Fighting Your Michigan Prescription Drug Charges
When you are facing Michigan prescription drug charges, the stakes could not be higher. Law enforcement treats illegal possession of prescription drugs and drug distribution with the same intensity as street drug offenses.
I am Ryan Maesen, a Grand Rapids prescription drug offenses lawyer, and I dedicate my 15-year career to defending the accused in Michigan and throughout Kent County. Witnessing firsthand how criminal charges derail careers and damage lives, Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law’s practice exclusively focuses on protecting individuals against government prosecution.
What Are The Penalties For Prescription Drug Offenses In Michigan?
Charges vary based on the type of medication, quantity and intent. Common penalties include:
- Misdemeanors: Up to $1,000 and 1 year in jail for unauthorized possession.
- Felony possession (Schedule II substances): Up to four years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Possession with intent to deliver: Prison sentences ranging from 7 to 20 years.
- Prescription fraud: Up to four years in prison, fines up to $30,000 and a permanent criminal record.
In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction can result in the loss of employment opportunities, professional license suspension and difficulty securing housing or financial aid. Michigan courts prioritize cracking down on prescription drug misuse. Even a simple mistake—like sharing medication—can escalate quickly. Without a knowledgeable attorney’s legal defense, you risk harsh outcomes.
Defenses Against Prescription Drug Charges
Every case is unique, but common defenses include:
- Valid prescription: Proving lawful ownership of the medication.
- Lack of intent: Demonstrating no plan to distribute illegally.
- Unlawful search: Challenging improper evidence collection.
I do not rush plea deals. Instead, I investigate thoroughly, challenge evidence and wait for opportunities to negotiate better terms or dismissals. Past clients have avoided jail time, had their charges reduced or walked away with no record.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Drug Charges
Do you have questions about a potential prescription drug charge? You can reach out to Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law to have any of your questions answered. Here are a few common concerns my clients have:
What should I do if I’m being investigated for a prescription drug offense in Michigan?
If you are being investigated for a prescription drug offense, remember your legal rights. You have the right to remain silent, which you should exercise. You also have the right to legal representation – and that is critical. As soon as you believe you are under investigation, you should seek an attorney’s guidance.
How does Michigan law define “unauthorized possession” of a prescription drug?
Under Michigan laws, “unauthorized possession” is defined as the knowing or intentional possession of a prescription drug without a valid prescription from a physician or other licensed medical professional.
What are Schedule II substances in Michigan, and how does that classification affect potential penalties for prescription drug offenses?
Schedule II substances are the second of the highest substance categories under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), including codeine and methadone. There are very few medical uses for Schedule II substances, typically making the accessibility to these substances limited to medical fields.
Illegal possession of a Schedule II substance has the potential to lead to a felony conviction, which could include between $2,000 in fines and two years in jail to $1,000,000 in fines and life in prison. The severity of a prescription drug charge typically depends on the quantity of drugs illegally possessed.
Can I be charged with a crime if I have a valid prescription but someone else uses my medication illegally?
If someone else is using your prescription medication, you could face criminal charges depending on the circumstances. One major factor that may be considered during a trial is whether you illegally sold or gave your medication to someone or if your prescription was stolen from you. This distinction could be central to whether you are ultimately charged or convicted of a crime.
Whatever The Drugs Charges, I Can Help
Evidence needs preserving, witnesses need interviewing and I need to put defensive strategies in motion before the prosecution builds momentum. Call my 24/7 line at 616-327-8798 for a free consultation. Ryan Maesen Attorney at Law serves clients throughout Michigan from my Grand Rapids office, delivering aggressive, results-focused defense when it matters most.