Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys With Decades Of Experience

A drug conviction can interfere with your career, harm your family and cost you tens of thousands of dollars in court fines and fees. Are you or someone you know being investigated for alleged drug-related activity in West Michigan? Have you been charged with a crime involving drugs or narcotics? If so, contact the West Michigan Defense Team and allow us to protect your rights and provide you with the best possible legal representation. We take a team approach to each case, which means you have more than 85 years of combined legal experience working on your behalf.

Skilled Defense Against A Wide Array Of Charges

We can help you combat or otherwise resolve nearly any drug-related charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony offense, including:

• Drug possession

• Possession with intent to sell or deliver

• Drug use

• Drug delivery

• Maintaining a drug house

• Operating under the influence of drugs (OUID)

• Prescription drug charges

• Drug trafficking

• Offenses related to medical marijuana

People are often caught with drugs in their possession during a routine traffic stop. In these situations, we first determine if the stop was legal and, if it was, we then determine if the search was legal. If the stop appears to have been unlawful, we will seek to suppress any evidence illegally obtained. If both the stop and the search were legal, the next step is to determine possible defenses specific to the case. These defenses are presented to the prosecutor during plea negotiations. Sometimes a reduced plea is the best option for our clients, but in other cases, the best option is to go to trial.

The Potential Consequences And How We Can Help Mitigate Them

Drug offenses carry significant consequences including incarceration, license suspension and seizure of property.

• Incarceration: Misdemeanor drug charges are limited to local jail time only. In many instances, a misdemeanor drug charge will result in probation along with fines and costs. However, if you have a criminal history or are in a jurisdiction that takes a hard stance on drug crimes, you may be facing incarceration. If you are facing felony drug charges, the possibility of jail or prison looms large. Furthermore, if you are facing felony drug charges and already have a criminal history, you very likely may be facing a prison sentence.

• License suspension: Just about every type of drug charge carries a driver’s license suspension upon conviction. First-time drug offenders, if they don’t receive diversion under MCL 333.7411, face a six-month license suspension with the possibility of a restricted license after 30 days. Those who are facing a second or subsequent drug conviction will have a one-year suspension with the possibility of a restricted license after 60 days.

• Seizures of property: West Michigan drug enforcement agencies are typically self-funded and look for ways to generate revenue. If an individual is caught with drugs, either in possession for personal use or distributing drugs, law enforcement can attempt to seize the person’s property, such as their vehicle, property or cash. Furthermore, if a home is being used to manufacture drugs, law enforcement can attempt to have the home forfeited as well.

We have numerous options for fighting or resolving your charges and related consequences. Occasionally, it is possible for an individual facing significant drug charges to have them lessened or even dismissed by assisting law enforcement with other drug investigations. We have a good relationship with local undercover drug enforcement agents and are typically able to arrange meetings to assist our clients who want to cooperate to reduce their charges.

Negotiating a plea deal is also an option. The plea negotiation process sometimes involves what is known as “7411.” MCL 333.7411 allows for qualifying individuals convicted of a first drug offense to receive a deferral of their conviction if they complete probation successfully. This would keep your record clear. In other words, even though an individual pleads guilty to a first-offense drug charge, it is not entered as a conviction unless he or she fails probation. This allows an individual to avoid having their license suspended and keeps the conviction off their record. While 7411 is not applicable to everyone, it is something that our attorneys employ to our clients’ benefit when appropriate.

Discuss Your Rights And Legal Options With Our Attorneys For Free

Regardless of the type of drug charge you may be facing, the West Michigan Defense Team is the firm to call. Our attorneys have handled all types of drug crimes throughout Michigan. We are well versed in Michigan drug laws and have what it takes to fight for your rights and your freedom.

To get started with a free consultation, send us a message online or call our Grand Rapids office.