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Drug Lawyer in Flint, MI

Being accused of carrying, producing, or selling drugs in Swartz Creek or Flint can damage your reputation and threaten your future. Even if the public has relaxed some of its judgments surrounding recreational drug use, the law still takes these claims very seriously. An arrest on drug charges could lead to a sentencing that takes you away from your family, your freedom, and your future. If you have been charged with drug crimes in Genesee County, you need to contact a local defense lawyer as soon as possible.

At Davis Law Group, we approach drug crimes as zealous advocates for our clients, putting their interests first at every stage of the criminal process. For some clients, this could mean taking their case to trial and avoiding a conviction at all costs. For other clients, their interest might be in discretely and quickly disposing of the case, usually through the negotiation of a plea agreement with the prosecutor. If you’ve been charged with a drug offense and need to talk to a Flint criminal defense lawyer, call us today at (810) 644-5660 for a free and confidential consultation of your case.

The Penalties for a Flint, MI Drug Offense Can Be Devastating

People charged with Michigan drug offenses are usually worried about the prospect of jail time and having to pay fines. These are valid concerns. But for many offenders, the worst consequences are those that emerge upon their release from jail, when they try to re-enter civilian life. The collateral consequences of a drug conviction might include:

  • Revoked driving privileges
  • Inability to make ends meet because of a lost job
  • Difficulties finding a new job because of a criminal record
  • Significantly reduced chances of getting accepted into college
  • Disqualification from receiving financial aid to pay for college
  • Inability to apply for many if not most professional licenses
  • Lost child custody
  • Deportation for immigrants
  • For felons, inability to possess a firearm

A Flint Drug Lawyer Can Help You Access the Genesee County Drug Court

Residents of Flint and the greater Genesee County area accused of drug offenses may avoid criminal prosecution and penalties by participating in a drug court program. Your lawyer may be able to convince the prosecutor or the judge to recommend you for enrollment in the Genesee County Drug Court. While there is no guarantee that your case will qualify for the drug court, there are some factors that make you automatically ineligible:

  • You’ve been charged with a serious a drug offense, such as trafficking
  • Your character makes you unfit for enrollment
  • You have a history of violent or sexually abusive behavior
  • You have no documented history of drug abuse

If you get accepted into the program, you must plead guilty to the charges and adhere to the following requirements:

  • Drug testing three times a week
  • Bi-weekly meetings with the drug court judge to monitor progress
  • Weekly visits with your case manager
  • $300 participation fee

If you satisfy these requirements, you may graduate from the program after 16 to 24 months, at which point your drug conviction will be dismissed. You will not serve any time or pay any fines, but you will need to apply to have the record of your drug arrest expunged. If you drop out of the program, you will have to serve a sentence and your conviction will remain on your record.

Genesee County Resources

Local efforts have been made to find resources to help drug users and those charged with distribution or possession to find alternatives to time behind bars. The drug court is a good way to find justice and get your record expunged. The Greater Flint Health Coalition Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force focuses on providing assistance to those in need, while also raising awareness of best practices and new innovations to help people in the area.

The Genesee County Prevention Coalition focuses on providing a framework and planning process to prevent substance abuse and misuse for area residents, educating its members on prevention planning and helping the community change behaviors and attitudes towards drug abuse and misuse.

Giving Your Case a Thorough and Effective Defense

When your freedom, reputation, and finances are at stake, you need a seasoned Flint drug lawyer by your side to help you come out on top. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Maurice Davis knows how prosecutors build their cases, which gives him a unique ability to build an effective defense. When it comes to negotiating a plea agreement, Attorney Davis knows what prosecutors are looking for and the areas in which they may be able to make concessions.

The key to the defense of drug cases, (similar to DUI cases) however, is in ensuring that some of the prosecutor’s evidence gets excluded from the case. By filing a motion to suppress, your lawyer can make sure that any evidence that the police obtained illegally will not be presented at your trial. For example, if the police found drugs in your car, but cannot articulate why they pulled you over in the first place, the drugs cannot be used as evidence against you. There are many situations that may result in the exclusion of evidence of your case.

