Rated “Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio”
Being arrested for a drug offense may make you feel like your life is over. You may be resigned to plead guilty, hoping to get a reduced sentence, but drug crimes come with severe penalties that can affect you for the rest of your life. You shouldn’t give up without a fight!
A highly experienced Columbus drug crime defense lawyer with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt defends a wide array of drug crimes in Ohio. Some of the most common offenses your Columbus criminal defense lawyer at our firm handles include drug trafficking, manufacturing and cultivation, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, and much more. We focus on controlled substance cases and have enjoyed a significant amount of success against marijuana cultivation charges, so contact our office to request a confidential consultation today.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-675-4845
Reasons to Choose Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyers in Columbus, OH
If you are facing any drug offense in Ohio, you want to be confident that your Columbus drug charge lawyer is the right choice for your case. That is why Koffel Brininger Nesbitt maintains transparency and offers our extensive resources to our clients. Our firm’s success in Ohio drug crime defense and other criminal cases has earned recognition in:
- Best Lawyers in America
- OhioSuper Lawyers®
- Best Law Firms by U.S. News
- Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio
This means that our firm has proven itself extremely capable and successful in defending cases in court. This is of utmost importance, especially if your case goes to trial. Courtroom talent is vitally important in drug cases, as well as other criminal charges.
Columbus Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-675-4845
How We Helped Two Clients Avoid Felony Drug Charges
Recently, we helped a business owner avoid a one-year prison term for “illegal conveyance of a controlled substance into a prison facility,” a third-degree felony with up to five years in prison if convicted. In this particular case, the Ohio State Patrol had DNA and handwriting evidence tying our client to the crime. After Attorney Tod Brininger presented mitigation to the Court, the judge sentenced our client to two years of community control and fines and ordered him to serve only seven days in the local jail.
In another case, our client was arrested for DUI / OVI and aggravated possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony. After negotiations, Licking County Municipal Court dismissed the DUI / OVI case, and our client was placed into ILC (Treatment in Lieu of Conviction) for a period of two years. After the successful completion of ILC, the court will dismiss his felony case.
No matter what type of drug crime you have been accused of, it’s important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable drug crime lawyer. A drug crime defense attorney in Columbus could help you understand the charges against you, as well as the potential consequences if convicted. At Koffel Brininger Nesbitt, we can review your case and develop a tailored defense strategy that takes into account the specific facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged offense.
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Classification of Controlled Substances in Ohio
The state of Ohio classifies drugs into different categories (schedules) according to their potential for dependence and accepted medical use, with Schedule I being the highest and Schedule V the lowest. Drugs that fall into the higher categories carry the heaviest fines and jail. We have broken down each classification so that you can better understand how your case may be treated in court.
- Schedule I: Drugs that have the highest potential for abuse/dependence and no accepted medical use, including drugs like heroin, LSD, and marijuana. (Medical marijuana was only recently exempted from this class.)
- Schedule II: Drugs that have a high potential for abuse/dependence and limited medical use, such as cocaine and some prescription pain medication.
- Schedule III: Drugs with moderate potential for abuse/dependence and accepted medical use, such as ketamine.
- Schedule IV: Drugs that have a moderate to low potential for abuse/dependence and accepted medical use, such as Xanax and Ambien.
- Schedule V: Drugs with a low potential for abuse/dependence that are commonly used for medical purposes, such as cold medicine and other over-the-counter drugs.
The extent of your penalties will be based on the classification of the controlled substances in your case. The consequences of a conviction will also depend on the type of drug and how much you are accused of possessing. You can rely on your drug crime defense lawyer in Columbus to ensure you understand the possible risks of a guilty verdict as we get started on your defense strategy.
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How to Clear Your Name of the Drug Charges Against You
Your Columbus drug crime defense attorney will carefully evaluate the drug charges against you to determine which defenses apply to your case. In some instances, we may be able to avoid trial by getting you enrolled in a pretrial drug diversion treatment program. However, the prosecutor must agree and be willing to reduce or dismiss the drug charges against you upon completion of the program.
Not every individual facing drug charges will qualify for alternative options. We need to consider whether your constitutional rights have been violated, there was a lack of probable cause, or law enforcement conducted unlawful stops or searches and seizures. Have our legal team examine the evidence in your case to craft the most powerful defense possible under the law.
Let Our Columbus Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Fight for You Today
When you have been arrested and are facing serious penalties, our team will take the time to explain how the law applies to your situation and provide advice on possible outcomes or legal options available to you. Additionally, our firm can negotiate with prosecutors for lesser sentences or reduced charges. In some cases, we may even be able to get evidence excluded from the court, which can result in a dismissal of charges or an acquittal.
The DEA publishes information on the most commonly abused and misused drugs in America in its Drugs of Abuse, a valuable resource. Hiring a reputable Columbus drug crime lawyer is essential for anyone facing criminal charges. We will do everything possible to defend your rights and help you seek justice in the face of a difficult legal situation when you contact our office by phone or through our quick contact form to schedule your confidential consultation.
Call or text 614-675-4845 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form