Drug charges are taken seriously in Michigan, and convictions can result in severe consequences, including jail time, fines, and damage to your reputation. If you or someone you know is facing drug charges in Michigan, it is essential to act swiftly and work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help defend against these charges. In this article, we will discuss strategies and outcomes for defending against drug charges in Michigan.

Strategies for Defending Against Drug Charges

There are several strategies that a criminal defense attorney may use to defend against drug charges in Michigan. These strategies include challenging the legality of the search or seizure that led to the discovery of drugs, arguing that the drugs belong to someone else, and negotiating a plea bargain to reduce charges or penalties.

Challenging the Legality of the Search or Seizure: If the search or seizure of drugs is in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a criminal defense attorney can argue that the evidence should be suppressed. This could lead to the dismissal of the case or a reduction in the severity of the charges.

Challenging the Possession of the Drugs: If the drugs were not found in the direct possession of the accused, then it may be argued that the drugs in question were not the Defendant’s. Additionally, it may be important to have the drugs retested to determine what the composition of the substance is.

Negotiating a Plea Bargain: In some cases, negotiating a plea bargain may be the best option. A criminal defense attorney can work with the prosecutor to negotiate a deal that reduces charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. This could reduce the length of the sentence or avoid lengthy court proceedings altogether. In some cases, it can lead to a dismissal of charges after a probationary period.

Outcomes for Drug Charge Cases

The outcome of a drug charge case in Michigan depends on several factors, including the type and quantity of drugs involved, the defendant's criminal history, and the defendant's personal circumstances. However, there are a few typical outcomes for drug charge cases in Michigan.

Dismissal of the Case: In some cases, a drug charge case may be dismissed because of a lack of evidence or due to a legal reason. Legal reasons can include the suppression of evidence due to a bad search or a break in the chain of custody that renders the evidence inadmissible.

Acquittal: If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt at a trial that the defendant committed the alleged drug crime, the result may be an acquittal, which means the defendant is found not guilty.

Plea Deal: If the defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea as part of a plea bargain, they will be convicted of the drug charges and may face reduced charges or penalties. If the defendant pleads guilty under a deferred sentence or first offender program, then a conviction can be avoided. Additional convictions can also be avoided through a plea deal.

Trial Conviction: If the defendant is found guilty at trial, then they will be convicted of the drug charges and may face significant jail time, fines, and other penalties.

Conclusion

Drug charges can have severe consequences in Michigan, but there are strategies that a criminal defense attorney can use to defend against these charges. Whether it is challenging the legality of the search or seizure, arguing that the drugs belong to someone else, or negotiating a plea bargain, an experienced attorney can develop a suitable defense that gives you the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or someone you know is facing drug charges in Michigan, it is essential to work closely with a criminal defense attorney who has experience with drug charges. They will help you understand your legal options and work with you to develop a defense that protects your rights and ensures the best possible outcome. Call us at My Michigan Legal today so we can help.