we explore all of the options available to our clients, and work to devise the best possible defense strategy. There are also alternative sentencing options that may be desirable in your situation. We understand it is a very frightening and stressful time in your life - let us help.

We can help you avoid damage to your life and reputation, and the loss of your freedom. Set up a free consultation today, or contact our experienced case analyst at 1-800-342-7896 right away. We are here for our clients 24/7, so do not delay.