Frequently Asked Questions — Drug Crimes
At WN Law, we represent many people who have been charged with drug crimes in the Grand Rapids area. Often, when those individuals meet with us to talk about their case, they have many common questions about what exactly they are facing.
We wanted to discuss some of these questions here, and explain more about what we can do to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. For detailed advice regarding your case, please schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney.
Will I lose my driver’s license if I am convicted of a drug crime?
Under Michigan law, anyone convicted of a drug crime will lose their license for six months for a first offense, and a year for a second offense. These penalties will be handed down unless you are eligible to participate in a special sentencing program set up for those charged with drug crimes.
There are usually two special sentencing statutes that can protect a defendant’s driver’s license, which include the Holmes Youthful Training Act and MCL 333.7411. These statutes allow for certain penalties to be bypassed in the event that you not arrested for a specific period of time. If you do commit further crimes, it can result in these penalties being enhanced if convicted. It is important to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer the moment you are charged to ensure that you are doing everything you can to protect your future.
Can I keep this conviction off of my record?
Again, this will depend upon whether or not you qualify for either the 333.7411 or Holmes Youthful Training Act special sentencing options available to drug offenders. If you do, it is possible that this conviction will not appear on your record, or show up when employers do background checks.
In essence, these special sentencing provisions allow the court to keep the entire matter secret if you comply with the terms handed down at the moment of sentencing. Once you meet these obligations, it is like the entire thing never happened.
Will my arrest or charges lead to jail time?
The answer to this will depend significantly on a number of different factors, including your past criminal history and the potential charges that you are currently facing. The more serious the offense, the more likely it will be that prosecutors will seek jail or prison time in your case. It is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible to determine if there is anything that can be done to prevent you from receiving jail time as part of your sentence.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you have additional questions about your case, or to meet with our attorney to begin building your defense, please call our office at 616-426-9491 or send us an email to arrange a time that works for you.
