Drug trafficking is a serious offense that involves the illegal production, transportation, and sale of controlled substances. At West Michigan Defense Team, we're committed to providing robust defense strategies for felony and misdemeanor drug crimes.  

We recognize that each case is unique, and we adopt a tailored approach to construct your strongest possible defense. We handle both misdemeanor and felony drug-related charges with equal tenacity, because we believe everyone deserves steadfast representation. Reach out today to discuss your case with a trusted defense attorney.  

Our team offers an impressive 85 years of combined legal experience. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we're proud to extend our services to clients across Kalamazoo, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and Western Michigan. 

Drug Trafficking Laws and Consequences

Michigan's drug trafficking laws, detailed in Section 7403 of the Michigan Legislature, have seen multiple amendments over the years, with the most recent changes made in 2016. One critical aspect to note is the Michigan Supreme Court's stance on mandatory sentencing for drug offenses. The court has ruled that the Michigan Constitution prohibits any punishment that's cruel or unusual. This ruling led to the removal of statutes that denied parole consideration for specific drug offenses. 

With that said, the penalties for drug trafficking in Michigan can still be severe. Misdemeanor drug charges usually result in local jail time, probation, fines, and costs. However, felony drug charges carry the risk of longer jail or prison sentences, particularly if there's a history of criminal activity. 

One of the common consequences of a drug conviction is driver's license suspension. Depending on the offense, suspension periods can vary. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in Western Michigan have the power to seize property, such as vehicles, cash, or homes, if they are implicated in drug-related activities. 

At West Michigan Defense Team, we're experienced in handling various drug crimes and providing legal representation for those facing drug-related charges. We understand the urgency of your situation and use persuasive language to negotiate the best possible outcome for your case. Our tailored approach ensures we address the specifics of each case, while our extensive experience establishes our credibility. 

Remember, it's not just about understanding the law; it's about defending your rights and freedom. Don't let drug charges derail your future. Reach out to us at West Michigan Defense Team today. Let us put our experience to work for you.

Understanding Drug Schedules

Michigan law classifies controlled substances into five categories: 

• Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous class of drugs with a high potential for abuse and potentially severe psychological and physical dependence. These drugs aren't recognized for medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote. 

• Schedule II drugs also have a high potential for abuse, but they differ from Schedule I drugs in that they have some accepted medical uses. Abuse of these drugs can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, oxycodone, fentanyl, Adderall, and Ritalin. 

• Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, and their abuse potential is less than Schedule I and II drugs. They have accepted medical uses. Examples include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone. 

• Schedule IV drugs have an even lower risk of abuse and dependence than Schedule III substances. They're commonly used for medical purposes. Examples include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien. 

• Finally, Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and contain limited quantities of certain narcotics. These are often used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes. Examples include Robitussin AC, Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, and Parepectolin. 

It's common for prosecuting attorneys to mistakenly overstate the severity of a drug by placing it in a stronger category. This manipulative error can lead to harsher sentencing. But with the help of an intuitive defense attorney, you can avoid this issue and potentially achieve a more favorable outcome. 

Dedicated to Defending Your Rights and Freedom

When facing drug charges, it's essential to have an experienced team on your side. That's where we come in. At West Michigan Defense Team, we're skilled at negotiating plea deals, which could involve diversion under MCL 333.7411 for first-time offenders. This deferral of conviction can keep your record clean and prevent license suspension, giving you a chance to rebuild your life.  

Our trial attorneys also maintain a positive relationship with local undercover drug enforcement agents, and we can arrange meetings to assist clients who wish to cooperate and reduce their charges.  

Drug Trafficking Attorneys in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Drug charges are serious, but they don't have to derail your life entirely. Our team's extensive experience in handling all types of drug crimes equips us to provide the effective legal representation you deserve. Criminal defense isn't just our job—it's our passion. Reach out to West Michigan Defense Team today and let us put our knowledge to work for you.