St. Clair County is definitely beautiful and tranquil, but it’s historically been considered a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. For that reason, individuals who need bail bonds in St. Clair County for drug offenses should be aware of rights and challenges in this regard.
What is a High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area?
The High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program was created by Congress in 1988 to provide assistance to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in these areas. The grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration takes an active role, and it has authorized special agents dedicated to the program.
Geographic areas must meet certain criteria to be considered HIDTA zones. For one, the area must be a significant center of illegal drug production, manufacturing, importation, or distribution. The drug-related activities in the area also must have a significant harmful impact in the area and other areas of the country.
St. Clair County may be a focus especially due to its proximity to waterways and Canada, which may allow for easy access between and within the countries.
Drug Laws in Michigan
Michigan is known for being one of the toughest states in penalizing drug users and drug traffickers. Between this area being considered an HIDTA and Michigan being tough on these crimes, it’s important to find a lawyer and bail bond agent in St. Clair County who are familiar with what’s appropriate and what’s not.
In Michigan, law enforcement officers may focus on both narcotics and prescription drugs, which are categorized in five “schedules” (typically written in Roman numerals). Schedule I and II drugs are the most addictive and typically have little to no medicinal value. One of the exceptions is marijuana, which is a Schedule I drug that is sometimes used for pain relief. It is also now legal in Michigan for adult recreational use.
Schedule III to V drugs have the potential to be addictive as well, but they do have some medicinal value. For that reason, doctors and pharmacists may monitor their use and have certain limitations.
Following are some examples of categorized drugs:
• Schedule I Drugs: Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, Methaqualone, and Peyote
• Schedule II Drugs: Vicodin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Methadone, Dilaudid, Demerol, OxyContin, Fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin
• Schedule III Drugs: Tylenol with Codeine, Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, and Testosterone
• Schedule IV Drugs: Xanax, Soma, Darvocet, Valium, Ambien, and Tramadol
• Schedule V Drugs: Robitussin AC, Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica, and Parepectolin
Bail Bonds in St. Clair County for Drug Offenses
Drug charges in Michigan vary widely depending on the type of drug that was involved, how much of it was found, and how it was intended to be used. Possession of up to 25 grams of Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, for example, may mean up to four years in jail and fines up to $25,000. Selling a controlled drug is punishable by up to 40 years in prison, and fines can be as high as $250,000.
Drug use may also be a contributing factor if a driver had used drugs and injured or killed someone in a vehicular crash or other incident.
Each case may be treated differently, so it’s important to have a qualified lawyer to help you.
On the other hand, the nature of the particular alleged crime only has some impact on your effort to obtain bail bonds in St. Clair County. It’s true that the amount of the bail will be higher depending on the alleged offense, but bail bond processing itself is typically the same.
Detroit Bail Bonds in Port Huron will work with you to determine the ideal financial solutions, and we are here to answer any questions you may have. Contact us if you need bail bonds in St. Clair County. We will help you get your loved one out of jail as quickly as possible.