Prosecutors vigorously pursue convictions in cases involving drug conspiracy charges, and a conviction can have devastating consequences for your freedom and future. If you face drug conspiracy charges, you need experienced legal guidance and advocacy to protect yourself in the criminal justice system.
Turn to Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan for help. We understand the panic or fear you may be experiencing, and our attorneys will work diligently to develop an effective legal strategy while creating a calm and collected atmosphere to give you peace of mind. Our team has decades of legal experience and a proven record of success at all state and federal court levels.
Understanding State and Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges
Federal and Michigan law prohibit engaging in a conspiracy to commit a crime. A criminal conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit an unlawful act, and at least one co-conspirator takes an overt step to commit the agreed-upon crime. Under federal law, a person who conspires to commit a drug offense under federal criminal law can face prosecution and the same penalties as applicable to the drug offense that the person conspired to commit. Furthermore, under Michigan law, a person can commit the offense of criminal conspiracy if they conspire with one or more people to commit a criminal offense.
Consequences of a Drug Conspiracy Conviction
Under state and federal law, a defendant convicted of participating in a drug conspiracy can face the same penalties as a conviction for the drug offense that the conspiracy sought to commit. Sentencing for a drug conspiracy conviction will depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved and whether a defendant has prior drug convictions. Sentences for drug conspiracies involving Schedule I and II controlled substances can involve long prison terms and hefty fines, with life imprisonment possible in cases involving substantial quantities of drugs. Courts can also impose enhanced sentences in cases involving aggravating factors, such as possessing drugs in or near a public park, school, or childcare facility or possessing firearms in connection with a drug offense.
In addition to prison time and fines, a drug conspiracy conviction can also have other long-lasting consequences. First, a conviction may mean a temporary or permanent loss of rights, such as the right to vote or to own or possess firearms. Drug-related convictions can also disqualify individuals from various government benefits. A drug conspiracy conviction will also result in a criminal record that may impose a significant social stigma on a convicted defendant. A defendant with a criminal record that contains a drug conspiracy conviction may face challenges in pursuing employment, housing, or educational opportunities since prospective landlords, employers, or educational institutions may view an applicant’s drug conspiracy conviction unfavorably.
Defenses to Drug Conspiracy Charges
Attorneys for defendants charged with a drug conspiracy may assert various factual and legal defenses to challenge the prosecution’s case, such as:
- Lack of Action in Concert with Others – We may argue that you acted alone and had no knowledge of anyone else involved in committing the alleged drug offense.
- No Substantial Step – We may fight conspiracy charges by arguing that no alleged co-conspirator took a substantial step toward completing the underlying criminal offense. In other words, the alleged co-conspirators merely engaged in idle boasting or brainstorming.
- Lack of Agreement on the Offense – We may assert that the alleged co-conspirators never agreed on the specific crime they wanted to commit – for example, if one defendant wanted to engage in drug trafficking or distribution. The other wanted to commit a robbery.
- Lack of Possession – We may assert that the prosecution’s case fails to prove that any co-conspirator had actual or constructive possession of illegal drugs.
- Withdrawal – We may argue that you withdrew from the conspiracy before any co-conspirator took a substantial step toward completing the drug offense. We may also present evidence showing that you attempted to frustrate the conspiracy’s objective, such as withdrawing material support you provided to the conspiracy or contacting law enforcement.
- Unlawful Searches or Interrogations – We may seek to exclude evidence from a drug conspiracy prosecution by arguing that investigators obtained evidence or inculpatory statements from a search unsupported by probable cause or an interrogation where investigators failed to advise you of your rights.
How Can a Drug Conspiracy Defense Attorney Help?
When prosecutors have charged you with participating in a drug conspiracy, let the legal team at Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan advocate for your rights and interests and pursue the best possible outcome to your case by:
- Independently investigating the allegations to recover all available evidence in your case beyond what was turned over by prosecutors
- Reviewing the facts and evidence in your case to identify possible defense strategies we can pursue
- Helping you understand your charges, the potential outcomes, and what to expect during prosecution to help you make informed decisions at each step of your case
- Vigorously contesting the prosecutors’ case, including by filing motions to exclude unlawfully obtained evidence or statements or to dismiss your charges for lack of evidence
- Advocating in your defense at trial if you choose to fight your charges or assert your innocence
Contact Our Detroit Drug Conspiracy Defense Attorneys
When police have arrested and charged you with engaging in a drug manufacturing, trafficking, or distribution conspiracy, you need experienced legal counsel to defend your rights, reputation, and future. Contact Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan today for a confidential consultation with a drug crime defense lawyer to discuss your options for facing your charges and pursuing a favorable end to your case.
Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, based in Detroit, also assists clients with criminal defense in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, and all of Michigan.