Drug Crimes

Grand Rapids Drug Crime Attorney

Powerful Representation for Serious Charges

When you have been charged with a drug-related crime, the battle to protect your rights and preserve your freedom can be challenging. Let the experienced team at Rodenhouse Law Group do the fighting for you. Our Grand Rapids drug crime lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience and understand the complex laws that pertain to your case.

Types of Drug Crimes

Whether you are facing charges in Federal or State Court, a case involving even a small amount of illegal drugs can carry life-changing penalties. However, there are several potential strategies that may be implemented to minimize the long-term consequences of such charges. Our role is to help you choose the right strategy and craft an impenetrable defense so that you can obtain the best possible outcome.

Our attorneys represent clients facing all types of drug charges, including:

• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Buying and selling drugs
• Distribution of an illegal substance

The Consequences for Drug Convictions in Michigan

Convictions for drug crimes in the State of Michigan are divided into 2 major categories: Misdemeanor drug crimes and felony drug crimes. Whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the drug in question, the amount of drug, and the specific type of offense. Misdemeanor offenses are considered less severe crimes than felonies and are therefore punished less harshly.

There is a wide range of potential consequences for drug crimes, including:

• Misdemeanors – Misdemeanor drug offenses usually involve smaller amounts of a controlled substance. When a drug charge is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, the maximum jail sentence is 1 year. If a fine is imposed on the offender, it will likely be less than $1,000. In addition, the conviction will be added to the defendant’s criminal record, resulting in several complications with future employment, education, and housing opportunities.

• Felonies – Drug trafficking, the sale of illegal drugs, and the possession of certain illegal drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, are classified as felonies in Michigan. Felony charges may also result if a person possesses a large enough quantity of a drug. Most felony convictions are punished by a prison sentence of at least 1 year and thousands of dollars in fines. There are 8 categories of felony convictions. Class H felonies are the least serious, resulting in the shortest jail sentences, often a year. Class A felonies are the most severe charges and could land a person in prison for life.

Serious Drug Crimes & Their Penalties

Methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin are among the top 5 most frequently abused dangerous drugs. As such, crimes involving these illegal substances are harshly punished.

Penalties for methamphetamine offenses include:

• Possession – Up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000

• Distribution – Up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000

Penalties for cocaine drug crimes include:

• 49 grams or less – Possession is punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000, while distribution results in up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000

• 50 to 449 grams – Possession and distribution are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000

• 450 to 999 grams – Possession and distribution are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000

• 1000 grams or more – Possession and distribution are punishable by up to life in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000,000

Penalties for heroin violations include:

• Possession – For less than 50 grams of heroin, up to 4 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. Penalties are more severe for larger amounts.

• Distribution – For less than 50 grams of heroin, up to 20 years in jail and a maximum fine of $25,000. Penalties are more severe for larger amounts.

Call Rodenhouse Law Group

If you are under investigation for a drug crime or have just been arrested, now is the time to obtain qualified legal counsel. Make sure you exercise your right to say nothing to the police until your legal representative is present. What you say can be used by the prosecution to convict you. Our Grand Rapids drug crime attorneys are ready to come to your aid to make sure you do not say anything that could incriminate yourself. We can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights remain protected during every stage.