What is possession with intent to distribute in Michigan?

Possession with intent to distribute in Michigan means having a controlled substance while intending to sell or deliver it, which is illegal under Michigan Penal Code 333.7401.

Can first-time offenders avoid jail for drug distribution charges in Michigan?

First-time offenders may qualify for diversion programs like MCL 333.7411 or HYTA, which can help them avoid jail and get charges reduced or dismissed.

What are some consequences of a conviction for intent to distribute drugs?

A conviction for intent to distribute can result in probation, loss of licenses, immigration problems, and difficulty finding employment or housing.

What aggravating factors increase penalties for drug charges in Michigan?

Aggravating factors like weapons involvement or being near schools can increase penalties for Michigan drug distribution charges.

Is drug trafficking different from possession with intent to distribute in Michigan?

Yes, drug trafficking is a more serious charge than possession with intent to distribute and often involves larger drug quantities.

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Possession With Intent to Distribute Lawyer in Detroit

Q: What are the penalties for possession with intent to distribute in Michigan?

Penalties for possession with intent to distribute in Michigan vary based on drug type and amount, and may include life imprisonment and fines up to $1 million.

Have you been accused of possession with intent to distribute in Michigan? Are you feeling worried about what the future might bring if you are convicted? If so, you are not alone.

If you hope to clear your name and dodge the penalties associated with a guilty verdict, you will need the help of an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney. Contact Davis Law Group to schedule a confidential consultation today.

When Can You Be Charged With Possession With Intent to Distribute in Michigan?

Under the Michigan Penal Code 333.7401, it is against the law to be in possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell. The severity of the charges you will face will be dependent on the type and amount of drug in question.

Under Michigan law, there are five categories of controlled substances known as schedules. Schedule 1 controlled substances have the highest propensity for addiction and no accepted medical use; examples include heroin, peyote, ecstasy, and BZP. Conversely, Schedule 5 controlled substances have the least propensity for addiction and widely accepted medical use, such as cold medicines or cough syrups with codeine.

Charges Related to Possession with Intent to Distribute

When you have been accused of possession with intent to distribute, there are a variety of other drug charges you could also be facing. Depending on the details of your case, in addition to your possession with intent to distribute charges, you could also be charged with:

Penalties for a Michigan Possession With Intent to Distribute Convictions

If you are convicted of possession with intent to distribute and the drug is a schedule one or two controlled substance, and drug amounts are between 50 grams and 1,000 grams, you could spend the rest of your life in prison and pay fines as high as $1 million.

Lesser penalties for possession with intent to distribute in Michigan could include two years in prison and up to $2,000 in fines for the lowest level felony charge.

Each type of controlled substance carries its own penalties depending on the amount of drug found in your possession.

Additional Consequences

In addition to jail or prison time and fines, there are other consequences you can expect to deal with if you are found guilty of possession with intent to distribute. Some of these could include:

Community service
Completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program
Court-ordered mental health counseling
Random drug testing
Parole or probation requirements
Loss of firearm rights
Trouble with child custody
Citizenship or immigration issues
Trouble finding gainful employment
Difficulty retaining safe housing
Damage to your personal and professional reputations
Suspension or revocation of professional licenses
Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license

Aggravating Factors Can Increase Your Penalties

Aggravating factors produce additional charges and harsher penalties. An example of an aggravating factor would be if a weapon or firearm was involved in the incident. You might also face additional penalties if the incident in question was within a certain proximity of a school, public park, or other location where children may frequent.

It is important to keep in mind that drug trafficking is a much more serious offense than possession with intent to distribute.

Depending on the drug schedule and amount of the substance found, you can instead face Michigan drug trafficking charges. For example, possession of more than 500 grams of cocaine or 100 grams of heroin would be grounds for drug trafficking charges.

Options for First-Time Offenders

If you are a first-time offender of a non-violent crime such as possession with intent to distribute, you may be eligible for pre-trial diversion. Here, you could work out a plea agreement with the state’s prosecutor to enter into a drug or alcohol treatment program, complete community service terms, follow probation requirements, or another type of pre-trial diversion option.

Some of the more common programs that may be available for first-time offenders in Michigan include:

Drug treatment under MCL 333.7411
Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA)
Veterans Court
Precharge diversion programs
Mental Health Court

It should be noted that if you hope to avoid the penalties of a conviction through a pretrial diversion program, you will need to meet all the requirements of the program for the charges against you to be reduced or dismissed. If you fail to meet the terms of your pretrial diversion program, you face the fallout of a conviction.

Resources for Those Charged With Possession With Intent to Distribute

When you have been charged with possession with intent to distribute in Detroit, there are many resources you may need to access if you hope to get your life back on track. Here are some local community service centers, drug treatment programs, and bail bonds options so you can begin the process of putting these charges behind you:

Community Service Centers

Here are a few of the top community service centers in Detroit, Michigan:

Community Services CDC
1605 Davison Fwy.
Detroit, MI 48238

Cass Community Social Services
11850 Woodrow Wilson St.
Detroit, MI 48206

Caribbean Community Service Center
4600 Guilford St.
Detroit, MI 48224

Drug Treatment Programs

Here are some of the top drug treatment programs in Detroit, Michigan:

Detroit Recovery Project
1145 W Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48208
313-324-8900

Detroit Addiction Treatment Center & Rehabilitation Program
47838 Wade St.
Detroit, MI 48213
231-241-3275

Arranging Bail

Here are some of the top bail bonds companies you can reach out to when you need to arrange bail in Detroit, Michigan:

Detroit Bail Bonds
615 Griswold St. #712
Detroit, MI 48226
313-244-0669

You Walk Bail Bond Agency
1442 Brush St.
Detroit, MI 48226
877-968-9255

A-1 Bail Bonds
4890 Nevada Ave. Suite 100
Detroit, MI 48234
888-777-9511

Contact a Possession with Intent to Distribute Lawyer in Michigan

If you are found guilty of possession with intent to distribute in Michigan, you could face devastating consequences. It is critical to clear your name of the charges against you to get back to your life.

Protect your future by working with a dedicated Michigan drug lawyer at Davis Law Group. When you are ready to start working on your defense strategy, fill out our secured contact form or call our office at 313-818-3238 for a confidential consultation.