Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
48-year-old Bethany Murk of Geneva Township was recently arrested and charged with several counts including domestic violence, possession of scheduled prescription medications, felony possession of marijuana, and resisting and obstructing a police officer, according to news reports at Mlive.com.
Deputies were called to the residence located in the 61000 block of CR-380 on allegations of domestic violence made by Murk’s son and daughter-in-law. A Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office news release stated that deputies spoke with the alleged victims upon arriving at the home before interviewing the suspect in a separate area of the house.
Upon interviewing Murk, deputies noticed several drug-related items which included marijuana pipes, bongs, loose and bagged marijuana. When asked about the items, Murk claimed that it was legal for her to possess the drug paraphernalia because she was a medical marijuana patient and caregiver. She produced cards to prove her claim. Deputies sent Murk to get “appropriately” dressed while they were checking on the validity of the cards; at this point, she attempted to flee police by running out the front door. According to authorities, the Medical Marijuana cards proved to be either unverified or expired.
Deputies caught Murk before she escaped, and ultimately seized more drugs and paraphernalia including approximately 81 5 mg Valium pills, 11.8 ounces of marijuana, two marijuana pipes, and two bongs.
Michigan drug crime attorneys know the serious consequences individuals face when charged with an offense such as marijuana possession. In fact, possessing even a small amount of marijuana may leave the accused facing up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000 if convicted. Considering the defendant in this case was found in possession of scheduled prescription drugs, she will likely face even harsher penalties.
If you have been charged with any drug offense including meth or cocaine possession, maintaining a grow house, or distributing/trafficking illegal drugs or narcotics, it is urgent you speak with a skilled and aggressive Michigan drug crime defense lawyer.