What are the Penalties for Felony Drug Charges?

A variety of press cuttings, all dealing with drug abuse, concept for felony drug charges attorney.

Serious consequences accompany felony drug charges, including substantial fines and the possibility of an extended prison term. If you find yourself facing arrest on drug-related allegations, seeking the counsel of seasoned Felony Drug Charges Lawyer, Robert Elmen is imperative to mount a strong defense.

Robert Elmen defends people against drug charges in Michigan. He will thoroughly investigate the case against you, explore ways to challenge the drug charges, and help you evaluate possible resolutions to your felony drug case, such as a diversion program or drug treatment. When necessary, he has the skills and experience to take your drug case to trial to defend your rights.

Penalties for Felony Charges for Drugs

Like most states, Michigan classifies drugs according to a schedule based on whether the drug has an acceptable medical use and its likelihood of abuse. The punishments for felony drug charges conviction are as follows:

  • Possession of less than 50 grams of a narcotic is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine;
  • Possession of more than 50 grams but less than 450 grams of a controlled substance is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000;
  • Possession of more than 450 grams but less than 1,000 grams of drugs is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $500,000 fine;
  • Possession of more than 1,000 grams of narcotics is punishable by up to life imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine;
  • Dealing any drug classified as a Schedule 1, 2, or 3 controlled substance, other than marijuana, is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine;
  • If you are convicted of dealing a Schedule 4 controlled substance, you face up to 4 years in prison and a fine of $20,000;
  • Manufacturing or dealing a Schedule 5 controlled substance is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

Impact of Drug Charges on Your Driver’s License

If you are convicted of felony drug charges, Michigan law imposes a mandatory driver’s license suspension, even if you were not driving at the time.

Felony Drug Charge First Offense. If you do not have any prior convictions, your driver’s license will be suspended for six months. You may be eligible for a restricted driver’s license after the first 30 days.

Felony Drug Charge with Prior Convictions. If you have prior drug convictions within the last seven years, your driver’s license will be suspended for one year. You are not eligible for a restricted license during the first 60 days of your driver’s license suspension.

Driver’s License Reinstatement. Once your driver’s license suspension has ended, you will be eligible to have your driver’s license restored by paying a $125 reinstatement fee in addition to any reinstatement fee required for any other driver’s license sanctions.

How a Felony Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help

If you are facing Michigan drug crime charges, Elmen Legal can help. Attorney Elmen will listen and ask questions during your initial interview. Then, he will conduct a thorough and independent investigation of the felony drug charges against you. Some of the legal issues he may explore include:

  • Did the police have probable cause to investigate you?
  • Did they follow proper procedures when placing you under arrest?
  • Was the arrest unlawful?
  • Did you have a valid prescription?
  • Did the police follow proper procedures when testing the drugs?
  • Even though you were in possession of drugs, did you intend to sell them, or were they for personal use?
  • If multiple people were present, were the drugs yours, and did you know they were there?
  • Are you drug-dependent and qualify for a treatment program?
  • Are you eligible for diversion?

Contact Felony Drug Charges Defense Lawyer Robert Elmen Today

A conviction for felony drug charges carries serious penalties. But a careful investigation, thorough analysis, and aggressive defense can lead to a reduction in charges, a reduced sentence, or even dismissal of the drug charges.

If you believe you are under investigation or you have been arrested for felony drug charges, hiring the right lawyer can mean the difference between a conviction and a Not Guilty verdict.

Elmen Legal will protect your rights, ensure things you say will not be used against you, and work to minimize the impact of any evidence the prosecution can gather.