| Drug
& Gun Offenses
If you have a criminal case involving drugs, this
page may also be helpful:
Drug
Terms Glossary
Drug crimes and convictions carry a wide variety
of sentences based on the type of offense. Sentences
range from fines and counseling to life in prison,
depending on whether you are facing a felony vs.
misdemeanor drug charge. The severity of the crime
you are charged with will vary with the circumstances,
such as what type of drug was involved, the quantity,
whether you have "priors", and whether
violence was involved. Even if you were using
drugs recreationally, or even if you were holding
them for someone else, you can be charged with
intent to distribute based on the quantity the
police found. Possible charges include trafficking,
possession, distribution, transportation, possession
for sale, cultivation and manufacturing. Usually
the most serious drug offenses involve heroine,
cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD and PCP.
Nevertheless, crimes involving marijuana and prescription
drugs are being prosecuted more aggressively than
ever, and can result in stiff sentences.
Drug offenses are made more severe by the presence
of guns and violence. Where guns and violence
are involved, the police are more likely to suspect
a "drug ring" and investigate more aggressively.
The prosecution is also likely to charge more
aggressively. The gun charges alone could greatly
increase the length of your sentence. But if you
are involved in a drug and gun offense, you could
also be facing charges for trafficking, export
and import crimes, money laundering, RICO and
conspiracy. Such charges could also change your
state drug case into a federal drug case.
Some Examples of Drug Crimes
could include:
The American Medical Association (AMA) and the
FDA have determined some allergy and coldmedecines
to be unsafe for people who drive. The drugs can
not be bought in bulk because state laws have
restricted them. If a person is caught with an
large amount of any of the following medications,
that person can be subject to criminal drug charges.
Some of these drugs are: Vicks Nyquil, Benadryl,
Pseudoephedrine, Ephedrine, Allerdryl, Contact
Severe Cold Formula, Trifed, Phenergan, and Inhalants
such as aerosol products and glues that can keep
oxygen from getting to the brain.
Consequences for the conviction of Drug Offenses
may potentially include:
* Imprisonment
* Probation or parole
* Registration as a narcotics offender
* Drug testing
* Court ordered counseling or rehabilitation
* Loss of driver's license
* Seizure of motor vehicle
* Search and seizure conditions
* Significant fines
* Other
Likelihood of any of the above consequences depends
upon the following factors:
* Prior similar convictions
* Any other prior convictions
* Currently on probation or parole
* Attitude of community and court toward this
type of crime
* Degree of media attention on case
* Mitigating/aggravating circumstances
* Other
Defenses of Drug Offenses may potentially include:
* Insufficient evidence
* Factual innocence
* Valid prescription
* Illegal search and seizure
* Other
What can you do to improve the outcome of your
case?
* Gather documentation of your good character
(reference letters, employment history, community
service, etc.)
* Exercise your right to remain silent
* Retain qualified counsel as soon as possible
* Keep a diary of all significant events and potential
witnesses (this information will help your attorney
prepare the best possible defense)
* DO NOT investigate your own case
What can we do to help?
* Early preparation, including legal research
and defense identification
* Early investigation and identification of all
facts helpful to your defense
* Interview police to minimize or eliminate the
case
* Interview the prosecutor to minimize or eliminate
the case
* Interview all witnesses
* Reduce or eliminate bail requirements
* Provide emotional support to loved ones and
ensure that they are continually updated as to
the state of your case
* In appropriate cases, negotiate jail alternatives
* Obtain an evaluation report from a court approved
psychologist (to show counseling may be a better
alternative to jail)
* Coordinate a private lie detector test
* Develop appropriate motions to dismiss the case
* Develop appropriate motions to suppress evidence
Drug charges can seem minor at first, but can
become huge legal problems, especially when mixed
with guns. You need experienced and intelligent
criminal defense attorneys to fight the drug and
gun charges against you.
If you have a drug or gun charge (such as Unlawful
Use of Weapons - UUW) in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio or Indiana, contact
us at the Johnson Law Group. Let us
use our aggressiveness and experience to defend
you.
We Fight to Win!
Drug
Terms & Glossary
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