Partnering with a Bexley criminal defense lawyer is the best way to fight drug charges and avoid the severe, life-changing consequences of a conviction. The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has over 30 years in business, has served over 15,000 clients, and has a 99% positive-rating record.
You can trust a Bexley drug crime lawyer from our firm to fight to protect your rights and provide the aggressive advocacy you need to see the most favorable case outcome possible. As you go through this stressful time, count on us for exceptional legal guidance and personal support.
Connect With a Bexley Drug Crime Attorney Right Away
Following an arrest for a drug crime, law enforcement officers will put you in handcuffs and take you to the precinct for booking. While you must identify yourself to law enforcement, you do not have to say anything else, and you should not. Instead, exercise your right to an attorney and connect with a drug crime lawyer in Bexley.
When we enter a partnership, your lawyer will guide you through all communication with law enforcement so that you do not say anything that can be used against you. If bail is an option, we can direct you through that process and then get to work fighting the charges against you.
As part of the role of the defense lawyer, your attorney from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can also work to help arrange drug treatment, if appropriate. We want our clients to have the best chance to recover and move on from a possible drug addiction. Treatment can also support a defense strategy, showing that you are committed to making a change.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Bexley, call (614) 884-1100
Ohio Drug Crime Charges
The Ohio drug offense quick reference guide classifies drug crimes into four main categories. The drug involved in the crime affects the seriousness of the offense and potential penalties.
Drug Trafficking
Possession of controlled substances or prescribed drugs to sell them is drug trafficking under Ohio drug laws. The state does not have to prove that an alleged offender completed an actual sale to file charges. Even an “aborted sale” is considered a trafficking offense. If the suspected trafficking occurred near a school or involved a minor, charges will likely be increased.
Drug Possession
It is unlawful for a person to “obtain, possess, or use a controlled substance or controlled substance analog,” per Section 2925.11 of the Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules. The amount of the drugs in the alleged offender’s possession, along with the type of drug, affects the level of charges.
Assembly of Chemicals
Knowingly gathering one or more of the chemicals required for creating controlled substances can lead to charges for the illegal assembly of drugs, per Section 2925.041 of the Ohio Code. Even if the offender does not create the drug, gathering the components for that ultimate purpose is enough to bring charges.
Manufacturing and Cultivation of Drugs
It is illegal to “knowingly cultivate marijuana or knowingly manufacture” or participate in producing controlled substances under Ohio Code Section 2925.04. The production process can include, among other activities, planting, harvesting, preparing, compounding, and packaging the substance.
Bexley Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Penalties for Drug Crimes
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) assigns drug categories, classifying them by “Schedule.” Drugs range from Schedule I to Schedule V, with Schedule I substances having the highest risk for abuse and addiction and Schedule V the lowest.
Charges for drug crimes range. A person can be charged with a minor misdemeanor for cultivating small amounts of marijuana, up to a first-degree felony for crimes involving larger amounts of more dangerous drugs. These variables exist for all drug crimes.
Minor misdemeanor convictions do not involve jail time, but more serious misdemeanors can result in sentences of 30 days to six months and fines ranging from $150 to $1,000. Section 2929.22 of the Ohio Code establishes the factors for determining appropriate misdemeanor sentencing.
Felony Convictions
A first-time felony conviction can land offenders in prison for up to 11 years and with fines ranging from $2,500 to $20,000. Ohio’s felony quick reference guide shows how more serious crimes, or those involving aggravating factors, can come with even higher penalties.
Additional Fallout
Beyond jail, prison, or fines, convictions have lasting consequences on other parts of your life. With a record, you may find it harder to secure housing or employment. You could even face challenges to child-custody arrangements. Your Bexley drug crime attorney will fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed, minimizing potential penalties so you can move forward.
Click to contact our Bexley Criminal Defense Lawyers today
How a Drug Crime Lawyer in Bexley Can Fight for You
Our team will fight to protect your rights from the moment we take your case. Any discussions you have with law enforcement will only happen with us present, so we can guide your responses and prevent you from damaging your defense.
We build specific defenses for each case we take. We will examine the circumstances of your arrest and the validity of the charges against you. Then, we will expose any violations of your rights on the part of law enforcement or prosecuting attorneys.
Along with handling all legalities and providing insightful representation, we will give you personal support throughout your case. We will answer your questions and communicate regularly so you are never confused or wondering about your status. You are not just a “case” to us. You are a client, a person, and a partner, and we care about your well-being.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Our Legal Team Can Help With Your Drug Crime Case
Those charged with drug crimes often feel hopeless and alone, fearing what the penalties of a conviction could mean for their future. Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help.
If you have been charged, connect with us as soon as possible. You will feel better as soon as you talk to our drug crime attorney in Bexley. We are your team and on your side, and your future is in safe hands with us.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form