Drug Charges

Drug charges are among the harshest penalties under Michigan law, and it is important to set up an aggressive defense when charged with a crime. A conviction for a Michigan drug offense can result in many negative long-term consequences for your life. Some consequences you may experience as a result of a drug conviction include:

• A jail or prison sentence
• Thousands (or millions) in fines and court fees
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• A permanent criminal record
• Risk of losing your job
• Trouble being approved for rental housing
• Revocation of professional licensures

Given what is at stake, if you have been charged with any drug offense, it is critical to secure counsel early on to defend you and ensure that your rights are preserved throughout the legal process. The sooner that you contact ZAYID LAW, the sooner we can fight the charges brought against you and work to minimize the fines, penalties and other potential consequences. ZAYID LAW finds unique ways to navigate Michigan law that will avoid jail time or other serious consequences that can give you a second chance to lead a substance free life. ZAYID LAW can anticipate the tactics used by the system against you and understands what evidence to look for to properly defend you. Arming yourself with this information and strategy may be the difference between a favorable outcome and prison time.

WHAT IS A “Controlled Substance”

The term “controlled substance” is also broad and includes a list of drugs, either illicit or unauthorized prescriptions, including the following:

Illicit Drugs

Cocaine	Crack Cocaine
Heroin	Crystal Meth
LSD	PCP
MDMA	Ecstasy

Unauthorized Prescription Drugs

Xanax	Adderall
Oxycodone	Hydrocodone
Vicodin	Percocet

Michigan’s Controlled Substances “Schedules”

Michigan categorizes controlled substances into five “schedules,” based on the severity and dangerous nature of the substance. Schedule 1 includes the most dangerous drugs, which have a high probability of abuse and addiction and no recognized medical value. Schedules 2, 3, 4, and 5 decrease in dangerousness and probability of abuse and increase in recognized medical uses.

Examples of controlled substances included in each schedule are listed below.

• Schedule 1: heroin, LSD, peyote, ecstasy
• Schedule 2: cocaine, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone
• Schedule 3: barbituric acids, benzphetamine, ketamine
• Schedule 4: diazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital
• Schedule 5: codeine mixed with non-narcotics (e.g. cough syrups or cold medicines)

Courts rely upon these categories and sentencing guidelines to determine the applicable penalties for illegal use, possession and sale of controlled substances. If you’ve been arrested for any crime involving illegal controlled substances possession or sale, ZAYID LAW can explain the intricacies of the Michigan Penal Code and help you understand the specific charges (and penalties) you may be facing.

(Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 333.7212, -7214, -7216, -7218, 7220 (2019).)

Offenses and Penalties

ZAYID LAW has experience defending drug cases from the time of the arrest and through the conclusion of the case. This requires knowledge and experience in understanding the charges brought against you, venue considerations, investigation facts, mitigating factors, possible defenses, and jail alternatives.

Justin Zayid and ZAYID LAW has extensive experience representing clients facing the following charges:

USE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

• First Offense: Misdemeanor
• Penalties:
  • Up to one year in prison
  • Fines up to $2,000
  • Suspension of driver’s license for six months

POSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

• First offense: Misdemeanor or felony depending on the type of drug and the amount involved.
• Penalties:
  • Ranging from months in jail to life in prison
  • Fines ranging from $2,000 dollars up to $1 million.
  • Suspension of driver’s license for six months

SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (i.e. “Trafficking”) — Manufacturing, creating, delivering, or possessing drugs with the intent to deliver

• First Offense: Felony
• Penalties:
  • Ranging from two years in jail to life in prison
  • Fines ranging from $2,000 up to $1 million
  • Suspension of driver’s license for six months

PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHARGES — Michigan law imposes harsh penalties on the use, possession, or trafficking of prescription forms or prescription drugs. Depending on the nature of the charge, prescription drug offenses are generally felonies that carry fines up to $1 million and up to life prison sentences.

Drug Charge Resources

Facing drug charges, or any charges for that matter, can be intimidating and stressful. ZAYID LAW has prepared several resources that can help you “arm yourself” with the knowledge necessary to make key decisions with your drug case. The more you understand the process, the better position you will be in to face the charges and potentially beat the case. ZAYID LAW has experience defending individuals accused of drug charges from the very beginning of their case all the way through the final outcome. After reviewing the materials below, contact ZAYID LAW for your free initial consultation.

• Drug Charge “Definitions” — Facing drug charges is intimidating. Acclimate yourself with the commonly used “buzz words” so you know what to expect when defending your case.
• Frequently Asked Questions — ZAYID LAW has defended many people facing drug charges and has encountered several of the same questions and concerns. Learn more about the frequently asked questions from people who have faced drug charges.
• Defenses to Drug Charges — How ZAYID LAW can defend you against drug charges to dismiss the case or obtain the best possible result.
• Sentencing and Jail Alternatives — Serving jail time is not the only option when facing a drug conviction. Learn the creative ways ZAYID LAW uses Michigan law to avoid jail time or obtain the best possible sentence for you.
• Enhanced Penalties for Certain Drug Crimes — Michigan law imposes harsher penalties for certain crimes involving controlled substances, such as sales to minors and repeat offenses. Learn more about how ZAYID LAW defends individuals in these types of situations.

Contact Zayid Law Today to Fight Your Drug Charge

ZAYID LAW will provide aggressive defense to your drug charges early and often in your case. We know the courts, understand the law, and are in the position to produce the best possible outcome for your case. We know what it takes to defend you against the system, and it is important to contact ZAYID Law from day one to preserve your rights and get ready to defend your case.

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