Oakland County Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug crimes are treated with a high degree of seriousness in Michigan and across the United States due to the substantial impact they have on individuals, families, and communities. Being accused of a drug crime can lead to severe legal consequences, including hefty fines, probation, and even imprisonment. A drug crime conviction leaving you with a permanent criminal record also carries a significant social stigma that can affect your future employment, educational opportunities, and other life prospects.
Crimes involving controlled substances, whether they are street drugs or unauthorized medical prescriptions, call for the services of a committed and competent defense attorney. At HJP Legal, you can rely on the knowledge and skills of Attorney Halley Peters, who brings 12 years of experience defending clients in all types of drug-related charges. Her effectiveness in criminal defense has earned her a reputation for high-quality legal representation in and around Oakland County.
Get advice and guidance in a consultation with our Oakland County drug crimes attorney. Contact us online or at (734) 593-1688 to make an appointment. Attorney Peters is licensed in Michigan, Florida & California.
Why Choose HJP Legal?
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Strategic Advice & RepresentationAttorney Halley J. Peters is well-versed in ensuring your legal rights are protected throughout the legal process. They will ensure that the evidence being used against you is obtained legally and within legal boundaries.
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Minimize PenaltiesCriminal charges can have severe consequences, including losing certain rights, massive fines and penalty fees, and potential incarceration. A skilled criminal defense attorney like Halley J. Peters can help to minimize these penalties or even fight to get the charges dismissed entirely.
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Clear Communication & TransparencyHalley is here for you every step of the way. She keeps her clients informed and up to date on important developments in their cases, and is readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise.
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Legal ExpertiseHalley is an experienced criminal defense attorney with the knowledge, skills, and resources to handle your criminal case. She understands the legal procedures and tactics of the prosecution, allowing her to provide you with the best defense.
Drug Crimes in Michigan
Drug crimes are among the most common types of criminal charges in Michigan and the U.S. People of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic levels can find themselves accused of crimes related to drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, PCP, ecstasy, and other street drugs. The unauthorized possession, use, or sale of medical drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin, Adderall, and other stimulants and sedatives can also lead to criminal charges.
Michigan categorizes drugs into five “schedules” based on their accepted medical use, the potential for abuse, and the likelihood of causing dependency. This classification system helps determine the severity of drug offenses.
Schedule I and II are drugs with the highest potential for abuse, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Schedule III, IV, and V have lower abuse potential; they include drugs, such as barbiturates and tranquilizers.
Drug crimes can include:
- Possession for one’s own use
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession for the sale or distribution of drugs
- Transportation of drugs
- Sale or furnishing of drugs to minors
- Manufacture or cultivation of drugs
Penalties for Drug Crimes
How you are charged for drug crimes depends on the type of drugs found in your possession, what amount, and other critical factors, such as prior criminal history, whether minors were involved, or whether weapons were involved.
Prosecutors consider the above factors when filing criminal charges, determining the penalties you can face.
Examples of penalties include:
- Possession of narcotics: Up to four years in prison and/or fines up to $25,000 for substances like cocaine and heroin.
- Manufacturing methamphetamine: Up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Prescription fraud: Penalties can include jail time, significant fines, and a permanent criminal record.
In addition to the above penalties, individuals convicted of drug trafficking in Michigan can face particularly harsh consequences. For instance, trafficking a large quantity of controlled substances such as heroin or cocaine may result in up to life imprisonment, depending on the amount involved.
Michigan's laws against the distribution of marijuana, despite its legalized status for recreational use in small amounts, can lead to up to 15 years in prison when the distribution involves large quantities or occurs near protected areas like schools or parks.
How HJP Legal Can Help
Being accused of a drug crime can have life-changing consequences, depending on the nature of the charges. Any criminal conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record that can jeopardize your future.
Our firm can help you fight back by providing an aggressive defense strategy, challenging the prosecutor’s evidence, working to negotiate lesser charges or penalties, and exploring alternative sentencing options, such as drug court or treatment programs.
Consult with our Oakland County drug crimes attorney. Request an appointment online or by phone at (734) 593-1688 to get started.