Possession of a Controlled Substance

Michigan and all the other states regulate and control the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). In Michigan, the CDS is divided into five Schedules. Schedule 1 are the most dangerous drugs and have a high potential for abuse and addiction, and no recognized medical value. Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 5 drugs have less potential for abuse and decrease in dangerousness, while they increase in medical value.

Penalties for Schedule 1 or 2 Narcotic/Cocaine Possession

1,000 grams or more – Up to $1,000,000 fine, up to life in prison, or both. 450 grams or more, but less than 1000 grams – Up to $500,000 fine, up to 30 years in prison, or both. 50 grams or more, but less than 450 grams – Up to a $250,000 fine, up to 20 years in prison, or both. Less than 50 grams – Up to $25,000 fine, up to 4 years in prison, or both.

Penalties for Other Controlled Substances

Meth and Ecstasy Possession- Up to $15,000 fine, up to 10 years in prison, or both. Up to $2,000 fine, up to 1 year in prison, or both. LSD, Mescaline, Peyote- Up to $2,000 fine, up to 2 years in prison, or both Schedule 3 Hydrocodone with aspirin or acetaminophen, lower potency Morphine, Steroids, others.

Other Possession Charges and Punishments – Possession with Intent to Deliver

It’s not uncommon for police and prosecutors to inflate the charges against you to bring about stronger penalties. It all depends on the amount of drugs, type of drugs, and other factors.

Manufacturing of Controlled Substances

A person shall not manufacture, create, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture, create, or deliver a controlled substance. This includes using a vehicle, building, or area as a location to manufacture a controlled substance. No can a person possess tools used to manufacture drugs, or provide someone else with laboratory equipment for the manufacture of drugs.

Possession with Intent to Distribute or Manufacture GHB

Also known as the date rape drug, G, or liquid ecstasy. – Up to $5000 in fines, up to 7 years in prison, or both.

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamines

Harsher punishment. Up to $25,000 in fines, up to 20 years in prison, or both.

Manufacture, Delivering, or Possessing with Intent to Deliver

More then 45 kilograms or more than 200 plants – Up to $10,000,000 in fines, 15 years in prison. or both. More then 5 kilograms but less then 45 or more than 20 plants but less than 200 plants – Up to $500,000 in fines, up to 7 years in prison, or both. Less then 5 kilograms or less then 20 plants – Up to $20,000 in fines, up to 4 years in prison, or both. Park Zone Being caught in a public park with any amount of controlled substance carried up to 2 years in prison.

Fraudulent Prescriptions

It is illegal to write up a prescription on a prescription form or copy of a form if you are not a doctor. It is also illegal for a doctor to write a prescription for CDC drugs for nonmedical purposes. Besides a possible loss of license for doctors, you will face a fine of up to $7,000, up to 7 years in prison, or both.

Repeat Drug Possession

Michigan has some of the harshest drug laws in the country. A second or subsequent possession conviction of a Schedule 1 or 2 drug greater than 50 grams carries a sentence of life in prison.

Why Call Garfield?

A conviction for drugs will mess up your life for many years to come. Every time you turn around, your felony conviction will come up and haunt you. I know first hand about how it will mess up your life. I can relate and I am able to find creative ways to reduce the charges or have them dropped completely.

I’ve had my fill of lawyers represent me and for the most part, they didn’t do much to help me out. No investigative work, no theories on how to win, no contact with me, nothing. When I did talk to my lawyer, I felt awkward and intimidated. They had no idea about the world that I lived in.

Investigating a crime is one of the most important things that an attorney must do in order to come up with a theory to bring to court. It’s in the details and if you don’t scrutinize everything, you’ll miss a detail that might just make the case go away.