Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Monday, October 13, two Georgetown, DE residents were arrested and charged with various drug offenses after authorities discovered the man and woman were selling illicit drugs from a motel room.
According to a news article at WMDT 47, Georgetown and Delaware State Police conducted a joint investigation in which it was found that 29-year-old Yolanda Oney and 21-year-old Oquindell Timmons Jr. were selling narcotic drugs from the Classic Inn Motel. Upon searching room 251, police allegedly discovered there were two juveniles present along with drug paraphernalia and 30 baggies that were said to contain marijuana and heroin following field testing.
Authorities also searched a vehicle that belonged to one of the suspects and found a .38 caliber revolver along with bullets. Timmons admitted to police that the handgun and heroin were his, and that the marijuana and drug paraphernalia belonged to Oney.
Oney was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, endangering the welfare of a child, and marijuana possession. Timmons was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a person prohibited, and possession of heroin with intent to deliver. At the time of news reports, Timmons was in custody at the Sussex Correctional Institute on a $10,000 secured bond.
When it comes to illegal or narcotic drugs, the criminal penalties in the state of Michigan are harsh whether an individual is convicted of possession, or a possession with intent to distribute/deliver charge. How severe the punishment will be depends on several factors, including the type and amount of drug involved, whether the defendant has a prior criminal conviction, where the alleged drug activity took place (in close proximity to a school, church, park, etc.) and more.
In Michigan, anyone who is found guilty of marijuana possession may face up to one year in jail along with fines of up to $2,000. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved, prosecutors may attempt to prove that the individual intended to sell or distribute the marijuana, which will result in even harsher penalties if proven.
Possession of heroin with intent to deliver is a far more serious charge, and depending on the amount of drug involved will result in a prison term of 20 years to life behind bars, along with fines ranging from $25,000 to $1 million.
Drug crimes are prosecuted vigorously across the nation as law makers continue their efforts to “crack down” on drug offenders. Whether you have been arrested for marijuana possession or are under investigation for distributing, manufacturing, or selling cocaine, heroin, meth, or other illegal drugs, it is vital to work with a capable and aggressive Michigan drug crimes defense attorney. You must take the first step to protect your legal rights, freedom, and future.