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Grand Rapids Drug Lawyer

Being charged with a drug crime is serious, and if you find yourself in this situation, you will certainly want an experienced Grand Rapids drug lawyer on your side. Numerous factors will impact the severity of an individual’s drug charge, including the individual’s intent and the type of drug they have been accused of possessing or trafficking. The most common types of drug crimes include:

  • Possession
  • Selling
  • Manufacturing
  • Growing and cultivating
  • Trafficking
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

To get the best possible outcome in your case, you will need a strong understanding of state and federal drug laws, and by working with an experienced drug defense lawyer, you can ensure that your personal rights and liberties are taken into consideration at all times.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Possession of a controlled substance is one of the most common drug charges in the country that warrant contact with a Grand Rapids drug attorney. When a person is accused of this crime, it is believed that they were in possession of an illegal drug. To be charged with possession, the court must be able to prove the individual:

  • Was in physical possession of a controlled substance at the time of arrest
  • Was aware of the presence of the previously mentioned substance
  • Had an opportunity to refuse or legally dispose of the substance

Contrary to popular belief, an individual can be found guilty of possession even if they are not in physical possession of the substance. If law enforcement arrests an individual, they may also arrest any other person(s) believed to be in control of the substance.

Distribution, Selling, and Drug Paraphernalia Charges

Possession of a controlled substance is serious enough, but if an individual intends to sell or distribute the substance, they will face more severe charges. If a person intends to exchange the illegal substance for cash or material goods, they can be charged with additional charges.

In most jurisdictions, it is also illegal to possess drug paraphernalia. Drug paraphernalia is described as an object that is used to do the following to an illegal substance:

  • Plant or cultivate
  • Harvest
  • Manufacture
  • Ingest
  • Test/Analyze
  • Store

If the law has reason to believe that someone is in possession of drug paraphernalia, or they intend to sell the substance they were in possession of, they will need a qualified Grand Rapids drug lawyer to fight the charges.

Potential Legal Consequences

The severity of an individual’s punishment will primarily depend on the charge itself and the type of substance associated with the charge. For example, possession of more powerful substances, such as cocaine or heroin, carry more extreme punishments than marijuana.

If an individual is found to be in possession of a legal medical drug, but they do not have a prescription, they can also be charged with a drug crime. Depending on the circumstances, individuals charged with drug crimes can face:

  • Imprisonment
  • Probation
  • Mandatory rehabilitation or counseling programs
  • Legal fines and court costs

State and federal governments use a drug schedule that places drugs (both legal and illegal) into five distinct schedules. The lower the schedule number, the harsher the legal penalty will be (ex: Schedule I drugs are more serious than Schedule II or III drugs).

Working With a Grand Rapids Drug Attorney

If you are currently seeking help after you have been charged, an established Grand Rapids drug lawyer will be more than happy to provide you with a strong defense. Contact a skilled attorney right away to speak about your drug charges.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.