Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Designer Drugs Attorney in Lansing

What are Designer Drugs?

Designer drugs are a fairly new sort of illegal substance that has become popular since the “war on drugs” began. Designer drugs are also sometimes called analogous or analog drugs. Their express purpose is to mimic the effects of other illegal narcotics and prescription drugs. Possessing drugs like heroin and cocaine can land a user in prison for decades, but that does not stop people from wanting to know what they feel like. Drugs like bath salts, plant food, and China White are drugs that create effects similar to those of narcotics. Some also classify prescription drugs like Vicodin and Valium as analogues as well.

People began using these drugs to experience the high of narcotics without risking the possession charges. However, the state of Michigan has decided that they are illegal as well as their “genuine” counterparts. Michigan doesn't pull punches because it is not technically the same drug.

The majority of these analogous drugs were created with no intention of abuse. Pharmaceutical companies often create these drugs with purposes of treating diseases. However, they failed to notice the side effects they caused when they are abused. MDA, PCP, and GHB are just a few of these drugs, which are now strictly regulated.

The most serious drug charges are for Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. These include highly addictive substances that serve little medical purpose or only have a place in serious medical emergencies. Casual use, possession, or distribution of these drugs carries severe penalties.

Punishments for Designer Drugs

Being in possession of designer drugs can result in a $2,000 fine, up to 2 years in prison, or both. However, minimizing these charges is only the second priority. Your first priority should be to ensure that the prosecution does not succeed in bringing a trafficking charge instead of a possession charge. Trafficking means that you intended to sell, deliver, or distribute the designer drug and is a more serious offense than possession, resulting in up to 15 years in prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines.

Unfortunately, the prosecution does not have to prove that you actually distributed the drug to charge you with trafficking – such a charge can be based solely upon the amount of drug found in your possession, which is why it's essential to have an experienced drug crime attorney in Lansing by your side.

Furthermore, mere possession of these drugs is not the only factor in your case. The court will consider your prior drug and conviction history. If you appear to be a repeat offender, they may push for a longer sentence. We can help you fight that. In some cases, those convicted of drug crimes have been sentenced to a rehabilitation center. The courts know we cannot curb the spread of drugs by sending all convicts to languish in a prison.

If you were arrested within proximity of a school, church, park, or a business your case will be considered more offensive to the courts. The state of Michigan has made great strides towards cleaning up its cities of drug addiction and this condition is part of that. You will be harder pressed to receive lighter sentencing should this be the case.

In some cases, the courts can pull your driver’s license. If they are convinced that you delivered the drugs, even if you are innocent, they can revoke your driving privilege to head off any other illegal activities you may or may not participate in. This heavy-handed punishment is too often laid on people who never had any intention to sell drugs.

Contact Grabel & Associates

If you have been arrested for possession of designer drugs, you have to contact a lawyer immediately. Our drug crime attorneys have over a decade of court room experience. We can build a defense to maintain your innocence. Every hour you delay, the prosecution is building a case to put you away. Do not stand by and let that happen. Call the drug crime attorneys of Grabel & Associates right now at 1-800-342-7896. Our free consultation will allow us to begin working on your defense right away. We are waiting for your call.