Smart and Effective Defense in Federal Court

If you or somebody you know is being charged with a federal drug crime in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or anywhere else in West Michigan, you should know that it can have a devastating affect on the accused and his/her family. It is a very serious matter. Convictions for a federal drug crime often carry harsh mandatory minimum sentences or long terms of imprisonment, especially if the accused has a lengthy criminal history (even if they have not served lengthy jail or prison sentences previously). Because so much is at stake, if you or somebody you know is facing federal drug charges, you should hire the best federal criminal defense attorney you can find. Before you hire an attorney, you should do your homework: reading reviews online (www.avvo.com, for instance), asking people knowledgeable of the federal criminal justice system for recommendations or referrals, and vetting the attorneys carefully, preferably in person. If you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to contact us for free consultation.

The federal criminal defense attorneys at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to avoiding, defending, or simply minimizing the fallout from federal drug charges. Our lawyers are honest and trustworthy and include two former-FBI agents and a two former-active duty JAGs, who spent years building cases for the federal government and know how to smartly and effectively defend you and your best interests. Attorneys Gary Springstead and Michael Bartish are recognized as two of the best criminal defense attorneys in the State of Michigan, according to Super Lawyer Magazine in 2014, and they both devote nearly half of their practice to defending federal criminal charges (the other half is devoted to defending criminal charges filed by state or local authorities). Our attorneys know the federal system inside and out, take time to explain what can seem like a foreign process, and are able to quickly and effectively layout a strategy for a successful resolution of the case, whether that includes negotiating a favorable plea agreement, challenging an illegal search and seizure, or taking the case to trial. Call now for a free case evaluation and consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700.

Violations of the Controlled Substances Act

The Controlled Substances Act regulates the production, importation, distribution, possession and use of drugs. It divides various types of drugs into five classifications based upon potential for abuse, accepted medical uses and safety. The most serious — Schedule I and Schedule II — drugs include:

• LSD
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamine
• GHB
• Ecstasy
• Psilocybin mushrooms
• Marijuana
• Methylphenidate
• Oxycodone
• PCP
• Hydrocodone

The FBI, DEA, ATF, US Postal Service and host of other federal, state and local agencies help enforce the laws related to these controlled substances or drugs. Common charges allege violations of federal laws which prohibit  drug conspiracies (an illegal agreement between two or more people to buy, possess, or sell illegal drugs), the manufacture/delivery of a controlled substances, the possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute or sell it, among others. Even first-time, nonviolent offenders may face stiff penalties for trafficking in Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. Prescription drugs can also result in severe sentences for those who sell these pills — whether the drugs were stolen or obtained legally through doctor-shopping or other distribution schemes. In order to try and win your case or get you the best result possible, our Grand Rapids federal criminal lawyers will:

• Carefully review the evidence against you, i.e., police reports, lab reports, audio/video recordings, etc.
• Discuss the case with you
• Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
• Identify mistakes that were made in the investigative or charging process
• Challenge any illegal searches and seizures or violations of your Miranda rights
• Estimate your advisory guideline range if you were convicted of the offense
• File motions to vary downward from the applicable guideline range, where appropriate
• Seek alternatives to incarceration, such as pretrial diversions, lesser charges, or probation
  Explore the benefits of cooperation
• Present evidence/arguments to mitigate any sentence
• Be ready for trial
• Appeal unlawful sentences or convictions

Call the Grand Rapids Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Now for a Free Consultation 

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, call Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC at our Grand Rapids office at (616) 458-5500 or our Fremont office at (231) 924-8700 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.