Michigan Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Michigan Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Michigan Drug Trafficking Attorney
Being accused of drug trafficking in Michigan is a serious legal matter that can impact your freedom, your record, and your future. Prosecutors and law enforcement aggressively pursue trafficking cases when large drug amounts, weapons, or previous convictions are factors. A Michigan drug trafficking lawyer at SBBL Law can help you better understand your charges, safeguard your rights, and develop a personalized case strategy.
It is crucial to secure legal representation from the start of either an investigation or criminal charges. Our legal team uses our extensive understanding of Michigan’s criminal justice system to reduce penalties while challenging evidence and working to secure an ideal outcome.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking refers to possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them, actually distributing drugs, or manufacturing controlled substances. This definition is similar under both federal and Michigan law, but state charges are handled in local county court and handled by the county prosecutor’s office rather than the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
What Counts as Drug Trafficking in Michigan?
In Michigan, trafficking can involve large-scale operations or relatively small amounts of possession with intent to distribute. The prosecution may attempt to prove intent based on packaging, scales, text messages, or the presence of cash—even when there is no proof of an actual drug sale. These charges are serious, and even first-time offenders face felony convictions, prison time, and long-term consequences without skilled legal defense.
When a case involves weapons or repeated offenses, sentences are longer. Drug trafficking resulting in death is a particularly serious offense. Regardless of the allegation, engaging a Michigan drug crime lawyer at the beginning of your case enables the protection of your rights while questioning the prosecution’s evidence of intent to distribute drugs.
Michigan High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Enforcement Activity
Michigan HIDTA task forces completed investigations on 264 drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in 2022 (only a slight decrease from their 270 investigations in the previous year.)
The task forces succeeded in dismantling or significantly disrupting 108 of the drug trafficking and money laundering organizations they investigated. Legal representation becomes essential when allegations connect a case to a broader network because broad-scope investigative tactics must be challenged.
Who Prosecutes Drug Trafficking in Michigan?
County prosecutors handle state-level drug trafficking prosecutions in Michigan, while major cases trigger involvement from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office or the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation process may be directed by the local police department, the Michigan State Police, or multi-agency drug task forces. These units collaborate with informants and surveillance teams, along with forensic labs, to construct cases.
You may face drug charges based on indirect evidence or text communications, even if you never sold narcotics and were found near illegal drugs. When under investigation or arrested in a drug raid, seek legal advice from a Michigan criminal defense lawyer prior to making any statements or answering questions.
Legal Defenses in Michigan Drug Trafficking Cases
A successful defense against drug trafficking charges depends on an in-depth knowledge of Michigan law and evidence collection processes. Defense methods often involve questioning the legality of searches, the credibility of informants, and the handling and testing of drugs that have been seized.
Legal evidence may become inadmissible if your Fourth Amendment rights are breached through an illegal search or stop by law enforcement. A defense based on lack of knowledge or intent might be viable if drugs are found in a shared location. A seasoned drug trafficking legal professional in Michigan can analyze your case specifics to create an individualized defense strategy.
Other Practice Specialties
FAQs
Why Are Some Drug Cases Handled by the State of Michigan and Others by the Federal Government?
Drug cases enter federal jurisdiction when they contain interstate elements, operate on large scales, or establish international links while they are being investigated by agencies such as the DEA or FBI. Additionally, cases garner federal attention when defendants have prior criminal history, or the case involves violence, weapons, gangs, or death. Michigan-based cases that include minor offenses or first-time offenders typically receive state-level prosecution.
What Substances Lead to Trafficking Charges in Michigan?
Heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and illegally acquired prescription drugs are examples of substances found in Michigan drug trafficking investigations. The substance type and quantity determine the specific charges and sentencing guidelines for trafficking cases.
While marijuana is generally legal in Michigan, possessing large amounts, growing without authority, or selling it without proper state licenses can result in trafficking charges. Law enforcement can press trafficking charges when someone possesses drugs along with packaging materials. Additionally, marijuana is technically still illegal under federal law, but federal authorities usually do not charge people with possession of marijuana unless there are other drugs involved as well.
Can I Be Charged With Trafficking Without Actually Selling Drugs?
Michigan law allows drug trafficking charges for possession of controlled substances when evidence shows that you intended to distribute them. Signs of drug trafficking can consist of the possession of scales and baggies along with large sums of money or messages related to drug sales.
The mere possession of specific items or amounts of drugs can result in felony charges without needing evidence of actual drug sales. Defense attorneys have the opportunity to contest these assumptions during court proceedings.
What Should I Do If I’m Under Investigation for Drug Trafficking?
When you suspect that you are under investigation for drug trafficking in Michigan, you should always avoid talking to police officers unless your lawyer is present. The authorities can use your words as evidence during legal proceedings. Reach out to a criminal defense lawyer straight away to safeguard your legal rights, formulate your response, and possibly act before charges become official.
Michigan Drug Trafficking Resources:
Contact a Michigan Drug Trafficking Lawyer
The choices you make during drug trafficking charges in Michigan can directly affect your future. The legal system moves quickly in these cases, and a strong defense starts with hiring experienced guidance. At SBBL Law, we understand the complexities of Michigan’s drug laws and work strategically to protect your rights and reduce penalties.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation with a Michigan drug trafficking lawyer and take control of your next steps.
Where We Practice
Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts throughout Michigan:
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan (federal court in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette)
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (federal court in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Flint, Port Huron)
- Kent County (Greater Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Grandville)
- Newaygo County (White Cloud)
- Ottawa County (Hudsonville, Holland, Grand Haven)
- Allegan County
- Barry County (Hastings)
- Muskegon County
- Oceana County (Hart)
- Mecosta County (Big Rapids)
- Ionia County
- Montcalm County (Stanton)
- Clinton County (St. Johns)
- Gratiot County (Ithaca)
- Eaton County (Charlotte)
- Ingham County (Lansing, East Lansing, Mason)
- Jackson County
- Calhoun County (Battle Creek)
- Kalamazoo County
- Van Buren County (Paw Paw, South Haven)
- Mason County (Ludington)
- Lake County (Baldwin)
- Osceola County
- Berrien County (St. Joseph)
- Washtenaw County (Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor)
- and elsewhere throughout Michigan.
If you or someone you know is looking for a criminal defense attorney, call now for a free consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700 or connect with us online.
Kalamazoo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
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Allegan
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
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- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Barry
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lona
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Kent
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Ottawa
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Muskegon
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Mecosta
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Montcalm
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Newaygo
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Lake
TYPES OF CASES
- Domestic Violence
- Violent Felonies
- Firearms Offenses
- Major Cases
- Murder-for-Hire
Mason
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Leelanau
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Benzie
Grand Traverse
Manistee
Kalkaska
Crawford
Oscoda
Alcona
Oceana
TYPES OF CASES
- White Collar Crimes
- Tax Crimes
- Other Financial Crimes
- Environmental Crimes
Wexford
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Roscommon
Ogemaw
Iosco
Osceola
Clare
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Emmet
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Our Locations
616-458-5500
Grand Rapids
60 MONROE CENTER ST NW #500
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503
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28 W. MAIN STREET
FREMONT, MI 49412
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