Heroin Addiction: The Personal and Legal Costs

Mark Mandell, Esq.

With the death of the famous actor Phillip Seymour Hoffman, discussion on the recent spike in heroin-related deaths has been catching headlines. Heroin use is becoming more prevalent across Michigan suburbs especially, and heroin use has increased by 79% nationally from 2007-2012, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

There were 158 heroin-related deaths in Michigan from 2007-11, according to the most up-to-date figures from the Michigan Department of Community Health. For youth in particular, the rising costs of prescription drugs have steered them toward heroin, a much cheaper drug that delivers the high many crave.

Aside from the personal toll such drug use can cause for families and young people, there are serious legal ramifications if you are caught using or dealing heroin. As a Schedule I drug, the typical penalties in Michigan are:

Heroin use is a misdemeanor drug crime with jail time up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

Heroin possession is a felony drug crime and penalties vary depending on the amount:

·         Less than 50 grams, prison time up to four years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

·         50-499 grams, prison time up to 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.

·         450-999 grams, prison time up to 30 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

·         1,000 grams or more, prison time up to a life sentence, a fine of $1,000,000, or both.

Heroin manufacture and creation is also a felony in Michigan, and penalties vary:

·         Less than 50-499 grams, prison time up to 20 years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

·         450-999 grams, prison time up to 30 years, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.

·         1,000 grams or more, prison time up to a life sentence, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both.

Many families have the “this could never happen to us” mentality. But if you suspect a loved-one of drug use, be sure to speak up and intervene. If you are caught in an unfortunate situation of being accused of heroin use, possession, or creation, be sure to contact an experienced defense attorney.

Mark Mandell provides invaluable legal counsel to individuals caught in such situations; you can contact Mr. Mandell at (248) 380-0000 or online at www.MichiganFraudLawyer.com. 

To read more on the recent spike in heroin use, check out The Detroit News’ recent article: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20140205/METRO08/302040127/Heroin-addiction-hits-hard-across-Michigan

For more information on the additional federal penalties involved with various drugs, follow this link: http://www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ftp3.shtml