A Skilled Lapeer Drug Crimes Defense Attorney On Your Side

In the government’s “war on drugs,” overzealous law enforcement officials and prosecutors sometimes make mistakes or take liberties with constitutional rights. Our prisons are filled with people who have committed no other offense than drug use, and many of those are overcharged or unfairly incarcerated.

I am Lapeer, Michigan, criminal defense lawyer Bernard Jocuns. Much of my career has involved battling the government on behalf of people arrested for drug crimes. In fact, I’m proud to say I played a role in the decriminalizing of marijuana in Michigan. But the authorities have simply doubled down on other controlled substances, so work for me and my team at Jocuns Law Firm is never done.

Experience With The Full Array Of Drug Crimes

Call my law office in Lapeer at 810-498-2772 if you or a family member are charged with any drug offense, including:

• Possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or ecstasy
• Possession of prescription narcotics (pills) and prescription fraud
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking (sale, transport, distribution)
• Drug manufacturing
• Possession of marijuana or cannabis plants (misdemeanor amount)
• Unauthorized sale or distribution of marijuana (felony amount)

Most drug crimes are felony crimes, carrying several years up to life in prison. In addition to the prison term, steep fines and a permanent criminal record, drug convictions can also trigger civil asset forfeiture of property used in drug trafficking or obtained from drug proceeds (money, vehicles, homes).

I’m Not Here To Make You Plead Guilty

As a Lapeer drug crimes defense attorney, my job is to provide a defense. That means holding law enforcement accountable for violating constitutional rights such as the Fourth Amendment protection against unlawful search and seizure. It means aggressively challenging the prosecution’s evidence and version of events. How did the police find the drugs? How are they connecting the drugs to you?

Drug offenses are frequently overcharged, based on the amount of drugs or circumstantial evidence such as baggies and cash. The government will often cast a wide net, charging all people in a household or all occupants of a vehicle when drugs are discovered, or inflating charges against those who played a minor role in a trafficking operation. My goal is to get unfounded charges dismissed or convince the prosecutor to reduce the charges to match the facts of the case. I examine all the evidence to gauge the strength of the prosecution’s case and the prospects for going to trial. Many drug cases are eventually resolved through a plea agreement, but that is not my starting point.

What Are The Penalties For Drug Offenses In Michigan?

The potential term of incarceration and other punishments depend on several factors, including:

• The type of drug – Schedule I and II drugs (such as heroin and meth) are considered the most dangerous and carry the harshest penalties.
• The amount – There are tiers of penalties based on the quantity of each specific controlled substance.
• Drug priors – The penalties are enhanced if a person has previous drug convictions.
• Weapons – The use of a weapon (or simply possessing a gun in the commission of a drug offense) can add years to the presumptive prison sentence for the drug charge.

I can gauge the likely penalties or a range of penalties for your circumstances, based on my knowledge of the drug statutes, the sentencing guidelines and the cases I have litigated. From there, you and I can determine the best strategy to avoid or minimize those consequences, either at trial or in negotiations.

What Happens After A Drug Arrest In Lapeer County?

A drug arrest can leave you feeling lost, but knowing what to expect helps. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

• Booking: You’ll be taken to jail for fingerprints, photos and paperwork.
• Bond/bail (within 24-48 hours): The court decides if you can post bond or stay in custody.
• Arraignment (within days to weeks): You hear the formal charges and enter a plea. I’ll guide you through it.
• Pretrial/motions (weeks to months): I file motions to challenge evidence or argue your rights were violated.
• Evidentiary hearings (as needed): The court decides what evidence can be used against you.
• Trial/plea (months later): We either negotiate a deal or take your case to trial.
• Sentencing: If convicted, I will advocate for a favorable outcome in sentencing.

Every step matters, and I’ll be with you through all of it.

Juvenile Drug Offenses And Their Long-Term Impact

When a young person faces drug charges, the consequences reach far beyond the courtroom. Michigan’s juvenile justice system handles minors differently than adults, but the stakes remain serious. A juvenile drug conviction can lead to detention, probation, mandatory counseling or placement in a residential facility. A drug charge can also hurt college applications, scholarship opportunities and future job prospects.

My goal is to minimize these consequences. I will work to get charges reduced or dismissed, negotiate diversion programs that avoid a conviction and explore every option to keep your child’s record clean. Early intervention can make a real difference in protecting their future. That’s where I come in.

Expungement And Record Sealing For Drug Convictions

A drug conviction doesn’t have to follow you forever. Michigan’s Clean Slate Act has made it easier to clear your record if you meet certain requirements. Generally, you’ll need to wait three years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies from the time you complete your sentence.

First-time offenders often have additional options through set-aside provisions that remove a conviction from your public record. The expungement process can be complicated because it requires filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing. I’ve handled many expungement cases and understand how to present your situation effectively. If you’re carrying the weight of a past drug conviction, contact me to see if you qualify for relief.

Don’t Say Anything Until You Talk To A Lapeer Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

An arrest can be a confusing and upsetting experience, whether it is your first brush with the law or you have a criminal history. The charges may seem undeserved, and you might feel that explaining your situation to law enforcement officials will get you out of this challenging situation. It won’t. In fact, it could hurt your case. Before you say anything to the police, call my firm and ask to speak with Bernard Jocuns.

You work with me, as I personally handle every criminal matter, including motions and court appearances. I practice regularly in the criminal courts of Lapeer, Genesee, Tuscola, Sanilac and surrounding counties, and I have tried drug cases throughout Michigan. Call my office in Lapeer at 810-498-2772 to arrange a free initial consultation, or contact me online.