Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On September 9, a home located on Greenfield Road on the Michigan-Indiana state line caught fire. After investigating, it was discovered that methamphetamine was on the property, according to a news article at The Daily Reporter. 44-year-old Laura Ferrier was recently charged with possession of methamphetamine, and is now facing a maximum prison sentence of 20 years due to convictions related to meth in 2005 and 2010 in Indiana.
Ferrier’s bond was set at $100,000 by Branch County District Judge Brent Weigle. Awaiting scheduling of preliminary proceedings, Ferrier requested a reduction in bond due to the fact she is scheduled to appear in Indiana on another charge November 20.
When the fire began in the home in a second floor bedroom, Ferrier was able to remove two children from the home safely, a 6-year-old girl and 8-year-old boy. Authorities did not reveal whether the manufacture of methamphetamine led to the fire, although representatives from the Branch County Sheriff’s office were called in by fire department officials to help remove hazardous waste which was related to the production of methamphetamine at the scene.
News reports indicate investigators found remnants of a one-pot meth cooking lab in a backpack in the garage of the home. Ferrier’s car was also found to have drug residue and components for meth making. Court documents indicated that Ferrier appeared to be under the influence at the scene, and admitted to using methamphetamine. Inside the home, police and firemen found materials used to smoke drugs, along with synthetic marijuana and several bundles of meth.
The fire was under control in just a few minutes, and contained in a bedroom.
The news article indicated only that Ferrier had been charged with methamphetamine possession, however warrants have been issued for other individuals involved. It was not clear whether authorities intend to charge any of the residents of the home with manufacturing meth.
The criminal penalties for possession of or manufacturing methamphetamine in Michigan are severe. As indicated above, Ferrier will face up to 20 years in prison due to her status as a repeat offender. Typically, a first-time offender convicted of possessing meth will face up to 10 years in prison, and fines of up to $15,000 depending on the amount of the drug involved.
If you have been accused of the possession or manufacturing of meth, marijuana, cocaine, or any illicit substance or narcotic drug, it is imperative you consult with a skilled and aggressive Michigan drug crime defense attorney immediately. Your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance.