Drug & Alcohol Defense
Protecting Your Rights, Your Freedom, and Your Future Throughout Michigan’s Thumb Region
Drug or Alcohol Charges? We Fight for You.
Drug and alcohol charges can carry life-altering consequences — from prison time and permanent criminal records to lost jobs and broken families. Attorney Brandon McNamee builds aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future throughout Michigan’s Thumb region.
Call (810) 982-2020 — Get Your Free Case Review
Drug & Alcohol Charge Defense in Michigan
Michigan takes drug and alcohol offenses seriously. Even a simple possession charge can result in jail time, probation, fines, a permanent criminal record, and driver’s license suspension.
But being charged is not the same as being guilty. Police and prosecutors must follow the law too, and there are often significant defense opportunities: illegal searches, unreliable informants, improper evidence handling, and constitutional violations.
Drug & Alcohol Charges We Defend
Drug Possession
Simple possession of controlled substances including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and other controlled substances.
Possession with Intent to Deliver
When the prosecution alleges the quantity, packaging, or circumstances indicate intent to distribute. These charges carry significantly enhanced penalties.
Drug Delivery / Distribution
Actual sale or distribution of controlled substances. Penalties depend on the type and quantity and can range from felony probation to decades in prison.
Prescription Drug Offenses
Possessing prescription medications without a valid prescription, doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or illegally distributing prescription drugs.
Minor in Possession (MIP)
Underage possession or consumption of alcohol. An MIP conviction can affect college admissions, financial aid, and future employment.
Open Container & Drug Paraphernalia
Having open alcohol containers in a vehicle or possession of items associated with drug use.
How We Defend Drug & Alcohol Charges
Challenging the Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches. If police searched without a valid warrant, probable cause, or consent, the evidence may be suppressed — potentially resulting in dismissal.
Questioning the Evidence Chain
Drug evidence must be properly collected, stored, tested, and documented. Breaks in the chain of custody can undermine the prosecution’s case.
Challenging Constructive Possession
Just because drugs were found near you doesn’t mean they were yours. The prosecution must prove you actually knew about and had control over the substances.
Diversion & Alternative Sentencing
Michigan offers diversion programs under MCL 333.7411 (first-time drug offenders) that can result in charges being dismissed after successful completion of probation.
Drug & Alcohol Defense FAQ
Can a first-time drug offense be dismissed?
Potentially, yes. Michigan’s MCL 333.7411 allows first-time drug offenders to have charges dismissed after successfully completing probation — keeping a conviction off your record.
Is marijuana legal in Michigan? Can I still be charged?
Michigan legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21+, but you can still face charges for: possession by anyone under 21, exceeding legal limits, driving under the influence, distribution without a license, and use in prohibited locations.
Can police search my car without a warrant?
Under certain exceptions — probable cause, consent, inventory search after impound, or search incident to arrest. Each exception has specific requirements, and officers frequently overstep. We examine every search carefully.
Will a drug conviction affect my driver’s license?
Yes. A drug conviction results in a mandatory 6-month license suspension, even if the offense had nothing to do with driving. If your license has been revoked, we can also help with license restoration.
Your Future Is Worth Fighting For
Drug and alcohol charges don’t have to define the rest of your life. The right defense strategy can protect your freedom, your record, and your future.
Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Related Services
Drug and alcohol charges often overlap with other legal issues. If you’re also facing a drunk driving charge, see our DUI/OWI defense services. A conviction can result in license revocation — we also handle driver’s license restoration. Once your case is resolved, you may qualify to clear your criminal record through expungement.