Michigan Drug Offense Defense
Drug charges in Michigan carry severe consequences, from jail time to life-altering collateral effects on your career, education, and future. At Rockind Law, we provide aggressive, effective defense against all types of drug charges, from simple possession to complex trafficking cases.
Our approach combines meticulous investigation, constitutional challenges, and deep knowledge of Michigan drug laws to build the strongest possible defense. Led by Neil Rockind, our team has secured dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals in cases that initially seemed unwinnable.
If you're facing drug charges, don't wait to get experienced legal counsel. Contact Rockind Law today for a strategic defense that protects your rights and future.
Types of Drug Charges We Defend
Drug Possession
Simple possession charges can result from having controlled substances for personal use. Penalties vary based on the type and amount of substance involved.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
These more serious charges involve allegations that drugs were possessed for sale rather than personal use, often based on quantity, packaging, or presence of scales or cash.
Drug Manufacturing
Production of controlled substances, including growing marijuana beyond legal limits or operating meth labs, carries severe penalties in Michigan.
Drug Trafficking
Transporting or distributing controlled substances across state lines can trigger federal charges with mandatory minimum sentences.
Prescription Drug Offenses
We defend against charges of illegal possession of prescription drugs, doctor shopping, prescription fraud, and unauthorized distribution.
Marijuana-Related Charges
Despite recreational legalization, many marijuana offenses remain illegal, including possession beyond legal limits, unauthorized sales, or illegal growing operations.
Michigan Drug Law Penalties
Michigan drug laws classify penalties based on the type of substance, amount, and whether distribution was involved. Here's a simplified overview:
Beyond incarceration and fines, drug convictions can result in driver's license suspension, asset forfeiture, professional license consequences, and limitations on education financial aid.
Our Drug Defense Strategies
Constitutional Challenges
We scrutinize every aspect of the investigation, search, and seizure for Fourth Amendment violations. Many drug cases can be dismissed when evidence is obtained through illegal searches of homes, vehicles, or persons.
Challenging Possession
Prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the controlled substance. We can challenge whether you had knowledge of or control over the drugs, particularly in cases involving shared spaces or vehicles.
Chain of Custody Issues
We investigate whether law enforcement properly handled, stored, and tested alleged drug evidence, as breaks in this chain can invalidate the evidence.
Laboratory Testing Challenges
We verify that proper testing protocols were followed and that the alleged substances were actually controlled substances under Michigan law.
Entrapment Defense
In some cases, law enforcement may have induced or encouraged you to commit a crime you otherwise wouldn't have committed.
Alternative Sentencing Options
For appropriate cases, we pursue diversion programs, treatment courts, or 7411 deferrals that can keep a conviction off your record.
Case Results: Drug Offense Defenses
Cocaine Trafficking Charges Dismissed
Client faced 20+ years for alleged large-scale cocaine distribution. Our investigation revealed multiple Fourth Amendment violations in the search warrant execution and surveillance. Case dismissed before trial.
Marijuana Grow Operation: Charges Reduced
Client charged with multiple felonies for an alleged illegal marijuana growing operation. Through negotiations and demonstrating medical necessity, charges reduced to a single misdemeanor with probation.
Prescription Fraud Acquittal
Medical professional charged with prescription fraud faced potential loss of license and career. Our defense exposed significant gaps in the prosecution's case, resulting in a jury acquittal on all counts.
Heroin Possession: Evidence Suppressed
Client faced mandatory prison time for heroin possession. We successfully argued that the traffic stop leading to the discovery was unconstitutionally prolonged. All evidence suppressed, case dismissed.
These case results are examples and do not guarantee similar outcomes in your case. Each case is unique.
Michigan's Drug Treatment Courts
For some clients, drug treatment courts provide an alternative to traditional prosecution. These specialized courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment for non-violent drug offenders.
Benefits of drug court participation may include:
- Reduced or dismissed charges upon successful completion
- Structured treatment programs with court supervision
- Avoiding jail or prison time
- Access to recovery resources and support
- Opportunity to maintain employment and family connections
Rockind Law has successfully helped many clients gain admission to these programs when appropriate. We can assess whether you might qualify for drug court and advocate for your participation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Drug Offenses
Can drug charges be expunged from my record?
Under Michigan's expanded expungement laws, many drug convictions can be expunged after a waiting period. Even some drug felonies may qualify. However, this depends on your entire criminal record and whether the charge falls within eligible categories. We can review your case to determine expungement eligibility.
What is Michigan's "7411" deferral program?
MCL 333.7411 is a special deferral program for first-time drug offenders. If you qualify and successfully complete probation, the charge is dismissed without a conviction on your record. This option is typically available for simple possession charges for first-time offenders. Our attorneys regularly secure 7411 deferrals for eligible clients.
Can prescription drugs lead to criminal charges even if I have a prescription?
Yes. Using medications in ways not prescribed, sharing prescription medications with others, or possessing quantities beyond your prescription can lead to criminal charges. Additionally, doctor shopping (visiting multiple doctors to obtain similar prescriptions) is illegal.
How are marijuana charges handled now that recreational use is legal in Michigan?
While recreational marijuana is legal in Michigan for adults 21 and over, numerous marijuana-related activities remain illegal, including: possession by minors, possession of more than 2.5 ounces, unauthorized sales, driving under the influence, and consumption in public places. Additionally, marijuana remains federally illegal, which can create complications in certain situations.
If drugs were found in my car but they weren't mine, can I still be charged?
Yes. Michigan law allows for "constructive possession" charges, meaning you can be charged if drugs are found in areas you control (like your vehicle), even if you claim they aren't yours. However, this creates potential defense opportunities, as prosecutors must prove you knowingly possessed the drugs. This is a common scenario where skilled defense counsel can make a significant difference.
Contact Michigan's Premier Drug Defense Attorneys
If you're facing drug charges in Michigan, time is of the essence. Early intervention can preserve evidence, protect your rights, and sometimes even prevent charges from being filed.
At Rockind Law, we provide strategic, aggressive defense against all drug charges. Our track record of dismissed charges, reduced sentences, and favorable plea agreements speaks to our effectiveness in this complex area of law.
Call: (248) 208-3800
Related Practice Areas
- Federal Drug Charges - Defense against federal prosecution
- DUI/OUI/OWI - Defense against driving under the influence of drugs
- Expungement - Clearing drug convictions from your record
- White Collar Crimes - Including prescription fraud cases