Michigan Drug Offenses Lawyer

In Michigan, even after the advent of marijuana legalization, all sorts of drug offenses and drug crimes, from simple possession to the manufacture and distribution of large quantities of drugs, and everything between, are taken very seriously.

A big reason drug crimes continue to be vigorously prosecuted is that many in power see drug use and more significantly, drug sales, to be the source of much individual pain and suffering and a plethora of societal ills. Accordingly, people convicted of drug crimes routinely face severe punishment. This might include long periods behind bars, stiff monetary penalties including forfeiture of assets, and much much more. The impact of a drug conviction on a person’s life can be devastating, and because of how a drug conviction looks on your record, very long-lasting.

Therefore, if you have become a target of a drug-related investigation or if you have already been charged with a drug offense, even something like a drug related DUI, then you need the help of an experienced, dedicated Michigan drug lawyer who will help you obtain the most successful and positive outcome possible.

An experienced drug criminal defense expert attorney from the Barone Defense Firm will fight for you in court and preserve your rights. They will do this by identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case. They will also work to significantly reduce or even eliminate some or all of the potential punishments.

Several of the most commonly charged drug offenses in Michigan are enumerated and set forth in Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.7401, et seq. A charge or conviction for any of these offenses brings with it the possibility of life-altering consequences. Some of the charges we most frequently defense across the state include:

• Possession of cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and more
• Drug distribution and sale
• Cultivation and manufacture of drugs
• Possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver or sell
• Drug trafficking
• Prescription drug offenses
• Illegal transport of drugs
• Sale of drug paraphernalia

The allowable punishments and possible defenses for these crimes varies depending on many factors, including the punishments prescribed in the actual criminal laws and sentencing statutes. The differences observed between drug crimes can be significant. Because the consequences can be so significant, people charged with these crimes are well advised to find experienced reputable and well know lawyers to represent them. An experienced drug crime lawyer from the Barone Defense Firm will be ready to attack the state's evidence and make every conceivable argument, thereby zealously guarding our client's right to fairness and due process under the State and Federal laws and Constitutions.

No matter what drug crime you may be facing in Michigan, there is little doubt that the impact will be long lasting. Therefore, the importance of counsel cannot be overstated. This remains true even if you think your offense is relatively minor in nature. While the short-term consequences of drug convictions might include imprisonment, significant fines and lengthy community service, the long-term consequences, such as lengthy parole or probation, loss of a job or inability to find a new one can be even more devastating.

If you are a repeat offender, then your situation is even more bleak. Pursuant to Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.7413, if this is your second or subsequent conviction then depending on the new charges you be facing mandatory life terms in addition to massive financial penalties.

In addition to everything already mentioned, a drug conviction can impact your ability to get back to your formerly normal, productive life. For example, you may be facing the loss of your driver’s license even when you were not driving at the time of your crime.

Also, a conviction for a drug crime may make it extremely difficult for you to successfully pass a background check. You may even be prohibited from doing other “normal” stuff, like volunteering to help at your kid’s school or participating as a coach or supporter of their sports or other extracurricular activities like marching band or glee club.

Other possible collateral consequences include the loss of a professional license, such as a license to practice medicine or law. A former spouse or partner might decide to use your conviction against you in a custody lawsuit or try to make a change on this basis to any existing custody arrangements. Then there is the sheer social stigma that sometimes comes with a criminal record. Thus, the conviction might end up proving to be impossible to shake and get behind you. Clearly, a well-qualified drug lawyer specialist is the best way to tackle this gorilla on your back, not just for you but also for your loved ones.

By bringing years of comprehensive experience and knowledge to bear in defending you of a drug crime in Michigan, a skilled Barone Defense Firm drug attorney will strive to ensure you receive the best possible defense. One of the most fertile areas of defense to drug charges arise out of unconstitutional searches and seizures. Our experience has shown that this can result in your case being reduced or even dropped entirely solely on the basis of such an argument.

As with all criminal cases, this well-worn saying is true: “time is of the essence.” When it comes to building a strong, effective defense time is not your friend. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, witnesses memories fade, and video records can be erased. When the stakes are this high, there is no time to waste in an attorney who will immediately get starting on the defense of your case, leaving no stone unturned, all for the sake of obtaining the best possible result.

For many people, being charged with a drug offense is profoundly life changing and exceptionally frightening experienced. Consequently, even before charges are filed swift defensive action will help protect your personal liberty and future prospects. We’ve never heard a client complain that they hired a lawyer too soon. Hiring a lawyer too late is from where problems arise. Do not let that happen to you. Call or email the Barone Defense Firm today to learn more about how one of our Michigan drug lawyers can protect your freedom and safeguard your constitutional rights, contact us today and put our 100+ years of collective experience to work for you!