Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Russell Smith, a 37-year-old man that according to court records is homeless, was arrested and charged in a case involving an Ypsilanti Township man who died after Smith provided him with heroin, according to news articles at Mlive.com. The incident happened last year, and Smith was charged on July 14, although he appeared in circuit court for the first time on Tuesday, September 23. His hearing was adjourned for three weeks.
Smith’s co-defendant in the case, 21-year-old Devin Wilson, had her case postponed while police worked for months to arrest Smith. Wilson was sentenced on July 15 to one to 15 years in prison for giving Terry Mike Norris, her 37-year-old boyfriend, a fatal dose of heroin. She pleaded guilty, and in exchange for her plea agreed to testify against Smith, who allegedly provided her with the heroin.
Smith is charged with delivery or manufacture of heroin, delivery of a controlled substance causing death, and lying to a peace officer. Police did not reveal how they tracked Smith down. He remains incarcerated in the Washtenaw County Jail on a $10,000 cash or surety bond.
Like murder, a delivery of a controlled substance causing death conviction can result in a life prison term. Although the offense is not a murder charge, those who are found guilty of manslaughter are often labeled as murderers for a lifetime. As all Michigan drug crime attorneys know, delivery or manufacture of heroin is also a very serious charge. Without a highly capable lawyer in his corner, Smith will undoubtedly face severe criminal penalties.
In Michigan, anyone who possesses heroin with the intent to deliver the drug will face harsh consequences. Even in amounts less tan 50 grams, penalties include a maximum of 20 years in prison, fines of as much as $25,000, or both.
Regardless of whether you have been arrested for possession of marijuana or trafficking heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, or other substances, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Michigan drug crime lawyer. Your legal rights must be protected; your attorney will carefully review the facts of your case and work with you to determine the most effective course of legal action.