Aggressive Defense for Prescription & Controlled Substance Crimes
In the State of Michigan, possessing a controlled substance or prescription drug without a valid prescription from a licensed doctor is a very serious criminal offense. In many instances, the charges for illegal prescription drugs are a felony offense. Like most other drug charges, the potential fines and penalties you will be facing depend largely on the type of drug under question as well as the amount that you had in your possession. If you have been charged or arrested for anything related to a controlled substance, you should NOT talk the police at all and consult with a drug attorney immediately.
Police officers will usually try to turn your simple possession charge into one that includes intent to deliver, manufacturing or trafficking charge. Don’t help them by talking, you will only be giving them more information that can potentially harm you. The penalties for these sales and manufacturing offenses are extremely harsh and need to be taken seriously. At The Clark Law Office, we understand the magnitude of a controlled substance charge and will make sure we get the best outcome for your case. Our skilled and experienced trial attorneys have handled many cases involving prescription drugs including oxycodone, vicodin, narcotic painkillers, morphine, and others.
A controlled substance is highly regulated by the federal government and every state treats these charges differently. Michigan classifies drugs using different “schedules”. Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 drugs are considered the biggest threat because they are either highly addictive or widely abused. Michigan also has created a list for schedule III, IV, and V classifications. For more information about these classifications and what schedule they are considered, visit the official Michigan.gov page here. Although some charges are harsher than others, you could be facing consequences that will change your life.
Penalties and Fines For Possession of Prescription Drugs or Controlled Substances
As previously mentioned, both the type of drug involved and the amount of the drug will affect the potential penalties you could be facing. Schedule I and II Drugs carry the harshest penalties, but even the less dangerous and addicting drugs can carry life altering punishment. Any drug charge can negatively affect your ability to drive a vehicle, to secure a loan, to attain student loans, to buy/rent a home, and to find employment.
If you are convicted of possession either a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 controlled substance or prescription drug without a valid prescription, you could be facing the following penalties.
Less than 25 grams carries a possible prison sentence of up to 4 years and fines up to $25,000
Between 25 and 50 grams carries a possible prison sentence of up to 4 years and fines up to $25,000
Between 50 and 450 grams carries a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines up to $250,000
Between 450 and 1000 grams carries a possible prison sentence of up to 30 years and fines up to $500,000
1000 or more grams carries a possible life sentence in prison and fines up to $1,000,000