What drugs are felonies in Michigan?

The possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy is a felony. All offenses involving the delivery of any controlled drug or possession with intent to deliver are felonies.

Do first-time drug offenders go to jail in Michigan?

It is a felony offense to possess a Schedule 1, 2, 3, or 4 drug other than cocaine, narcotics, or gamma-butyrolactone. The defendants could be sentenced to up two years imprisonment, a $2000 fine, or both.

Is drug paraphernalia a felony in Michigan?

Possession and use of drug paraphernalia are crimes that can be considered misdemeanors. Michigan's district courts handle misdemeanor cases including possession of paraphernalia.

What is a 7411 in Michigan?

The Michigan law MCL 33.7411 (also known as ''7411'') applies to people charged with possession or use of marijuana or other drugs. The 7411 law is also applicable to persons who are charged with a felony for possession of heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, or MDMA/ecstasy.

What is the statute of limitations in Michigan?

Michigan's criminal statutes of limitations law sets the limit at six-year for misdemeanors. For most felonies, it is six to ten years.

Is Suboxone a controlled substance in Michigan?

Scheduled controlled drugs are covered by state law. Michigan allows physicians to directly dispense and administer Suboxone in treatment or rehabilitation programs to drug-dependent individuals. A separate record must be kept by each physician for any controlled substances administered.

Why should I hire Michigan Defense Law?

Criminal defense attorney Paul J. Tafelski and our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers at Michigan Defense Law have dedicated our careers to helping individuals facing serious criminal charges. We have been fighting for justice for people who are facing the legal system for over twenty years. We have a deep understanding of the consequences of convictions and a pragmatic approach to solving cases. We are known for our hard work, skillful command of Michigan criminal law, and diligent representation in court.

How much do I pay for a consultation?

Michigan Defense Law offers a free consultation. If you need an expungement for a conviction on your record, getting the help of a skilled Michigan expungement lawyer is very important. We can help you navigate the complexities of the justice system.

Where is your office located?

Our law office is located at 2525 S Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. If you'd like to visit us, feel free to do so. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How can I contact Michigan Defense Law?

If you need the help of a Michigan domestic violence lawyer, you can call us at (248) 451-2200. You can also send us an email at paul@michigandefenselaw.com. Another way to contact us is by filling up the contact form on our website at https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/contact-us/

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Felony Drug Charges

The possession, use, or sale of certain controlled substances is illegal under both federal and Michigan state law. The specific charges can vary depending on several factors, including the type and amount of drugs involved. For those who have larger quantities of drugs or are suspected of intending to sell or deliver illegal drugs, the charges are often felony charges with serious potential consequences. If you have been charged with drug possession in Oakland County, you will need legal representation from a skilled drug crime attorney.

At Michigan Defense Law, our dedicated Oakland County felony drug charges attorneys understand the serious consequences you may face and are committed to protecting your future. With extensive experience in Michigan drug laws, we develop personalized defense strategies that challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or explore alternative sentencing options. Contact us today at (248) 451-2200 to discuss your case and learn how we can fight for the best possible outcome.

Felony Drug Crimes in Michigan

Simple possession or possession of drug paraphernalia is usually a misdemeanor offense that may result in less than a year of jail time, while felony drug charges are much more serious.

Some examples of felony drug charges include:

Possession of certain controlled substances.
Possession with intent to sell or deliver.
Intent to deliver.
Drug trafficking.

There are two key defining criteria that can make the difference between a misdemeanor drug charge and a felony drug charge: the type of controlled substance and the amount of the controlled substance that you have under your control at the time of arrest.

Michigan has relaxed its drug laws somewhat when it comes to marijuana. If you possess any amount of marijuana, your maximum penalty is up to one year in prison and fines up to $2,000. No amount of marijuana possession will lead to felony charges unless you are cultivating, selling, or intending to deliver it. This is very different from the rules for heroin, cocaine, MDMA, and other dangerous or highly addictive drugs.

Felony Drug Charges for Heroin and Cocaine and Other Narcotics

Under both Michigan and federal laws, drugs are classified into different schedules based on how dangerous the substances are and whether they have any legitimate medical use. For example:

Heroin is a Schedule I drug synthesized from morphine that also goes by the street names Big H, dragon, dope, smack, and mud. It is highly addictive, and there are harsh penalties for heroin crimes.
Cocaine is a Schedule II substance that comes in the form of an injectable hydrochloride salt that can also be ingested by mouth or snorted up the nose. Freebase cocaine also comes in a smokable form.

Other controlled substances classified as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs include:

Ecstasy (Schedule I)
LSD (Schedule I)
GHB (Schedule I)
Hallucinogenic mushrooms (Schedule I)
Opium (Schedule I)
Morphine (Schedule II)
Oxycodone (Schedule II)
Methamphetamines (Schedule II)

Oxycodone and certain other Schedule II substances are available by prescription. While you are permitted to have these medications with a valid prescription, they are illegal to possess, use, or distribute unless under the orders of a licensed physician.

Penalties for Felony Possession of Heroin, Cocaine and Other Narcotics

Because heroin and cocaine are among the most dangerous drugs, the penalties are harsh for felony drug charges related to these narcotics. For example:

Possession of more than 1,000 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance in Michigan can result in a fine up to $1 million and incarceration up to life in prison.
Possession of between 450 and 1,000 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance can result in up to 30 years of incarceration and fines up to $500,000.
Possession of between 50 and 450 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance can result in up to 20 years in prison, as well as fines as high as $250,000.
Possession of 25 to 50 grams of a Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance can result in fines up to $25,000 and as many as four years of incarceration.

You may also face a felony charge of possession with intent to sell if the drugs are packaged in such a way that indicates they will be sold or if you have paraphernalia indicating the drugs are for sale and not simply for use. For example, having marijuana or other drugs divided into individual baggies or having a scale for measuring grams may be considered indicators of intent to sell a controlled substance.

Quantity of Controlled Substance	Potential Penalty	Maximum Fine
More than 1,000 grams	Up to life in prison	Up to $1 million
450 – 1,000 grams	Up to 30 years in prison	Up to $500,000
50 – 450 grams	Up to 20 years in prison	Up to $250,000
25 – 50 grams	Up to 4 years in prison	Up to $25,000

Felony Drug Charges: Prescription Pills Without a Prescription

While many drug crimes are based on the possession of illegal drugs, you can also be arrested and charged with a crime if you violate the laws related to prescription drugs.

The consequences of possessing prescription pills without a prescription vary depending both on the type and amount of medication. For example:

Oxycodone is treated as a Schedule II substance, and penalties are the same for this drug as for any other controlled substance, including heroin and cocaine.
Vicodin is a Schedule III drug, and you could face felony drug charges, fines up to $10,000 and incarceration for as long as seven years for delivery, possession with intent or creation.
Valium and Xanax are Schedule IV substances. If you face felony drug charges for possession with intent to deliver or for delivery and possession, you may be fined up to $2,000 and incarcerated for up to four years.

Both individuals and physicians can face felony charges for obtaining, using, or distributing certain prescription pills without a prescription. Doctors who illegally misuse their authority to prescribe medications may face much harsher consequences than individuals who simply possess illegal prescription drugs for their own use.

If you are facing prescription drug-related charges in Oakland County, Michigan Defense Law can provide the strong legal defense you need. Contact us today at (248) 451-2200 or reach out online for a free initial consultation.

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