Questions About Drug Charges? I Can Answer Them.
The public’s attitude regarding drug activity is changing rapidly, but the state of Michigan still punishes drug crimes very harshly. If you are facing drug-related criminal charges, you probably have many questions about our state’s legal system. I am attorney Jim Champion, the founder of Law Office of James K. Champion, PLLC. Here, I will answer some of the questions I hear most frequently.
Are the police allowed to search my property for drugs?
The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. Police officers must have a warrant to search your house, dorm, car, backpack or another property you own. But there are some exceptions to this rule. If they have probable cause to believe that any drug-related criminal activity is taking place or if they see contraband in plain sight, they may search and confiscate your property.
What should I do if the police want to interview me?
Do not speak with the police, even if you know you are not guilty. The police know how to get the answers that they want out of you, even if you have not done anything wrong. Before you talk to a police officer, contact a lawyer. If the police detain you, tell them that you wish to remain silent until you have an attorney present.
Now that marijuana is legal in Michigan, what happens to my marijuana-related criminal charge?
Citizens recently voted to legalize recreational marijuana in our state. But if you were charged with a crime pertaining to marijuana possession, manufacture or sale, you may still be on the hook. Although the governor has promised to expunge marijuana-related convictions, this may take months. Charges pertaining to marijuana may eventually be dismissed or expunged, but the future remains unclear. When you schedule a consultation to discuss your case, I can provide a better idea of what to expect for your future.
Is it now legal to purchase and sell marijuana for recreational use?
Even though recreational marijuana is nominally legal, there is still a long way to go before you can buy, sell, manufacture and transport it without the fear of criminal penalties. State legislators are still hammering out the details of our new marijuana laws. Until the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs starts to license businesses for the sale of marijuana, retail sales of the substance are not legal.
For now, you are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of weed and carry it with you. In your home, you can keep up to 12 cannabis plants and up to 10 ounces of marijuana. You can use weed on private property but not on any public property.
Get More Answers In A Free Consultation
No doubt, you have many more pressing questions to ask. You can speak to me in person at my office in Grand Rapids. I provide free consultations in person or over the phone. To schedule yours, call 616-953-8499 or send me an email.