Although you might believe drug crimes are victimless, the state imposes harsh criminal penalties on those who are convicted of these serious offenses. If you are facing criminal charges, it is critical that you take steps to clear your name. Your entire life could be affected if you are found guilty.
Turning to a top-rated Marysville drug crime lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt may be your best opportunity to protect your future. With over 30 years of zealous trial experience and our commitment to defending the innocent and accused, you can feel more confident building your defense with our team on your side.
Schedule your confidential consultation with our leading Marysville criminal defense lawyer to learn more about the state’s cases against you and how to approach your defense strategy.
We Defend Against Most Drug Crime Charges
Drug charges can take multiple forms. The type of drug crime you are accused of committing, the type of controlled substance involved in your case, and the amount of drugs will all have an impact on the type of charges you can face and the extent of the penalties against you.
Some of the most common types of offenses your Marysville drug crime attorney from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt handles include:
Drug Possession
One of the most common types of drug charges we handle is those involving drug possession. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11, you can be accused of possession if you are found with any type of controlled substance in your possession. Multiple factors determine whether you will face minor misdemeanors or felony-level charges.
If you are in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, you may be more likely to be accused of misdemeanor charges, whereas larger amounts of controlled substances, or possession of schedule I controlled substances, which are considered the most serious of the illicit drugs, charges could be increased to the felony level.
With felony-level charges come harsher criminal penalties. Ohio Revised Code § 2929.14 describes the possible consequences you could face for drug possession based on the bulk amount and the type of controlled substance involved in your case.
Permitting Drug Abuse
Allowing someone else to use your vehicle to commit a felony drug offense is a crime known as permitting drug abuse under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.13. In most cases, this can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail.
However, if this offense is stacked with corrupting another with drugs under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.02, then your permitting drug abuse charges could be increased from a misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony, punishable by up to one year in an Ohio State prison.
Paraphernalia Charges
You can be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.14 if you are accused of having anything in your possession that is designed to use or handle controlled substances.
This is typically a fourth-degree misdemeanor as long as you are not accused of possession of marijuana paraphernalia. If convicted, you could spend up to five years on probation and as much as 30 days in jail.
Corrupting Another with Drugs
If you administer, furnish, or cause someone else to use controlled substances or use a juvenile as a lookout for you while committing a felony drug crime, you can face charges for corrupting another with drugs under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.02.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted of a fourth-degree felony or up to 11 years in prison if you are convicted of a first-degree felony.
Drug Trafficking
If you are accused of transporting or selling bulk amounts of controlled substances, you could face drug trafficking charges under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.03. The penalties you face will depend on the amount of drugs you are accused of trafficking.
For example, if you are accused of trafficking less than 5 grams of cocaine, you could face up to one year in prison for this fifth-degree felony, while trafficking 28 or more grams of cocaine is considered a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 11 years in an Ohio state prison.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Marysville, call 614-884-1100
Defending Against Marysville Drug Charges
Our approach to your defense strategy will vary widely based on the type of crime you have been accused of committing. We will need to carefully evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine which defenses are most viable.
Some of the most common types of drug crime defenses that could be presented in court include:
- Having a prescription
- Law enforcement officials conducted an unlawful search and seizure and violated your Fourth Amendment rights
- You were not aware that you were in possession of a controlled substance
- You are a victim of human trafficking, forced into possessing or selling drugs
- Law enforcement officials failed to read your Miranda rights or committed other constitutional rights violations
These are only a few possible defenses that could be used if your drug charges go to trial. If at all possible, we will attempt to work out a plea agreement with the district attorney or get you enrolled in pre-trial diversion as described under Ohio Revised Code Section 2935.36.
If you complete the terms of your pre-trial diversion program, the prosecutor dismisses the drug charges against you, but these are typically only available for first-time, nonviolent offenders.
Marysville Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Consult a Strategic Drug Crime Lawyer in Marysville for Help Today
As if incarceration and fines were not bad enough, the collateral consequences of a conviction guarantee your life will continue to be affected for years to come, even after you have fulfilled the terms of your criminal sentence.
Working with a respected drug crime attorney in Marysville may be your best shot at protecting your freedom. Trust your defense to a law firm that has the resources to give your case the attention it deserves.
When you are ready to take control of your defense strategy, do not hesitate to contact our Marysville drug crime lawyers at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt. You can schedule your confidential and free consultation today to discuss what your next steps should be.
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