Flint Marijuana Lawyer
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The legal landscape surrounding marijuana is always in flux, so we are careful to follow new developments in the administrative regulations and criminal laws applying to cannabis.
In such threatening times for both recreational and medical marijuana users, you may find yourself in need of a skilled and experienced Flint criminal defense lawyer. At Davis Law Group, we are passionate about defending the rights of people accused of marijuana-related crimes. If you have a question about Michigan’s marijuana laws or are facing criminal charges, call us today at (810) 644-5660 for a free and confidential consultation.
What Are the Penalties for Breaking Michigan’s Marijuana Laws in Genesee County?
You may face criminal sanctions for growing, distributing, possessing, or using marijuana, any of its derivatives, and even synthetic compounds that purportedly mimic the effects of marijuana. Even if you think you are in full compliance with Michigan’s marijuana regulations, you may still find yourself on the wrong side of the state law. Worse, you might face charges at the federal level.
If you get convicted of a marijuana-related offense, you may receive any of the following criminal penalties and collateral consequences:
- Time behind bars
- Fines ranging from hundreds, to thousands, and in some cases millions of dollars
- Revoked driving privileges
- Loss of your job
- A permanent criminal record that can keep you from getting a new job or a pursuing your education
- Limited second amendment rights
- Ineligibility for many professional licenses
- Deportation if you’re an immigrant
- Denied custody of your children
Owing to the harsh consequences of a marijuana conviction, you should spare no expense in retaining the services of the best Flint criminal defense attorney you can find. The earlier they begin working on your case and developing a sound defense strategy, the more likely you will be able to avoid a conviction.
How Can A Flint Marijuana Lawyer at Davis Law Group PLLC Help?
As a former prosecutor, Attorney Maurice Davis has the first-hand experience in how prosecutors build their cases against drug crime suspects. This gives him an upper hand in defending against these very same cases. At Davis Law Group, we have experience handling cases involving the following kinds of Flint marijuana charges:
- Use of Marijuana — A conviction for marijuana use by someone under 21 can result in harsh penalties and fines.
- Possession of Marijuana — As a more serious misdemeanor offense than simple use, the possession of large amounts of marijuana can result in harsh penalties.
- Marijuana Cultivation, Sale, and Possession with Intent — Depending on the amount of marijuana at issue in the case, a conviction may result in decades behind bars and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. You may also find yourself facing marijuana charges in federal court, where the cost of litigation and the possible penalties are even more significant.
FAQs about Marijuana Charges in Genesee County
Is marijuana actually legal in Michigan, and why am I still facing charges?
Michigan allows adult recreational use, but that does not mean all marijuana activity is legal. You can still face charges for exceeding possession limits, improper transport, unauthorized cultivation, public consumption, or actions that appear to involve distribution. Many people mistakenly believe they are protected simply because cannabis is legalized statewide. In reality, both local law enforcement and federal agencies continue to pursue certain marijuana-related offenses.
Can I be charged with a crime even if I hold a medical marijuana card?
Yes. A medical marijuana card does not shield you from charges if the police believe you exceeded plant limits, used your card to facilitate distribution, or failed to store or transport cannabis properly. Cardholders are still held to strict compliance standards. Your attorney can examine whether officers misinterpreted your conduct or misapplied the regulations.
How do police near Flint typically investigate marijuana cases?
Investigations may begin with traffic stops, odor-based searches, tips from community members, or observations by patrol officers. Police may also look closely at grow operations, rental properties, or suspected distribution activity. A lawyer can determine whether officers had lawful grounds to search your vehicle or property and whether any evidence should be excluded.
Can I be arrested for marijuana odor alone?
Law enforcement often uses odor as a basis to justify further investigation. However, courts continue to evolve on whether odor alone is a sufficient reason for a search, especially in jurisdictions where adult possession is legal. Your lawyer may challenge searches that relied solely or primarily on odor, which can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
What happens if police claim I intended to sell marijuana?
Intent to distribute is often inferred from circumstantial evidence such as packaging materials, scales, cash, or the amount of cannabis involved. This does not mean the inference is correct. A lawyer can work to show that the quantity was consistent with personal use or that the items found were unrelated to drug activity.
Does federal law still matter in marijuana cases?
Yes. While state enforcement has changed significantly, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Federal charges become more likely when large amounts, distribution networks, or interstate activity are involved. If federal involvement is suspected, you need a defense lawyer who can act quickly before the case escalates.
Can a marijuana charge affect my employment or professional licensing?
Absolutely. Employers in certain fields, including transportation, healthcare, education, and government, often enforce strict drug policies regardless of state law. A conviction may also threaten professional licensing or certification. Your attorney may be able to negotiate resolutions that reduce long-term consequences or avoid a conviction altogether.
Will I lose my driver’s license for a marijuana-related offense?
Driver’s license consequences depend on the nature of the charges. Certain offenses, especially those involving impaired driving, can lead to suspensions or restrictions. Even non-driving-related marijuana charges may trigger administrative penalties. Speaking with a lawyer quickly allows you to challenge these actions before they take effect.
Are there defenses if the police found marijuana in my vehicle or home?
Yes. Common defenses involve unlawful searches, overreaching by officers, misidentification of substances, lack of probable cause, or failure to follow required procedures. Even if marijuana was found, the key question is whether it can legally be used as evidence. A successful suppression motion can dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Why is timing so important in marijuana cases?
Marijuana cases often involve evidence that can be suppressed or weakened if challenged promptly. Documentation, surveillance video, police bodycam footage, and witness statements are easier to obtain early in the case. Delays may result in critical evidence disappearing or becoming more difficult to challenge. Contacting a lawyer immediately gives you the strongest possible position.
Contact a Flint Marijuana Attorney For Free Consult
If you or a member of your family is facing marijuana charges, the Flint marijuana lawyers at Davis Law Group can help bring your case to a positive resolution. When we take on your case, we will first determine whether the authorities abused their power in collecting evidence against you. If so, we will ask the court to remove that evidence form your case by filing a motion to suppress. Without evidence to prove your guilt, the prosecutor may be forced to drop the charges.
If your case goes to trial, we will leave no stone unturned in defending your case. The prosecutor must prove every element of the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. By highlighting the gaps and inconsistencies in the prosecutor’s case, we may be able to show to the jury that there is a reasonable possibility that you are innocent.
At every stage of the criminal justice process, you can count on our attention to detail and dedication to aggressive and effective advocacy. If you have not yet been charged, but know you are under investigation, now is the perfect time to hire a lawyer. The sooner we begin preparing the defense of your case, the higher your chances of avoiding a conviction.
To learn more about how we can help, call a Flint criminal defense lawyer at Davis Law Group today at (810) 644-5660 for a free and confidential consultation.