A 47-year-old Kalamazoo man who shot and left his friend near an intersection in Comstock Township was sentenced Monday for possession of meth and assault with a dangerous weapon. The incident occurred over a drug dispute.
The Defendant was given a sentence of 29 months to 15 years for possession of methamphetamine. In addition, he was given a sentence of 18 months to six years for the assault charge. Both of these charges are felonies. However, the defense attorney was able to negotiate a plea deal for the Defendant with the Prosecutor. In addition, the man received credit for 203 days already served.
The original charges filed were assault with intent to murder, operating or maintaining a meth lab, and a total of three possession of a firearm by a felon. In exchange for a guilty plea to the two charges sentenced, the original charges were dropped.
A Defendant facing charges this serious should never enter a courtroom without a criminal defense attorney. He or she may be able to negotiate a much lesser sentence with the Prosecutor than a pro se Defendant could obtain on his own. It is important to know and understand sentencing guidelines for each specific charge before appearing before a judge. This will give the Defendant better leverage to negotiate a fair plea offer.
Upon notification of these types of charges, one of the smartest things a Defendant can do is contact an attorney immediately, and do not speak to anyone until that attorney is present.
Source: MLive.com, “Man sentenced for meth possession, assault in shooting of friend,” Emily Monacelli, Mar. 5, 2017
