In Ohio, like in other parts of the country, drug crimes continue to be a significant issue. Marijuana remains illegal in Ohio, and abuse of both heroin and meth are at epidemic levels. Vicodin, Percocet, and other prescription painkillers or narcotics are commonly used illegally.
You may have made some mistakes and become involved in a drug-related incident. Whether you are guilty of such an offense or you are innocent, you need legal help to defend your rights and your future.
Various charges are possible when it comes to drugs and drug crimes. The attorneys at Fortress Law Group draw upon years of experience to defend people accused of these infractions in Ohio.
You may be facing the prospect of spending time in jail. Consult our legal team so we can diligently explore viable strategies to reduce or drop your drug crime charges.
In Ohio, drug crimes can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity. There are several types of drug charges a person could face. These are:
Drug possession can be a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on what and how many drugs you have. The severity of the circumstances also plays a role in the other two types of drug crimes.
At Fortress Law Group, we defend good people accused of bad things. If you are facing any drug charges in Ohio, contact us today to schedule a case evaluation.
Possession of a small amount of schedule II, IV, or V drugs is typically a first-degree misdemeanor, which has a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the more you have of a drug, the stiffer the penalties will be. If you have more than a small amount, the charges will likely rise to a felony, especially if you are found with a more dangerous drug such as heroin or cocaine.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is charged as a misdemeanor, ranging between fourth- and second-degree. Drug paraphernalia is anything that was used in relation to drugs, which could include items such as bags, weighing scales, syringes, or pipes. Possession of drug abuse instruments would qualify as a second-degree misdemeanor. However, marijuana paraphernalia is usually charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Drug cultivation and manufacturing means you have the materials and equipment necessary to produce certain drugs. The penalties can be heavy, depending on how much you are producing and what types of drugs you have. Some penalties with this charge include up to10 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines.
Often, the most severe consequences come with trafficking charges. A person with a trafficking accusation was found holding a controlled substance with the alleged intent to distribute. Often, law enforcement officers will catch an offender in the act of selling drugs. Federal drug trafficking charges range in punishment by type of drug and quantity. Charges for trafficking 50 grams of marijuana will be limited to no more than 5 years in prison, but drug traffickers could be punished with 10 years to life in prison for 1 kg of heroin, 5 kg of cocaine, or 1000 kg of marijuana. Trafficking 500 grams of cocaine or 100 grams of heroin could bring 5 to 40 years in prison.
A Willoughby drug crime attorney from Fortress Law Group will do a thorough review of your case and examine the evidence against you. A common defense is that law enforcement illegally searched you when they seized the drugs. Entrapment and false accusations are also possibilities with drug crimes.
There can also be a question over whether you truly had possession of a controlled substance. You must have had “dominion and control” over the substance. If officers found drugs in a car you were driving, those drugs could belong to anyone else in the car. The same can be true for drugs in your home that may belong to a roommate.
Contact Fortress Law Group today for a case evaluation to start building your defense case.
Extensive Experience – Established in 2009, our firm has represented thousands of clients in various kinds of criminal cases. Our criminal defense attorneys make sure each client is diligently represented and protected throughout the trial.
Professional and Reliable – We value the trust and confidence each client gives us. The criminal justice system is complex, but we are dedicated to guiding you throughout the process to ensure your rights are protected.
Comprehensive Criminal Defense – Our team of attorneys is knowledgeable and up to date with all the relevant case laws and procedural rules in court and will ensure all your bases are covered.
Flexible Consultation Times – Facing a criminal charge is a serious matter. You must communicate with a lawyer as soon as possible. That’s why our communication lines – online and via phone – are available for clients to reach out to us at any time.
You have rights in any criminal case, and a competent drug crime attorney will ensure that your rights are protected. When it comes to drug crime charges, your attorney will determine whether the authorities violated your constitutional rights.
Police officers must follow certain protocols when searching your home. For instance, officers should have a warrant before entering.
There should also be a reading of your Miranda rights. If you believe the officers did not explain your constitutional rights, tell your attorney. We know what the prosecution must prove to get a drug crime conviction.
If your rights were violated at home, in your vehicle, or elsewhere, Fortress Law Group can build a solid case to defend you.
If you are arrested and charged with possession, cultivation, or trafficking, you have the right to seek legal counsel. First, do not volunteer information to the authorities. Consult a Willoughby drug crime attorney at Fortress Law Group and heed their counsel.
If your case has merit, we will explore the most effective defense strategies. We will gather evidence, examine the prosecution’s evidence, and speak to witnesses. Our goal is to have the judge in your case drop the charges or reduce them.
Contact Fortress Law Group today to schedule a case evaluation.
We defend good people accused of bad things.
If you’re facing drug crime charges in Ohio, contact an experienced drug crimes lawyer like Matthew C. Bangerter at Fortress Law Group as soon as possible. Drug possession, manufacturing, or trafficking charges could lead to harsh legal penalties, depending on how Ohio law classes the crime and whether it’s your first or repeat offense.
For instance:
In many cases, a skilled drug crimes lawyer can help get your drug crime record sealed. As long as your conviction appears on your public record, it can limit your career, education, and housing opportunities. Expungement can allow you to turn over a fresh leaf and rebuild your life.
Our criminal attorney can examine your case’s circumstances and the evidence the prosecution brings against you to determine the optimal legal defense strategy.
Possible defenses may include:
Your lawyer can advise you whether to insist on a trial or accept a plea deal in exchange for lesser penalties. For instance, we may work with the court to replace your jail sentence with a rehab program.
Drug charges put your entire future at risk, so it’s crucial to start working with a seasoned Ohio criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Criminal attorney Matthew C. Bangerter of Fortress Law Group is a former prosecutor who uses his knowledge of forensics and years of trial experience to craft efficient legal defense strategies for drug crime cases.
Call his offices at (440) 340-1740 to schedule a case review with an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Cleveland Metro.
At Fortress Law Group, we want to provide you with a clear understanding of the criminal charges you may be facing and their implications for your future. We maintain a collection of resources to educate and prepare you for effective coordination with your legal team.
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