Drug Crimes
In the 1970’s and continuing through 2002, Michigan modeled its drug law after New York ’s tough drug statutes. A person convicted of possession of more than 650 grams of cocaine, heroin or other hard drugs, faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. In 2002 the Michigan legislature revised this law, leaving sentencing up to the discretion of the judge, based on the individual circumstances of each case.
Most frequently, drug charges are initiated when the police or other authorities search a person, his car, or his home and discover illegal drugs. The validity of the charge often depends on whether the search and seizure was legal, based on fourth amendment rights that protect citizens against unreasonable search and seizure.
Acquiring an attorney immediately at the onset of a drug charge is essential in protecting your rights and determining the legality of the search, even when a search warrant is issued.
Being convicted of drug charges can have dire, life changing consequences, leading to jail, limited employment opportunities after serving your sentence, and deportation of non-citizens.
Even though Michigan laws are more flexible, stiff drug sentencing is still prevalent and if charged with a drug crime, it’s wise to retain an attorney with proven experience in drug crime defense as soon as possible.
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