In Need Of A Drug Crimes Attorney?
At Maesen Law, PLC, our Grand Rapids drug crime defense lawyers understand the seriousness of these charges, whether they are implemented at the state or federal level.
While the penalties our clients face depend on the type of drug, the amount, what they were doing with it at the time of their arrest, and whether they have a criminal history, all drug charges can lead to profound consequences if they are convicted.
Our Michigan criminal defense law firm founder and lead attorney Ryan Maesen, provides our clients with the legal skill and resources they need to face their drug charges with confidence, backed by over 16 years of practice in the criminal justice system, which includes extensive trial experience throughout both state and Federal courts.
We understand the value of freedom, and the reality is, without a trusted legal advocate by your side, you are risking everything. Justice is not an entitlement or a guarantee. It must be fought for, and when the stakes could not be higher, we produce real results.
Contact our skilled criminal defense attorney in Kent County today to learn how we can develop a customized legal defense strategy for your unique drug charges today.
What are the Different Types of Drug Charges in the State of Michigan?
Drug charges may stem from arrests associated with cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, or other controlled substances. The criminal charges differ based on the amount of drugs, and what the prosecutor believes the accused’s intent was with the type and quantity discovered upon their arrest.
Michigan drug charges may include:
- Possession
- Distribution
- Manufacture
- Trafficking
- Delivery
- Possession with Intent to Deliver
- Transportation of Drugs
- Prescription Drug Offenses
- Sale of Drug Paraphernalia
Depending on what type of drugs, the amount, and where they were found, Michigan drug charges can quickly escalate to federal charges, which come with increased legal penalties. Before speaking with law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office about your charges, contact our experienced Grand Rapids drug crime defense attorney today, so you fully understand your rights going forward.
Our skilled Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney represents clients in the following practice areas:
- Assault And Battery
- Child Pornography
- Criminal Defense
- Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Domestic Violence
- Drunk Driving DUI
- Embezzlement
- Serious Felonies
- Retail Fraud Theft
- Theft Burglary Receiving
- Weapons Charges
What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Michigan?
Several factors will impact drug crime penalties in Michigan. First, the type of drug you have been charged with will make a significant difference in the legal consequences you face.
The more illicit the drug, the harsher the penalties. For instance, possession of heroin will typically carry a much steeper sentence than possession of LSD or psilocybin in the same amount.
Next, and not surprisingly, the amount of drugs will significantly impact the criminal penalties. While possession of 20 grams of cocaine may be punishable by up to four years in prison, possession of 1,000 grams is punishable by up to life in prison.
What the individual was doing with the drugs will have a substantial impact on how the charges are brought against them. If you were caught using cocaine, you may be charged with a misdemeanor. However, if you possessed the same drug — cocaine — it is a felony. The charges will increase for dealing drugs — also called delivery — or manufacturing them.
Finally, if you have a criminal history that includes previous drug crime convictions, the penalties may increase exponentially.
Some of the most common penalties associated with Michigan drug crime convictions include:
- Prison Time
- Extensive Fines
- Asset Forfeiture
- Trouble Finding Work or Housing Because of a Criminal Record
- Loss of Federal Financial Aid or Entitlements
- Loss of a Professional License
- Reduction in Child Custody or Visitation Rights
- Loss of an Immigration Visa or Green Card, Denial Of Citizenship, or Deportation
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Michigan, you must understand the stakes are high.
Whether you are a college student, blue-collar worker, or hold a professional license or degree, the legal system will view your charges and the overall case in the same harsh light. This will become increasingly evident with each court date, especially if you go it alone.
At Maesen Law, our dedicated Grand Rapids drug crime defense attorney will represent you — the person first — to aggressively get ahead of your case, so you can understand how your criminal circumstances will impact your overall livelihood.
Our approach to producing real results for real people is unmistakable, and fully visible through our involvement in nearly 90 trials in just over 16 years.
Our hard work translates into wins that matter.
Maesen Law Produces Real Results for Real People Throughout Michigan
Our Grand Rapids drug crime defense lawyer is a respected and aggressive advocate who provides customized legal strategies that allow our clients to pursue real results, so they can move forward with confidence.
Whether you are facing charges in state or federal court, your first line of defense is partnering with a criminal defense attorney who can explain your legal rights in simple terms, so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your case.
At Maesen Law, we fully believe in partnering with our clients. That means establishing we are the right fit for your case, and overall legal needs, from the beginning, so we can provide end-to-end solutions for each of our clients. Our attention to detail allows us to provide a tailored approach to producing results for each unique client and their criminal charges.
Contact Our Drug Crimes Attorneys in Grand Rapids & Wyoming, MI Today
Contact our skilled Grand Rapids criminal defense lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your case. We are available by phone 24 hours a day by calling 616-201-3327 or allow us to review your case via email to ensure each aspect is reviewed with the discretion and attention to detail you deserve.