Marijuana arrests and charges in Michigan are becoming rampant and out
of control throught Michigan. Even with the passage of the
Medical Marijuana Act, also known as "MMA", many police agencies are arresting individulas
who possess a patient or caregiver medical marijuana card in Michigan
for presumably failing to adhere to the rules, procedures and requirements
of the MMA.
Possession of Marijuana or use of Marijuana is illegal in Michigan unless
you have complied and lawfully obtained a medical marijuana card. Possessing
the card does not necesssarily mean that you are automatically free from
prosecution for a criminal misdemeanor or a felony charge.
Manufacturing and Delivery of Marijuana is a felony in Michigan and unless
you have complied with the strict rules and regulation of the
Medical Marijuana Act in Michigan, you could be faced with a marijuana drug charge if the police obtain
evidence that you are over the legal limit for possessing marijuana plants
or the quantity of usable marijuana.
Michigan marijuana law differs from other states' marijuana laws, such
as Colorado and Washington, who allow use of marijuana almost freely to
any of their citizens. In Michigan, anyone caught with marijuana on their
person or even in their car or home, can be charged with
possession of marijuana,
use of marijuana,
delivery and maufacturing of marijuana, and even
possession of marijuana paraphenlia (such as pipes, zig zags and the like) unless they possess a medical marijuana
card and are in full complice with the Act. Otherwise, anyone can be charged
with a misdemanor or a felony marijuana charge and hauled into Court to
answer the charge against them.
Too often, MMA patients and caregivers with a valid medical marijuana card
are charged with a crime thinking they are following the law, however,
police misinterpret the law and determine that the
MMA is inapplicable to the person, even if the circumstances are beyond one's
control, such as the quantity of plants and usable marijuana in their
home, car or person.
Just like any other criminal charge, the first step in a marijuana drug
charge case is to evaluate the police evidence against you. This is probably
the most critical aspect of your case and should not be overlooked. Second,
your drug defense attorney must determine whether the police had any reason
to stop or investigate you. Third, whether the police had probable cause
to seize and arrest you for any marijuana charge. And lastly, determine
all available legal strategies and plea options for your particular situation
in order to avoid a criminal conviction on your record. The last step
is your criminal attorney should take into account and ikeep in mind the
ramifications of a conviction to your personal life, including employment,
license, immigration status and reputation.
It is absolutely essential that when you hire a
marijuana defense attorney, he or she should be skilled and well versed in the ever-changing marijuana
laws in Michigan, especially if you are a MMA patient or caregiver. Your
criminal defense attorney should possess the skill and knowledge on how
to best protect your rights and help you navigate through the court process
as efficently and quickly as possible. Your marijuana defense attorney
should be able to understand all of the different techiniques and strategies
to prevent any blemishes on your record. For example, 7411 is one option
as well as HYTA, if you are eligible and the Judge grants it to you. However,
there are other options available if you do not qualify for these diversion
programs. Each case is different and should be analyzed under the eyes
of a microscope.
Arrests for possession of marijuana in Michigan have been widespread throughout
the Metro Detroit Area and without a skilled
criminal defense attorney at your side, you may end up with a criminal conviction that will stay
on your record for the rest of your life. Don't make the mistake of
simply representing yourself and having it to come back to haunt you.
Furtherm there secondary consequences froma drug conviction, including
loss of your driving privileges, loss of employment opportunities, educational
goals, suspension of professional licenses, your reputation and livelihood.
Now more than ever, several police agencies in Oakland County, Macomb County,
Washtenaw County and Livingston County have been very agressive in charging
individuals with possession of marijuana, use of marijuana, possession
of narcotics and delivery and manufacturing of marijuana.
Don't be another staistic. Don't just plead guilty. If you have
been charged for possession of marijuana, use of marijuana or delivery
of marijuana in Michigan, regardless if it's a first time misdemeanor
charge or a felony, contact
Attorney Daniel D. Hajji for a free initial phone or office consultation and case evaluation analysis.
The Hajji Law Firm- 30300 Northwestern Highway, Suite 308, Farmington Hills,
MI 48334- (248) 782-8322
