Aggressive Defense Against Drug Crime Charges in Ohio
If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime, it is imperative that your Ohio drug crime attorney is a trial lawyer with extensive experience in defending crimes related to controlled substances. Don’t assume that you will be convicted. There are many cases in which law enforcement has overstepped the bounds of the law in search and seizure, and the evidence against you may or may not be admissible in court.
Your case has unique circumstances, and evidence and the facts should be reviewed at once. In defending against a drug offense, your first action must be to have the details analyzed by our firm. We are one of the state’s top criminal trial law firms, and our lawyer is prepared to help you immediately.
Understanding Ohio Drug Crime Charges
Ohio lawmakers have passed tough statutes that punish drug offenders heavily, particularly those that are convicted of:
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Distribution
- Drug Cultivation
- Drug Manufacturing
Marijuana is one of the most common controlled substances that leads to criminal charges and is not legalized in our state, although it has been decriminalized in cases of small amounts. Possession of marijuana in small amounts (less than 100 grams) is a misdemeanor and does not lead to incarceration but does include a minimum fine of $150. Other consequences of this minor offense can come as a surprise. Minor possession of marijuana results in the loss of a person’s driver’s license and the inability to get student loans.
If the amount of marijuana alleged to have been in your possession is 100 – 200 grams, the penalties can include up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine.
UPDATE: In September 2016, Ohio lawmakers passed HB 523, a measure legalizing medical marijuana for certain qualifying conditions. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program began selling medicinal cannabis in early 2019, and while it condones the regulated use of marijuana by registered patients, marijuana is still illegal for recreational use in Ohio, as well as in neighboring states and by the federal government.
CBD, a cannabinoid in marijuana that’s less psychoactive than THC and hailed for its therapeutic properties, has gained increased attention as more states legalize cannabis and adopt medical marijuana programs. However, like marijuana, it’s also subject to conflicting laws (which we discuss in depth on our blog – Is CBD Legal in Ohio?).
Read our blog: What You Need to Know About Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Laws.
When the charges are more serious, such as those involving larger amounts of marijuana, including plants, the penalties can imposed can include years in state prison. When the charges are related to selling, distributing, or trafficking marijuana, there is a great risk of prison time being imposed as part of your sentence. Drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, PCP, and illegally obtained prescription drugs are punished even more severely and will require a very unique defense approach.
Most drug crimes are felony offenses and can lead to a significant period of incarceration in state or federal prison. At the state level, a fifth-degree felony can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a prison sentence of up to 12 months, while a first-degree felony can lead to prison for up to 11 years and fines as high as $20,000. Federal penalties are often far heavier than those imposed at the state level. The impact of a conviction for a felony drug crime will last a lifetime. It is crucial that you contact Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C., to discuss your case immediately.
Why Choose Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C.
Our firm has garnered a reputation for excellence, and our attorneys are the recipients of many honors and awards. Our highly distinguished team of Cleveland drug crime lawyers can provide you with the professional level of defense counsel that could help you to avoid a drug crime conviction. Our drug crimes defense attorney in Ohio meet extensively with our clients throughout the duration of the case so that we have sufficient information and evidence to build a compelling defense case to present in court. If you are facing state or federal drug crime charges, look no further than Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant, L.L.C..
Contact Our Cleveland Drug Crime Defense Attorney Today
It is very important that we get involved early in your case. Fill out our free case evaluation form or contact us by phone at once if you have been arrested or become aware that you are under investigation. Our Ohio drug crime lawyers understand the severity of your situation, and we take action to protect you against a wrongful conviction. We always give 110% – this is our promise to you. We provide legal defense services throughout Cuyahoga County and Geauga County.
Ready to Defend Your Rights?: Get the Best Cleveland Drug Crime Defense Team on Your Side. Contact Us Contact Us for a Consultation Today – Call (216) 928-7700 now!
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