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The penalty for drug use varies depending on the type of drug used. In general, a person may not use a controlled substance except with a valid prescription.

Use of

  • Any Schedule 1 or 2 narcotic
  • Cocaine
  • Ecstasy
  • Mathamphetamine

Is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a $2,000.00 fine with costs, or both.

Use of

Any schedule 1, 2, 3, or 4 substance not listed above is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a $1,000.00 fine with costs, or both.

As a lawyer I’m often asked common questions from potential clients. In this article I’ll try to answer some of those questions.

Can you Get me a Sweet Plea Bargain?

I don’t promise potential clients any particular result. In fact, no criminal defense should promise any result before the case has really begun. My standard practice is to let the potential client know what type of plea bargains might be available in the situation or what outside-the-box plea bargains there may be to work for.

I do not lead clients into believing that we will walk into court with an operating while intoxicated charge and walk out with an impeding traffic civil infraction. I want potential clients to know what to expect. This does not mean that we won’t go for that sweet deal. We can and certainly will strive to get a result above and beyond that standard deal. We will develop a plan of action to accomplish that. However, I don’t want to mislead a person into thinking the situation is so simply that we’ll just get three assault charges dismissed in exchange for some traffic tickets. It’s not that simple.

In the case of People v. Ricky Dean Oliver, the Court discusses what it means to be “involved in” an accident for the purposes of leaving the scene of an accident law.

What Happened in the Case

Defendant Ricky Dean Oliver went to jury trial on charges of involuntary manslaughter, negligent operation of a vehicle causing homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury.

The jury acquitted Oliver of the first two charges and convicted him of leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury. Oliver was sentenced to 3 to 5 years of imprisonment.

Dissociative Anesthetics (PCP, Ketamine) are one of seven categories of drugs that Drug Recognition Experts look for in a driving under the influence evaluation.

This article discusses the effects and signs from use of dissociative anesthetic drugs.

Drug Recognition Experts are officers trained to determine if a driver is impaired by drugs. The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) looks for signs of drug use and impairment and then makes a guess about which type of drug a person may have used.

ArborYpsi Law is a criminal defense law firm based in Washtenaw County, Michigan. We are dedicated to the representation of anyone charged with a crime.

Cannabis Attorney

Whether the charge is drugged driving or possession with intent to distribute we can help. Our practice has been focused on helping the marijuana community from the day we opened.

Traffic Violations Lawyer

We regularly represent clients on all sorts of traffic law matters in courts around Washtenaw County and throughout metro Detroit, including Wayne and Oakland counties. Common civil infractions include speeding, improper lane use, careless driving, and disobeying a traffic device.

You’re driving home after a night out and you’ve had one too many drinks. You see the flashing blue and red lights in the rear view and think – what should you do?

Of course, the best practice is to not drink too much and drive, but mistakes happen.

There’s no full-proof plan to prevent an arrest once you’re pulled over. However, you can take actions to help protect you from arrest and help your attorney later defend your case in court.

Some people use solvent chemicals found in glues, paints, and gasses to get high. These types of chemicals are referred to as inhalants.

Inhaling these chemicals produce similar feelings to alcohol and anesthetics. Inhalant use is called huffing. Users soak rags in chemicals or put the chemicals in cans or cups and then breathe the fumes.

Is Possession of an Inhalant Illegal?

No, at least for the types discussed in this article and listed below (the so-called solvent chemicals).

What Happens When You are Charged with Drinking and Driving?

Being charged with a drinking and driving crime is stressful, and the legal process is confusing.

Below is a general outline of the court process for the standard misdemeanor, what to expect, and an explanation of the options.

Arraignment

An arraignment is the first step in the court process. There are several purposes of an arraignment hearing. First, a person is informed of the official charge and the maximum punishment of that charge.

Indecent exposure is a common charge in Michigan. This article is an outline of what indecent exposure means, the penalties, and how you can fight the charges.

The Statute

The law says a person shall not knowingly make any open or indecent exposure of his or her person or of the person of another. This is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines.

When I get phone calls regarding driving under the influence cases there are common questions I’m always asked. I’ll try to answer some of those common questions here.

Will I receive Drug or Alcohol Testing When I first go to Court?

It is common for people charged with a DUI to receive some form of drug or alcohol testing when they first go to court. Although everyone is presumed innocent, there is a court rule that allows the judge to impose requirements called bond conditions. Those bond conditions can include testing for drugs or alcohol.

Each court is different. Some courts will require a person to submit to an alcohol test every single day prior to resolution of the case. Other courts may require a person to submit to one test, called a baseline test. Passing the test with a negative result may end all further testing requirements. If the test reveals drugs or alcohol the person may be required to undergo further testing.

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