This category includes drugs that are similar to controlled substances, or drugs or other substances sold as something they’re not. Fake drugs fall into a few categories in terms of Michigan laws.
- Synthetic Drugs — Under Michigan drug laws, synthetic drugs are known as controlled substance analogues. They’re drugs that are chemically similar to controlled substances and have some narcotic, stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on a user similar to a controlled substance listed in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2, but aren’t listed in the controlled substances schedules. An example of a controlled substance analogue might include synthetic substances such as K2, Spice, or “bath salts.”
- Counterfeit Drugs — When asking, what is a counterfeit controlled substance?, the law defines it as a substance made to look like a real drug, either by being packaged or labeled as a controlled substance, or using a mark or imprint that makes a drug look like a controlled substance. An example of a counterfeit drug might include an aspirin tablet that you relabeled to look like Oxycontin and then gave or sold to someone else. Even though the substance itself is harmless, by representing that it’s a narcotic you can be charged with trafficking in a counterfeit controlled substance.
- Imitation Controlled Substances — Imitation drugs are a little different than counterfeit drugs in that they are not actually controlled substances. You can be charged with trafficking in imitation controlled substances when you represent that some substance that isn’t a drug is a controlled substance, such as selling oregano to someone and telling them it’s marijuana.
A charge involving a synthetic, counterfeit, or imitation drug is nothing to take lightly and shrug off. Charges involving synthetic, counterfeit, or imitation drugs can be very serious depending on the circumstances. A conviction can result in:
- Years in prison
- Expensive fines
- Loss of your driver’s license
- A permanent criminal record as a drug offender
- Loss of your job or being turned down when you apply for a job
- Being turned down for rental housing
- Loss of your professional license or denial of an application for a license to teach or practice medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, or another profession
- Loss of your immigration visa or work permit or denial of citizenship, and possible deportation if you’re a non-U.S. citizen
If you or a family member has been charged with a crime involving a synthetic drug, counterfeit drug, or imitation drug, you should consult with an experienced Synthetic drug lawyer as soon as is possible to ensure that your rights and future are protected.
It’s possible that the penalties for a conviction may vary from the statutory sentences and fines reflected on this page. The Michigan Supreme Court recently ruled that judges, and not the Legislature, should have the discretion to set “reasonable” sentences in criminal cases. Because of this change it’s even more important to talk to a Michigan criminal defense lawyer about your case and the possible outcomes.
