Methamphetamine Possession and Distribution Offenses

Methamphetamine: What You Need to Know About Possession and Distribution Charges

Methamphetamine, also known as meth, crystal meth, or ice, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. Meth looks like a white or off-white crystalline powder and can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed. The effects of meth include increased energy, focus, and confidence as well as decreased appetite and fatigue. However, meth is extremely addictive and can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.

If you have been arrested for meth possession or distribution, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Meth charges are serious business in Michigan, and can lead to lengthy prison sentences as well as hefty fines and a permanent criminal record. This article will provide an overview of common meth charges and penalties so you know what you might be facing.

Possession of Methamphetamine

Simply having meth in your possession, even a small amount for personal use, is a felony offense in Michigan. Penalties for meth possession depend on the amount:

• Possession of less than 25 grams is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000.
• Possession of 25-50 grams bumps the possible prison sentence up to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000.
• Possession of 50-450 grams brings a prison term of up to 30 years and a fine of up to $25,000 or three times the value of the meth.
• Possession of 450 grams or more is punishable by up to 40 years behind bars and the same fine.

As you can see, meth possession charges quickly become very serious felonies with decades of potential prison time on the line. Even a first-time offender with no criminal history could be facing 10+ years behind bars.

It’s also important to understand that you can be charged with meth possession even if the drugs weren’t on your person. If meth is found anywhere in your home, car, locker, backpack, etc. you could potentially be charged with possession.

Defenses for Meth Possession Charges

If you’ve been accused of meth possession, don’t panic. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the details of your case and build a strong defense. Here are some common defenses we may use:

• Illegal search – If the police searched you, your home, or your property without consent or probable cause, any evidence found may be excluded.
• Wrongful arrest – If you were arrested without probable cause, the case could be dismissed.
• Lack of knowledge – If someone else left drugs in your home or vehicle without your knowledge, you can’t be convicted of possession.
• Misidentified substance – Lab tests could show the seized substance wasn’t meth after all.
• Entrapment – Undercover cops can’t coerce you into committing a crime you wouldn’t otherwise commit.

With an aggressive legal defense, we can get meth possession charges reduced or even dismissed in some cases, keeping a felony conviction off your record.

Selling, Making, or Distributing Meth

Distributing or manufacturing methamphetamine are even more serious felony charges that can lead to decades behind bars. Let’s take a look at some common meth distribution and manufacturing charges:

• Delivery or manufacture of less than 50 grams of meth brings up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000.
• Between 50-449 grams bumps the possible prison term up to life and a possible $100,000 fine.
• 450 grams or more of meth can be punished by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
• Operating or maintaining a meth lab is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $25,000.
• Delivering or selling meth to a minor under 18 years old adds an additional 2 years in prison.

With such lengthy potential prison sentences on the line, anyone facing meth distribution or manufacturing charges needs an aggressive legal defense. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case, identify any police errors or constitutional violations, and build a strong defense strategy.

For example, we may be able to get evidence suppressed or charges reduced or dismissed by showing:

• You were illegally targeted or profiled by police
• You were entrapped into committing a crime
• Police violated your 4th Amendment rights
• Lab tests show the substance was not meth
• You had no knowledge of the meth lab on your property

With so much at stake, it’s critical to have a skilled meth lawyer fighting for you every step of the way. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an overworked public defender. A private defense attorney can make all the difference in getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

Sentencing and Penalties If Convicted

If you are convicted of meth possession, distribution, or manufacturing, Michigan’s sentencing guidelines provide a starting point for penalties, but the judge has discretion in determining the ultimate sentence. Factors that influence sentencing can include:

• Your prior criminal record, if any
• The amount of meth involved
• Your role in the crime – kingpin or low-level dealer?
• Whether minors were involved
• Whether you accept responsibility or show remorse
• Your personal, employment, and family circumstances
• Your addiction history and need for treatment

In addition to jail or prison time, penalties for meth convictions can include:

• Fines reaching into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Mandatory drug testing and counseling
• Drug court program instead of incarceration
• Driver’s license suspension
• Forfeiture of vehicles or property connected to the crime
• Deportation for non-citizens
• Probation and close monitoring
• Permanent criminal record negatively impacting jobs, housing, etc.

Your defense attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution for reduced charges or sentencing concessions that minimize the penalties you face. For example, we may be able to get eligible first-time offenders into a diversion program or push for inpatient drug treatment instead of prison.

Don’t Go It Alone – Get a Meth Lawyer Now

If you or someone you love is facing meth possession or distribution charges, time is of the essence. Call an experienced Michigan methamphetamine crimes lawyer immediately for a free and confidential case evaluation. A knowledgeable attorney will explain your rights, review the charges, and start building your defense right away.

With an aggressive legal defense, we can get charges reduced or dismissed, sentences minimized, and your rights protected. Don’t leave your future up to chance – let us help you beat your meth charges and get your life back on track. Call today!