Detroit Metro Airport Drug Charges Defense Attorneys

It takes a highly talented and experienced criminal defense attorney to determine if a constitutional violation has occurred and then file a motion for suppression of evidence.

Prosecution in Wayne County for Drug Possession or Distribution

Some people underestimate the likelihood that law enforcement will discover drugs in their possession. Underestimating the likelihood of detection would be a significant mistake. When your baggage and body are scanned, the screen leaves virtually nothing to the imagination. Law enforcement officers, airport employees, and security personnel are always on a heightened state of alert. While this hyper attentiveness may result in frequent false accusations, it also results in many legally sustainable charges. Drug possession and distribution are serious felony offenses that routinely result in prison. The best defense to drug charges arising from airport arrests is an experienced, aggressive, and effective defense attorney. Don’t forget, drug-sniffing dogs are roaming through the airport at all times, and they are more likely to hit on a false positive scent than missing the odor of illegal drugs of any type. Remember, possession of recreational marijuana at the airport is still illegal because airports are considered federal property. Michigan’s legalization of recreational marijuana does not apply to federal properties.

Misdemeanors and airport ordinance violations are punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to two years of probation. Felony offenses can result in lengthy prison terms and up to five years of probation.

Marijuana is Illegal Under Federal Law

Use amounts of marijuana are legal in Michigan now, so all is good, right? Wrong. There are many federal agents at the airport, either working there or passing through, and any one of them could arrest you for possession of marijuana. The lowest federal penalty for simple possession of marijuana is up to one year in jail and years of probation (in addition to a missed flight).

Airport Ordinance rules on narcotics, habit-forming drugs, or paraphernalia

In addition to state, local, and federal laws, the Airport Ordinance creates many offenses charged by a prosecutor specializing in airport-related crimes. Drug-related crimes at the airport under the Ordinance include:

Possession of mind-altering, habit-forming narcotics
Selling or delivering mind-altering, habit-forming narcotics
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Being under the influence of mind-altering, habit-forming narcotics
Operating a vehicle under the influence of mind-altering, habit-forming narcotics

Drug Felonies at the Airport

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office handles most felony drug offenses. Serious offenses, such as smuggling or trafficking in drugs, are more likely to be prosecuted by the federal government in the United States District Court in Detroit, Michigan. Federal crimes routinely result in sentences to the Bureau of Prisons. If you are arrested and released, it can be weeks or months before the prosecutor charges you, and a warrant is issued for your arrest. Your best defense is to hire experienced counsel as soon as possible.

Will I have to return to Michigan for a drug charge occurring on airport property?

If you face misdemeanor charges, we can negotiate with the prosecutor to arrange the waiver of your appearance and resolve the matter without the client appearing. It is surprising and disturbing that many attorneys who take airport cases are unaware that a client may not have to come to court. The ability to avoid a personal appearance is a big deal for clients who live in another state because of the time and expense of a needless in-person appearance. For felony charges, the client will almost always need to appear in person.

Airport Drug Case Defense Firm

We pride ourselves on having an excellent and respectful relationship with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s offices. Respectful relationships are essential because prosecutors and judges often treat airport cases sternly due to heightened security at airports. Although we maintain good relations with law enforcement, we are well known for being extremely zealous in defending our clients and doing everything possible to protect and defend them.

Dedicated, Experienced, and Zealous Airport Crimes Defense Attorneys

The dedicated, experienced, and zealous Detroit Metro Airport defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented countless clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses in Wayne County’s Detroit Metro Airport. We have a well-earned reputation for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.