Source: https://www.springsteadbartish.com/criminal-defense/7411-drug-deferral/
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 00:55:22+00:00

Document:
Many of our clients charged with controlled substance offenses are first time offenders with no prior criminal record. For these clients, often, their number one concern is keeping their criminal record clean so that a one-time error in judgment that does not follow them around for the rest of their lives.
MCL § 333.7411. Under § 7411, the court, with the defendant’s consent, can defer the entry of the judgment of guilt and place the defendant on probation with terms and conditions that may include participation in drug treatment programs along with other standard conditions such as community service and court supervision. If the defendant successfully completes the term of probation, the charges against the defendant are dismissed and no public record of the charge or disposition is retained. While no public record of the § 7411 disposition is maintained, the Michigan State Police will still maintain a nonpublic record of the arrest, court proceedings, and disposition of the criminal charge under § 7411. This non-public record is available to courts, law enforcement personnel, and prosecuting attorney’s for the purpose of determining whether a defendant has been previously sentenced under § 7411.
A § 7411 deferral is available to both defendants who plead guilty and those who are convicted after a contested trial. While the prosecuting attorney may express his consent or objection to a sentence under § 7411, the discretion as to whether to sentence a defendant under § 7411 sentence rests entirely with the court. Accordingly, a judge may grant a § 7411 sentence to a defendant even over the objection of the prosecuting attorney. A § 7411 is not available if the charges consist of drug delivery, possession with intent to deliver or manufacturing. In those cases, the only manner in which to obtain a § 7411 sentence is to convince the prosecuting attorney to allow the defendant to plead to simple possession.
A § 7411 sentence is not guaranteed simply because you meet the eligibility requirements. Some courts will give a § 7411 sentence almost automatically to first time controlled substance defendants. Other courts will only grant a § 7411 sentence in limited circumstances or after finding good cause. Since the decision to grant § 7411 lies completely within the judge’s discretion, it is crucial that you hire an attorney who has experience practicing before the court in which your are charged.
The attorneys of Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, P.L.L.C. have negotiated countless § 7411 dispositions for clients charged with drug offenses in courts throughout West Michigan. Our experience working in courts throughout West Michigan benefits our clients because our attorneys tend to know the most effective means of obtaining a § 7411 for our clients and whether, and under what circumstances, a particular court will use § 7411. Our lawyers also know through experience what actions our clients need to take prior to sentencing, whether it be drug counseling or narcotics anonymous, to put them in the best position to obtain a § 7411 sentence.
If you or somebody you know has been charged with a drug offense and is seeking a § 7411 sentence, call Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. Our firm is dedicated almost exclusively to criminal defense and to getting the best results possible in every case.

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