Michigan Drug Manufacturing Lawyer

Federal and State Laws

Manufacturing a controlled substance is a serious offense in Michigan. The majority of these offenses focus on producing, preparing, or packaging certain controlled substances, usually Schedule 1 or 2 drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, or opioids.

Michigan law imposes felony charges and severe penalties in terms of both prison time and financial penalties. Aggravating factors—such as distribution resulting in death, the presence of guns, or repeat offenses—further increase the charges and potential penalties.

The feds often take over drug cases that start in the state, especially if a federal agency was involved in the investigation, the person has a history of prior offenses, there was a firearm involved, or the offense was suspected to be part of a larger conspiracy. Each member of the conspiracy can be held liable for the entire offense, which gives broad power to the federal government to charge even people with relatively small roles in the offense.

Investigations into drug manufacturing often involve federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If the case is charged in federal court, the government will pursue steep penalties that usually account for all the drugs involved in the charges, even in dismissed counts.

Drug Manufacturing Penalties

Being convicted of drug manufacturing can lead to lengthy and harsh penalties. The penalties a person receives will depend significantly on the nature of the crime, the type of drug involved, and the quantity. The most common penalties for drug manufacturing crimes include:

• Jail or prison time. If convicted of drug manufacturing, your prison time can last years or even decades, depending on the nature of the crime.
• Fines. In some cases, fines can be in the tens of thousands of dollars.
• Enhanced penalties. A penalty can be enhanced if there are specific aggravating factors involved, such as manufacturing around children or if someone suffered bodily injury or death as a result of the crime.
• Restitution. If anyone was harmed as a result of the offense, you could be on the hook for paying them for any injuries or financial losses they incurred.

Defenses in a Drug Manufacturing Case

Drug manufacturing cases are often the product of extensive investigations conducted through search warrants, surveillance, lab analysis, and the use of confidential informants. Sometimes, however, the police cut corners and skip some of these important steps, leading to a shoddy investigation that can be challenged in court. An experienced Michigan drug manufacturing attorney will review your case and develop a strong defense to attack the case, including:

• Challenging unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement enters a property illegally or without a valid warrant, any evidence obtained may be considered inadmissible.
• Suppressing your statements. If police interrogated you in custody, or whenever you were not free to just walk away, and didn’t read you your Miranda rights, those statements might be able to be suppressed and thrown out through a pre-trial motion.
• Question the lab results. In some cases, lab results might be mishandled or there could be an error in the chain of custody or methodology, raising doubts about their accuracy.
• Disputing jurisdiction. Not all cases are eligible for prosecution in the court where charges are brought. Your attorney may be able to prove that your case does not qualify to be tried in the court where you were charged, which can lead to a dismissal.
• Alternative sentencing advocacy. In some drug manufacturing cases, a defendant can seek alternative sentencing methods, such as probation or drug treatment programs that can either reduce or eliminate jail time.