Immediate, Aggressive Defense
Against Drug Charges
The penalties for drug crimes can be staggering. Even when you are charged with misdemeanor drug possession, the impact on your life can be substantial. You might find difficulty getting a job or housing, lose your eligibility for college financial aid or face deportation if you are an immigrant. A more serious drug charge can land you in prison for years. It is only with a strong and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side that you can hope to overcome a drug charge.
At the Law Office of John Freeman, we believe that every person accused of a drug crime deserves the strongest defense possible. Our goal in every case is clear: to prevent a drug charge from ruining your life, by getting the charge dropped, reduced or minimizing the penalties. From our law office in Troy, we fight for people accused of drug crimes in Detroit and throughout Michigan.
Contact our criminal defense law firm online, or call toll free at 248-250-9950 for a free initial phone
consultation.
Things To Consider During And After A Drug Arrest
As in any criminal matter, you have the right to remain silent. Use it. Do not provide law enforcement with any ammunition they can use against you. Be aware that the things you say in the heat of the moment that you may think are totally innocent could end up causing problems. Even if the police say they “just want to talk” or that you are not the target of the investigation, silence is the best option.
You do not have to consent to a search of your body, car or home. Police may search anyway. Putting up a fight is not in your best interest, as it could lead to additional criminal charges. If the search is illegal, it will lead to evidence being thrown out. Illegal drug searches are all too common.
The sooner you can get a lawyer involved, the more opportunities your lawyer may have to defend you. Perhaps people around you are being arrested on drug charges or you have reason to believe that you are being investigated. We may be able to intervene early and set the stage for the most favorable outcome for you.
If you are arrested, call us as soon as possible. We can stand by your side to address bail, the arraignment hearing and more, defending your rights at every step.
Drug Charge Defense Representation In State And Federal Courts
We defend adults and juveniles charged with any drug offense in either Michigan state courts or federal courts. Seek legal help immediately if you or a loved one is charged with:
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Drug distribution
- Narcotics trafficking
- Cross-border drug smuggling
- Illegal prescription drug sales
- Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Companion charges such as money laundering and weapons offenses
Our firm has experience handling cases involving virtually all types of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, methamphetamine (meth), LSD, hash, GHB, roofies, MDMA, Special K, PCP, mesc, mushrooms and steroids. We also handle illegal possession, use and sale of prescription drugs, including Vicodin, Norco, Percocet, Fentanyl, OxyContin, Dilaudid, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Adderall, Ritalin and Suboxone.
The Experience Necessary To Effectively Fight Drug Charges
When you come to our law firm, you can be confident that you have experience on your side. Attorney John Freeman has been practicing criminal law for more than 30 years. He began his career prosecuting people accused of drug crimes and other serious criminal offenses. He now uses the experience and insight he earned as a state district attorney and a federal prosecutor in the defense of people facing drug charges. He has firsthand knowledge of prosecutorial tactics and, more importantly, how to build effective defense strategies to counter them.
Never Plead Guilty To A Drug Crime Without Talking To A Lawyer First
We encourage people accused of drug possession or other drug crimes to never plead guilty. Let us review the case first. No matter how strong the evidence may seem on the surface, there may be flaws that can be revealed with a closer investigation.
One of our first steps in marijuana possession, cocaine possession, heroin possession and other drug possession cases is to review the arrest. Did the arrest follow a traffic stop? Was a warrant served to search the home or place of residence? If we find reason to believe that your rights were violated and an illegal search was conducted, we may be able to use that information to request that evidence be thrown out or your case be dismissed.
We will look at the evidence from every angle and build a strong drug possession defense strategy. Even in cases where the evidence is strong, we may be able to use our knowledge of alternative sentencing options to better the outcome of your case.
Our knowledge allows us to handle all drug possession cases, including complex cases involving medical marijuana and prescription drug possession.
Was Your Property Confiscated?
Michigan and federal forfeiture law allows law enforcement to seize money or assets they believe were obtained illegally or used in illegal drug activity. They may take cash, equipment, firearms, personal property, motor vehicles and even real estate, such as a property they allege was used to grow or manufacture drugs illegally. Law enforcement must follow a very specific forfeiture process. If they do not or if they overstep their bounds, the forfeited property should be returned. Even if they did follow the correct procedure, there may be options to take back seized assets. Our law firm is skilled in addressing civil and criminal forfeiture.
Cross-Border Drug Smuggling
Detroit’s geographical location makes it a hub for illegal drug smuggling. Law enforcement agencies patrolling the border between the United States and Canada are especially aggressive in their pursuit of individuals smuggling marijuana, Ecstasy and other illegal drugs. If you have been charged with illegal drug trade, speak to a criminal defense attorney immediately about your options.
Addiction Is Not A Crime
Many jail and prison cells in Michigan are filled with people struggling with drug addiction. Thankfully, drug treatment court is an option in many cases. This probationary sentence is designed to help people accused of drug crimes overcome substance abuse problems. However, this option is not always automatic. We can help you determine if this is an option in your case and help you pursue it.
Free Consultation With A Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
Contact our drug crimes defense law office using our online form today, or call 248-250-9950 for your free initial phone consultation. You may call 313-330-2653 in emergencies where you need immediate legal assistance.