Our drug lawyers in Flint, Michigan have built our reputation on our ability to successfully resolve the following types of drug cases:

  • Use of a Controlled Substance — While only a misdemeanor, this offense involves fines, the possibility of jail time, and the certainty of a permanent criminal record.
  • Drug Possession — Depending on the type of drug and the amount involved, possession may be a felony or a misdemeanor.
  • Drug Trafficking — Manufacturing, delivering, or possessing drugs with the intent to deliver is a serious felony punishable by time in prison and fines reaching into the millions of dollars in some cases.
  • Counterfeit Drugs — Creating, selling, or possessing counterfeit, synthetic, or imitation drugs are serious offenses involving harsh penalties.
  • Prescription Drug Charges — With prescription drug abuse on the rise, Michigan has enacted tough laws to curb the use, possession, or trafficking of prescription drugs.
  • Federal Drug Charges — Fighting a drug case in federal court is more expensive than litigating in state court, and the possible penalties are generally harsher.

FAQ About Drug Charges in Flint

What should I do first if I’m arrested for a drug offense in the Flint or Swartz Creek area?

Your first step should be to avoid discussing the situation with law enforcement until you have spoken with an attorney. Local police and county investigators often ask questions that seem routine, but your answers can be used to build a case against you. Contact a defense lawyer immediately so they can protect your rights from the beginning and start gathering the information that may preserve your freedom.

Are local judges and prosecutors strict about drug cases?

Yes. Even though attitudes around drug use have shifted over time, courts in this region still handle drug cases aggressively. Judges typically expect detailed information about a person’s background, treatment history, and criminal record before considering leniency. Prosecutors also tend to pursue penalties that they believe will deter repeat behavior. Having an attorney who understands local courtroom expectations can influence how your case proceeds.

If I live outside Flint but was arrested in Genesee County, where will my case be handled?

Most cases are heard in the district court where the arrest occurred and then move to the county circuit court if felony charges are involved. This means that even if you live elsewhere, you will need to appear in the appropriate local court. A defense lawyer familiar with the county’s judges and procedures can help you avoid surprises and navigate the process more smoothly.

How does a drug investigation typically work in this county?

Local investigations often involve traffic stops, surveillance, and tips from community members or task-force operations. Officers may rely on observations of driving behavior, alleged odors, or statements made during casual interactions. A lawyer can analyze whether officers followed constitutional guidelines and determine whether parts of the investigation can be challenged or excluded.

Can a lawyer help me avoid having a public criminal case?

In many situations, yes. Sometimes cases can be resolved outside of a courtroom setting if they are handled early enough, which can reduce public exposure. A lawyer may negotiate alternatives to formal prosecution, seek diversion opportunities, or structure a resolution that limits the amount of information that becomes public.

What kinds of alternatives exist besides jail or fines?

Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may pursue treatment-based options, community supervision, or local diversion opportunities. Some residents are eligible for structured programs aimed at addressing substance use safely. Even if you do not qualify for the county’s formal drug court program, your attorney may still secure alternatives that keep you out of custody.

Will a drug conviction affect my ability to support my family in this area?

A conviction can affect your ability to maintain employment, qualify for certain jobs, or access housing. Many employers in and around Flint run background checks, and a drug-related record can limit opportunities. A lawyer can help you fight the charge or position your case in a way that may preserve future employment prospects.

How soon do I need to contact an attorney after being charged?

Immediately. Delays can make it harder to challenge evidence or take advantage of options that are only available early in a case. A local lawyer can act quickly to protect your rights, speak with prosecutors, and preserve any defenses that might otherwise be lost.

What if the police violated my rights during the stop or search?

If your rights were violated, your case may become significantly stronger. Unlawful stops, improper searches, or weak justifications for detaining you can lead to key evidence being thrown out. A lawyer experienced with Genesee County court practice can identify these issues and file the appropriate motions.

How can a local defense lawyer make a difference in my case?

A lawyer familiar with Flint, Swartz Creek, and the broader county court system knows how prosecutors approach these cases, what judges expect, and what strategies work in this region. This local insight can help them shape a defense, negotiate favorable outcomes, and identify opportunities that might not be obvious to someone unfamiliar with local practice.

A Drug Attorney in Flint, MI Can Help – Free Consults Offered

If you’ve been charged with any drug offense, we can help. The sooner you call a Flint drug attorney to defend your case, the higher your chances of avoiding a criminal conviction. Initial consultations with Davis Law Group are confidential and free of charge. Call (810) 644-5660 today or fill out our contact form and we will begin helping your case to a positive resolution.