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Michigan Cocaine Laws

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 29, 2024

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance under both federal and Michigan law. Schedule II drugs are those that have a high potential for abuse and dependence but also have some accepted medical uses.

Possessing, distributing, and manufacturing any amount of cocaine can lead to severe penalties. Under Michigan law, you could face up to a life sentence and hundreds of thousands of dollars. The criminal penalties often depend on the total grams of cocaine involved in the offense and where the crime occurred.

The following table lists the main provisions of Michigan's cocaine laws. Follow the links in the table or visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section to learn more.

Michigan Cocaine Law Code Sections

Michigan Compiled Laws, Chapter 333, Public Health Code, Article 7

  • MCL § 333.7214 (Schedule II controlled substances)
  • MCL § 333.7401 (Manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance)
  • MCL § 333.7403 (Possession of a controlled substance)
  • MCL § 333.7404 (Use of a controlled substance)

Michigan Possession of Cocaine Crimes

Anyone who possesses cocaine (either crack cocaine, freebase, or powder form) in the following amounts is guilty of a felony and faces the following punishments upon conviction:

Michigan Cocaine Distribution/Sale Crimes and Penalties

Anyone who sells, delivers, or otherwise distributes cocaine is guilty of a felony and faces the following criminal penalties upon conviction:

  • 1,000 or more grams of cocaine: up to a life sentence and a fine of up to $1,000,000 (MCL § 333.7401(2)(a)(i))
  • Between 450 to 1,000 grams: up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 (MCL § 333.7401(2)(a)(ii))
  • Between 50 to 450 grams: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 (MCL § 333.7401(2)(a)(iii))
  • Under 50 grams: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 (MCL § 333.7401(2)(a)(iv))
  • If a person over the age of 18 delivered less than 50 grams of cocaine to someone who is under 18 years old and is at least three years younger than the deliverer: up to 40 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $50,000 (MCL § 333.7410(1))
  • If the offense involved the delivery or distribution of less than 50 grams of cocaine to another person on or within 1,000 feet of a school or library: between two and 60 years in prison and a fine of up to $75,000 (MCL § 333.7410(2))

MichiganUse of Cocaine Penalties

A person who uses cocaine in violation of MCL § 333.7404 is guilty of a misdemeanor. They face up to one year of jail time and a fine of up to $2,000.

Note: Michigan laws change through legislative action and court opinions. Consult a Michigan drug crime lawyer or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Michigan Cocaine Laws: Related Resources

Visit the links below for more information about Michigan's laws related to illegal drugs and cocaine possession charges:

Consider visiting FindLaw's State Codes section for information about how other states deal with drug offenses.

Questions About Michigan's Drug Laws? Contact an Attorney

If the state imposes drug possession charges against you, contact a criminal defense attorney in the state of Michigan. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can provide you with specific legal advice and legal representation. For example, they can provide information about the following:

  • Specific defense strategies regarding your legal issue, whether you are a first-time offender charged with a misdemeanor or you have prior convictions in your criminal record
  • The potential consequences of a drug crime conviction, including jail time, regular drug testing, and the loss of your driver's license
  • Advice about whether to enter into plea bargain negotiations

Visit FindLaw's directory of drug crime lawyers throughout Michigan to boost your chances of achieving the best possible outcome in your case. Put an expert's experience to work for you.

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  • Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
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  • Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case

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