Columbus Drug Crime Lawyer

Protecting Your Rights Against Drug Crime Charges in Franklin County

If you have been arrested and accused of a drug crime, it is crucial to have a skilled Columbus drug crime defense lawyer who specializes in defending cases related to controlled substances. You should not assume that a conviction is inevitable. There have been numerous instances where law enforcement has exceeded their authority during search and seizure, potentially rendering the evidence against you inadmissible in court.

Given the unique circumstances of your case, it is essential to promptly review the evidence and facts. When facing a drug offense, your first step should be to have our firm analyze the details. We are a leading criminal trial law firm in the state, and our attorney is ready to assist you immediately.

Are you currently dealing with drug crime charges? Contact Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C. today at (614) 503-7789 or reach out to us online to arrange a consultation with our Columbus drug crime attorneys.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Ohio

Penalties for drug crimes in Ohio can vary depending on the specific offense, the type and quantity of drugs involved, and the defendant’s prior criminal record. Ohio categorizes drug offenses into different felony degrees, ranging from first-degree felony to fifth-degree felony, and in some cases, misdemeanor charges.

Felony Drug Offenses

• First-degree felony: Punishable by up to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
• Second-degree felony: Punishable by up to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• Third-degree felony: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• Fourth-degree felony: Punishable by up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
• Fifth-degree felony: Punishable by up to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.

Misdemeanor Drug Offenses

• First-degree misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $750.
• Third-degree misdemeanor: Punishable by up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $500.

Ohio also utilizes a drug sentencing grid, which takes into account the drug type, quantity, and the offender’s prior convictions to determine the appropriate sentence. Additionally, drug offenses involving larger quantities of drugs, manufacturing, trafficking, or distribution may result in enhanced penalties.

Ohio Drug Sentencing Grid

The Ohio drug sentencing grid is a tool used by the criminal justice system in Ohio to determine the appropriate sentence for drug offenses. It takes into account various factors such as the type of drug involved, the quantity of drugs, and the offender’s prior criminal record. The purpose of the sentencing grid is to provide consistency and fairness in sentencing by considering the severity of the offense and the individual’s criminal history.

The Ohio drug sentencing grid consists of several categories, each representing different levels of drug offenses. These categories are labeled I through VIII. The severity of the offense increases from Category I to Category VIII, with Category I being the most serious.

The grid also includes a range of sentences associated with each category. The sentences are further divided into three zones: minimum, standard, and maximum. The minimum zone represents the least severe sentence within the category, the standard zone represents the typical or median sentence, and the maximum zone represents the most severe sentence.

When determining the appropriate sentence, the court considers the offender’s placement within the grid, which is determined by the offense severity and the offender’s prior record. The court takes into account the grid category and the corresponding range of sentences associated with that category. However, the court also has discretion to deviate from the grid based on mitigating or aggravating factors specific to the case.

Additionally, the drug sentencing grid is not the sole factor in determining a sentence. The court may also consider other factors such as the nature of the offense, the defendant’s role in the offense, any harm caused, and any potential for rehabilitation.

Category I

Offenses involving these substances are considered the most serious under Ohio law.

• Substances:
  • Fentanyl
  • carfentanil
  • heroin
  • LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide)

Category II

Offenses involving these substances are considered highly serious but slightly less severe than Category I offenses.

• Substances:
  • Cocaine
  • methamphetamine
  • PCP (phencyclidine)

Category III

Offenses involving these substances are considered serious but generally less severe than Category I and II offenses.

• Substances:
  • Oxycodone
  • hydrocodone
  • morphine
  • amphetamine
  • methadone

Category IV

Offenses involving these substances are considered moderately serious.

• Substances:
  • MDMA (ecstasy)
  • GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
  • ketamine

Category V

Offenses involving large amounts or manufacturing/distributing marijuana can fall into this category.

• Substances:
  • Marijuana (cultivating, trafficking, or possessing in large amounts)

Category VI

Offenses involving these substances are considered moderately serious.

• Substances:
  • Anabolic steroids
  • non-prescription drugs containing codeine

Category VII

Offenses involving illegally obtaining or distributing prescription drugs not included in higher categories can fall into this category.

• Substances:
  • Prescription drugs (other than those listed in higher categories)

Category VIII

Offenses involving controlled substances not specifically listed in higher categories may fall into this category.

• Substances:
  • Controlled substances not included in higher categories

Reach Out to Our Columbus Drug Crime Defense Attorney Today

It is crucial to involve us early in your case to maximize your defense. Whether you have been arrested or become aware of an ongoing investigation, we urge you to fill out our free case evaluation form or contact us immediately by phone. Our Columbus drug crime lawyers fully grasp the gravity of your situation, and we take swift action to protect you from a wrongful conviction. We are committed to giving 110% effort – that is our promise to you. Our legal defense services are available throughout Franklin County.

Take the first step by contacting Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C. today to engage our experienced Columbus drug crime defense lawyer.