Drug Trafficking Law and Penalties in Michigan [2025 Updated]

Being convicted of a drug trafficking offense in Michigan can come with severe penalties, both at the state and federal levels, depending on the nature of the offense. When facing drug trafficking charges, it’s vital to understand drug trafficking law and penalties in Michigan. At SBBL Law, we are here to help.

SBBL Law: Accomplished Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys in Michigan

Since 2011, the team of qualified and dedicated criminal defense attorneys at SBBL Law has been fighting for the rights and freedoms of clients facing a wide range of charges, including those related to drug trafficking. We understand how frightening these charges can be and are committed to advocating for you and leaving no stone overturned when it comes to your defense.

What Is Drug Trafficking According to Michigan Law?

In Michigan, it is illegal to manufacture, transport, or sell large quantities of drugs. Drug trafficking does not require crossing state or national borders. Simply making, selling, or possessing with the intent to sell drugs constitutes drug trafficking under Michigan’s laws. Both at the state and federal levels, this crime is treated as a severe felony with penalties that can change the course of your life. When facing these charges, it is wise to understand exactly what drug trafficking is according to Michigan law.

These laws are outlined in the Michigan Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into five separate schedules. Schedule I, including drugs like heroin and LSD, carries the harshest penalties in a trafficking case. Other substances like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine, which accounts for almost half of all trafficked drugs at 45.8%, are all part of lesser schedules but still carry harsh penalties.

If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Michigan, the law is not on your side. You need to speak with a Michigan drug trafficking attorney who can fight these charges as soon as possible.

Criminal Penalties for Drug Trafficking in MI

In Michigan, drug trafficking crimes are taken seriously and are typically charged as felonies. This means the penalties you can face include years of imprisonment and large fines. If your alleged crime caught the attention of a federal law enforcement agency like the FBI, DEA, or ATF, your offense could be charged in federal court even if the offense took place entirely within the state of Michigan. Federal crimes can often carry higher prison sentences than state crimes. However, Michigan’s habitual offender laws also impose severe penalties for those with prior convictions.

In 2024 alone, the United States saw 18,029 cases of drug trafficking. In these cases, penalties can often include the following:

• Imprisonment. Even individuals who are considered first-time offenders of drug trafficking can still face harsh prison sentences, sometimes lasting over five years in severe or federal cases.
• Probation. In certain drug trafficking cases, probation may be offered as a penalty in addition to or in lieu of jail or prison. However, this typically only happens when there is a plea bargain involved in the case, when this is a first-time offense, and the alleged offender pleads guilty to a lesser crime. Probation may last anywhere from one to three years at both the state and federal levels.
• Fines. For some federal drug trafficking charges, the fines can total millions of dollars, placing an incredible financial burden on you and your loved ones.

Aggravating Factors in a Drug Trafficking Case

In a drug trafficking charge in Michigan, there are several factors that impact the nature of the penalties you will face. These factors most often include the kind of drug that was involved in the alleged act of trafficking and the amount of the drug. If a gun or weapon was involved while the trafficking was being committed, the penalties may be more severe.

FAQs

How Can I Defend Myself Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Michigan?

Depending on the nature of your drug trafficking charges, there are several defense strategies that may work in your case. These defense strategies can include arguing that you suffered an unlawful search and seizure by the police, that you were entrapped by law enforcement, or that you lacked the intent to traffic drugs.

How Can You Protect Your Rights When Arrested for Drug Trafficking?

If you are arrested and facing charges of drug trafficking in Michigan, there are several ways you can protect your rights. First and foremost, it is your right to remain silent, and it is wise not to make any statements to the police before your lawyer arrives. This includes whenever police ask you questions during a traffic stop, during transport to the jail, or during in-processing. This also means that you should never discuss any type of drug activity during any phone call from jail, as those calls are monitored and recorded. It is important to hire an attorney who understands drug laws at both the state and federal levels, as drug trafficking cases sometimes start as state cases before being turned over to the feds for prosecution in federal court.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction?

Aside from the legal penalties that can come with a drug trafficking conviction, there are also several other long-term consequences. Having a criminal record can harm your career, as individuals without a criminal record are 63% more likely to gain employment. Other consequences include having your driver’s license suspended and losing certain professional licenses or certifications.

What Factors Enhance a Drug Crime in Michigan?

There are several factors that can enhance a drug crime charge in Michigan, including if you are a repeat offender; if the crime has taken place near a school, park, or other public area such as a library; if the crime involved minors; or if anyone overdosed or died as a result of the drugs being trafficked.

Hire a Michigan Drug Trafficking Lawyer: Contact SBBL Law Today

If you have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking in Michigan, the stakes could not be higher. The laws surrounding these situations are complicated, and the penalties that may result can alter the entire course of your life. The team at SBBL Law can do everything in their power to ensure this doesn’t happen. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.

Michigan Drug Trafficking Resources:

• How To Expunge Record in Michigan [2025 Updated]
• 7411 Drug Diversion in Michigan
• Drug Charges at Michigan’s Electric Forest Music Festival