The Criminal Defense Law Center of
West Michigan
- Wyoming, MI 49519
- Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- 616-438-6719
Cocaine Possession
Cocaine Possession Defense Lawyer Grand Rapids | Shawn Haff
Defending Cocaine Possession (MCL 333.7403) in Grand Rapids
“In Michigan, cocaine is a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance. Under MCL 333.7403(2)(a)(v), possessing even a trace amount of cocaine—less than 25 grams—is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
The Sliding Scale of Penalties: If the amount is between 25 and 50 grams, the penalties remain at 4 years, but the fines and prosecutorial pressure increase.
The “Intent” Trap: If the Grand Rapids Police find cocaine alongside cash, rubber bands, or a digital scale, they will often upgrade the charge to Delivery/Manufacture (MCL 333.7401), which carries a 20-year maximum sentence.
The Shawn Haff Strategy: We move with professional urgency to keep your case in the 61st District Court or negotiate for a reduction before it hits the 17th Circuit Court. When your life is on the line, you need the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away.”
High-Level Defense: Challenging the “Field Test”
Challenging the Science: Why Field Tests Are Often Wrong
“In 2026, many cocaine arrests in Kent County are based on ‘Nik’ field test kits. These kits are notoriously unreliable and can produce false positives for common household substances.
Laboratory Scrutiny: We demand a full forensic audit from the Michigan State Police lab. If the ‘cocaine’ was actually a legal substance or an impure mixture, we fight for an immediate dismissal.
4th Amendment Violations: Was the cocaine found during a ‘pat-down’ that went too far? If the officer didn’t have a warrant or ‘plain view’ justification, we file a Motion to Suppress to have the evidence thrown out.
The ‘Constructive Possession’ Defense: If the drugs were in a car or house with multiple people, proximity does not equal guilt. We force the prosecution to prove you knew the substance was there.”
Second Chance Programs: 7411 and Drug Court
Protecting Your Record: Avoiding a Permanent Felony
“A cocaine conviction will trigger an automatic 6-month driver’s license suspension and a lifetime of employment barriers. Shawn Haff is an expert at securing MCL 333.7411 status.
7411 Deferral: This allows first-time offenders to plead guilty, complete probation, and have the case dismissed and sealed from your public record.
Kent County Drug Court: For those struggling with addiction, we help navigate the specialized Sobriety and Drug Court programs that prioritize treatment over incarceration.”
Grand Rapids Cocaine Defense FAQ
Is cocaine possession always a felony in Michigan? Yes. Unlike ‘use’ (which can be a misdemeanor), ‘possession’ of any amount of cocaine is a felony.
Can I go to jail for a first-time cocaine offense? While jail is possible, Shawn Haff’s goal is always to secure probation, treatment, or a ‘7411’ dismissal to keep you out of the Kent County Jail.
What if the police didn’t read me my rights? If you were interrogated while in custody without being read your Miranda Rights, we can often get your statements—and the evidence they led to—suppressed.
Michigan laws are tough on drugs; police and other authorities crack down hard on those arrested for possession of cocaine. The penalties for being convicted of cocaine possession can cause someone to wind up in prison for a long time!
At The Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan, we work hard to keep those arrested for cocaine possession out of jail and prison. We will examine and decide for you the best ways to defend your charges. We will examine things like if the search police conduct was legal.
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What Is "Possession"?
Possessing cocaine is illegal and many people don’t understand what “possession” actually means. You can be found guilty of this offense without having cocaine on you. If you have control over the drug, whether it is in your vehicle, your home, or your workplace you can be charged with cocaine possession.
Penalties for Cocaine Possession in Michigan
If you are charged with Cocaine Possession in West Michigan, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. The misdemeanor charge calls for penalties such as jail time of up to one year and/or fines of up to $2,000.
People who are found to be in possession of 50 grams or less may be charged with a felony. The consequences you may face include fines of up to $25,000 and up to four years in prison. For possession of cocaine in amounts of 50 grams or more, the penalties are as follows:
- 50 grams to 449 grams of cocaine, up to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $250,0004
- 50 grams to 999 grams of cocaine, up to 30 years in prison and/or fines of up to $500,000
- 1,000 grams or more of cocaine, up to life in prison, and/or fines of up to $1,000,000
The penalties for cocaine possession in West Michigan are tough. The penalties for intending to manufacture, deliver, or distribute the drug, are even tougher. WMET, prosecutors and police officers vigorously pursue individuals who are found to be in possession of a substantial amount of cocaine
A cocaine possession charge in Kent County is never “just a misdemeanor”—it is a serious felony that can trigger mandatory driver’s license sanctions and a permanent criminal record. Because the prosecution often relies on “constructive possession” to charge everyone in a vehicle or home, you cannot afford to wait for the system to treat you fairly. You must hire the best West Michigan attorney around Shawn Haff right away. Our firm moves with a professional sense of urgency to challenge illegal searches, analyze the chain of custody for lab evidence, and fight for the return of seized property. We are the premier defense powerhouse in West Michigan, and we know how to secure the dismissals and “7411” deferrals that protect your future.
Cocaine Is A Schedule II Drug
According to the DEA, cocaine is a Schedule II drug. So what does this mean? It means that cocaine is considered to be a very dangerous drug. It means that cocaine has a high risk of abuse and who know it does from seeing how many people in society are addicted to cocaine. Schedule II drugs are also identified as having a high potential for severe psychological and/or physical dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, methadone, Adderall, and Ritalin.
Cocaine comes in two forms:
- Crack cocaine
- Hydrochloride salt powder
Possession of cocaine is determined by several factors. It is not determined by if you have control over the drug. In practical terms, this means a defendant can be charged with possession even when the defendant does not possess the drug physically on them. For example, if it is found in your car, office or home, a defendant can potentially be charged with possession.
The punishment and fines for possession are determined by several factors. These factors are a prior criminal record, how much you possess, can you be rehabilitated and your age. One thing all judges will look favorably on is are you getting treatment for drug addiction.
Sentencing Options For First Time Options
The possibility of spending time in jail or prison worries people. Our lawyers at The West Michigan Criminal Defense Law Center has dedicated Michigan drug crimes lawyers. We will work hard to help you avoid the harshest penalties.
We will work to get those charged with Cocaine Possession in West Michigan nothing more than probation if they are guilty of the crime. There are also cases in which the court may focus on rehabilitating the accused individual rather than punishing him or her, depending on the jurisdiction in which that individual was charged with a crime. We will work hard to determine sentencing options you may be eligible for.
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