There are many different drugs that people use in Michigan. They have different purposes and many times they are useful if people take them with a valid prescription. However, there many people who take these drugs without a valid prescription and there are others who take drugs that are never prescribed by doctors. When people do this it can be dangerous and it is also illegal.
Potential penalties for drug offenses
People who are caught possessing these types of drugs can be charged with drug crimes. If they are convicted they can face significant penalties. The extent of the penalties people may face depends on the type of drug that people possess and the amount that they possess as well.
- People possessing 1,000 grams or more of schedule I or II narcotics could face life in prison and/or a fine up to $1,000,000.
- People possessing schedule I or II narcotics in amounts between 450 grams and 1,000 people could be sentenced up to 30 years in jail and/or a $500,000 fine.
- Possession of schedule I or II narcotics in the amounts between 50 grams and 450 grams could result in up to 20 years in jail and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
- Possession of schedule I or II narcotics in the amounts up to 50 grams could result in a prison sentence of up to four years in jail and/or a fine up to $25,000.
- Drugs not mentioned above could result in a jail sentence up to two years and/or a fine up to $2,000.
- Marijuana possession could result in a misdemeanor which could result in a one year jail sentence and/or a fine of $1,000.
What if you are charged with drug possession
There are many different reasons that people in Michigan possess drugs. People caught possessing the drugs could be charged with drug possession crimes. However, being charged does not mean that people are guilty. People may have defenses which start with whether the person was legally stopped or searched by the police. If the search was illegal, the evidence could be suppressed and convictions become unlikely. Experienced attorneys understand these defenses and could help protect one’s rights.