A Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney Offering Experienced Representation
Criminal defense is the core of my practice as a lawyer at the Law Office of James K. Champion, PLLC. I dedicate my time and effort to defending clients facing allegations ranging from controlled substance trafficking to drug distribution. With my experience as a drug trafficking defense attorney, I understand how prosecutors build their cases and where their evidence may be vulnerable.
Your freedom deserves nothing less than a relentless advocate who knows how to navigate Michigan’s complex drug laws. Contact me today to schedule a free consultation if you’re facing trafficking allegations in Kent County and the surrounding communities.
From Possession To Trafficking: Understanding The Escalation
What many Michigan residents don’t realize is that simple possession can quickly escalate to trafficking allegations based primarily on quantity. Under state law, possessing amounts above certain thresholds–regardless of your intent–can trigger trafficking charges.
For example, possessing more than 50 grams of cocaine or heroin can lead prosecutors to presume an intent to deliver, not just for personal use. Even prescription medications like oxycodone or fentanyl in quantities larger than your prescription can result in prescription drug trafficking charges.
The police often use factors like packaging materials, digital scales, large amounts of cash, or multiple mobile phones as evidence to transform a possession case into a trafficking investigation. This escalation dramatically increases potential penalties, requiring a completely different strategy from a drug trafficking defense attorney.
Penalties For Drug Trafficking
Crimes involving controlled substances can be complex. For instance, you might face smuggling allegations for unknowingly holding cargo containing illegal substances for a friend.
Similarly, simply transporting a large quantity of prescription pills for someone else, even without payment, could lead to serious trafficking allegations if it exceeds legal limits and you lack proper documentation.
Penalties for drug trafficking in Michigan depend on the type and amount of controlled substance involved:
- Schedule I or II narcotics (heroin, cocaine, oxycodone): Less than 50 grams can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Schedule I or II narcotics: 50-449 grams can result in up to 20 years and fines up to $250,000.
- Schedule I or II narcotics: 450-999 grams can result in up to 30 years and fines up to $500,000.
- Schedule I or II narcotics: 1,000+ grams can result in life imprisonment and fines up to $1,000,000.
- Other Schedule I, II, III substances (non-narcotics): Up to seven years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
- Schedule IV substances: Up to four years imprisonment and fines up to $2,000.
- Schedule V substances: Up to two years imprisonment and fines up to $2,000.
Given the steep penalties, it’s important to call a drug trafficking defense attorney right away.
Get Help From An Experienced Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney
Whether state or federal drug charges, the potential consequences you face can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your future. However, it’s important to act as soon as you suspect you’re under investigation or face questioning from law enforcement, even before formal charges are filed.
Drug crime laws are particularly challenging to navigate, and if police are questioning or investigating you, it may indicate existing allegations against you regarding drug trafficking.
Call my Grand Rapids office at 888-723-0075 or send me an email to schedule a free consultation about your case. As your drug trafficking defense attorney, I’m ready to protect your rights 24/7.