Michigan’s drug laws are extremely tough, particularly in cases related to intent to sell or manufacture. If you have been caught with a controlled substance and are facing drug distribution or “possession with intent” charges, you know you are at risk or significant jail time. When you are up against charges like these, you need a top, experienced defense lawyer on your side right away.
How you are sentenced and charges depends on what type or schedule of controlled substance you were caught with.
Michigan categorizes its controlled substances into the following schedules:
(These lists are not extensive.)
The following potential sentences apply if you are charged with manufacturing, delivering, or being in possession of with intent to manufacture, create, or deliver.
| If the drug in question is: | Then you may face: |
|---|---|
| Schedule I or II substances | |
| > 1,000 grams | Life in prison and fines up to one million dollars. |
| Between 450 – 1,000 grams | Up to 30 years in prison and $500,000 in fines. |
| Between 50 – 450 grams | Up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. |
| Up to 50 grams | Up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. |
| Ecstasy or methamphetamines | Up to 20 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. |
| Schedule III | Up to 7 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. |
| Schedule IV | Up to 4 years in prison and $2,000 in fines. |
| Schedule V | Up to 2 years in prison and $2,000 in fines. |
GHB, also referred to as the date rape drug, “liquid ecstacy, or “G” is a very dangerous drug and warrants its own section in the Michigan statutes.
If you are charged with possession with intent to distribute or manufacture GHB you will face felony charges and a potential sentence of up to 7 years and fines of $5,000.
You cannot own, possess, or use a vehicle, building, or area as a location to manufacture a controlled substance, possess tools used to manufacture drugs, or provide someone else with laboratory equipment for the manufacture of drugs. If you do you can be charged with a felony and face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
If the drug in question is methamphetamines the punishment is harsher. You will face up to 20 years and fines of $25,000.
This law does not apply to intent to distribute marijuana.
Because of the seriousness of drug charges in Michigan, you need an attorney who is experienced in the system. Michigan is nationally recognized as one of the toughest states on drug offenses. When you are facing charges of this magnitude you want to be confident that you are getting the best possible results. Putting your trust in a qualified attorney gives you such confidence.