DRUG POSSESSION ATTORNEYS IN SOUTHWEST OHIO
Ex-Prosecutors Can Be The Difference Between Jail And Treatment
Ohio takes drug possession very seriously. Whether you have been charged at a misdemeanor or a felony level for drug possession, it is vital that you get capable representation as soon as possible.
We have handled hundreds of drug possession cases – from marijuana and illegal prescriptions to club drugs and narcotics like cocaine and heroin, we know what you’re going through if you’ve been arrested for possession of drugs in Hamilton, Fairfield, West Chester, Middletown, or other parts of Ohio.
We know you’re concerned about what will happen to you and your family. Here are some guidelines to help answer some of your questions, but when you need information and advice about your specific case, please don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation.
Considerations in Drug Possession charges in Ohio:
The type of drug. The Federal Government and Ohio rely on what is known as a “schedule” for controlled substances. Drugs that are considered the most dangerous and lacking medical utility are known as Schedule I (this includes marijuana, LSD, GHB, heroin, and ecstasy), while other common controlled substances like cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs fall along a spectrum from Schedule II to Schedule V.
The amount of the drug in your possession.
While it looks like it should be a simple calculation, the truth is that there’s an overlap of federal controlled substances guidelines into Ohio law, and every substance (or substance category) has its own penalties assigned by statute. For instance, possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana is a minor misdemeanor punishable by up to $150 in fines. You will also pay court costs, but no jail time can be imposed for the charge. The punishment increases by weight, and by the time the charge is for 1000 grams (1 kilogram), it becomes felony possession and carries a penalty of 6 to 12 months in prison, a $2500 fine, and court costs.
On the other hand, if you were caught with a single gram of cocaine, you will be charged with felony drug possession, face 6-12 months in jail, and a $2500 fine. And penalties for cocaine possession increase at much smaller weight intervals than with marijuana.
Prescriptions are another common issue and another area where penalties are confusing and widely divergent. To learn more about the specific charges you or your loved one is facing, call us for a free consultation with an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney right here in Butler County, Ohio.
In Ohio, there are alternatives to jail time, and while we are always ready to take a case into a courtroom, for many defendants in drug possession cases, they are better served when we petition the courts for treatment instead of jail time. Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) is a common alternative for drug cases in Butler County, and we’ve had good luck with pursuing that outcome when it’s appropriate for our clients.
The bottom line is that drug law in Ohio is complicated, but a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney can help you navigate the very best outcome possible in the situation. Don’t hesitate to call 513-892-8251 today for your free consultation.