When Michiganders think of drug charges, they often think of possessing and/or selling narcotics. Though these types of offenses make up a significant number of criminal charges related to drugs, they are not the only ones. Previously on this blog, for example, we discussed the possession of drug paraphernalia and the punishment associated with a conviction on such a charge. Yet there are even more crimes and violations that can be considered drug-related.
Under Michigan law, it is illegal for an individual to knowingly keep or maintain any home, vehicle or building that is frequently used by individuals for the purposes of using drugs. It’s also illegal to knowingly keep one of these places for the purposes of storing or selling narcotics. Similarly, those who are licensed to distribute controlled substances cannot refuse to allow authorities from inspecting the premises of these areas.
Violations of these laws may result in civil fines, but they can also be more severe, including criminal penalties. An individual who is convicted of a crime under this section of the law can be imprisoned for up to two years and face up to $25,000 in fines. Such penalties threaten to rip an individual from his or her family, damage their reputation, tarnish their future, and throw them and their families into financial disarray.
Drug charges are not limited to those who use or sell what are commonly considered street drugs. Professionals, such as doctors, dentists and pharmacists can also face criminal charges for allegedly engaging in acts that violate controlled substance laws. Regardless of the type of law alleged to have been broken, though, drug crime allegations are serious. They therefore should be treated as such. Those facing accusations like this may find the assistance of a legal professional beneficial in fighting back against an aggressive prosecution and protecting their future.
Source: Michigan Legislature, “Section 333.7405,” accessed on May 27, 2016
