You face a drug possession charge and have no idea what to do next. At this point, remember, you have legal options. Meet with a Bexley drug possession lawyer. Then, you and your attorney can work together to build a legal defense.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has been providing legal services and support to those charged with drug possession and other crimes for more than 30 years.
Trust our team to help you in the aftermath of your drug possession arrest. For more information, schedule a consultation with a Bexley drug crime lawyer.
Do Not Expect a Drug Charge to Disappear by Itself
Your Bexley drug possession attorney can teach you about what will happen if you are convicted of a criminal offense. They want you to understand what the legal process that follows a drug possession charge entails. By explaining this process in detail, you can make informed decisions every step of the way.
Any time you have legal concerns or questions about your drug possession case, your Bexley criminal defense lawyer can address them promptly. They may be able to get a plea deal that allows you to avoid steep penalties. Or, if your case requires a trial, your attorney will represent and advocate for you in court.
The team at Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has a track record of success. To date, we have served over 15,000 clients. We do everything we can to help our clients achieve outstanding case results. Let us help you with your drug possession case. Contact us today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with a drug possession lawyer serving Bexley, call (614) 884-1100
Bexley Drug Possession Penalties That You Need to Know About
Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11 describes offenses classified as possession of controlled substances. How you are punished for drug possession depends in part on a controlled substance’s classification. There are five schedules for controlled substances:
- Schedule I: Heroin and LSD are examples of Schedule I drugs. If convicted of possession of a Schedule I drug, you may be subject to up to 10 years in prison.
- Schedule II: Cocaine and fentanyl are two Schedule II drugs. Those convicted of possession of a Schedule II substance may receive a prison sentence of up to 8 years.
- Schedule III: You can be charged if you are found to be in possession of ketamine, anabolic steroids, or other Schedule III controlled substances. With a conviction, you may face a maximum prison sentence of 5 years for a felony or a jail sentence of up to 1 year for a misdemeanor.
- Schedule IV: Possession of Xanax, Ambien, or other Schedule IV substances can result in a jail sentence that lasts up to 6 months.
- Schedule V: You can get a jail sentence of up to 30 days if you are found in possession of certain antidiarrheals and cough suppressants or other Schedule V substances.
A Schedule I drug possession conviction may be treated as an aggravated felony. Comparatively, possession of a Schedule II drug may lead to a felony conviction.
With a Schedule III drug possession conviction, you may get felony or misdemeanor penalties. Meanwhile, Schedule IV and V drug possession charges are generally misdemeanors.
Bexley Drug Possession Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Factors That Can Determine a Drug Possession Punishment
Talk with a drug possession lawyer in Bexley as soon as you are arrested for possessing a controlled substance. Your attorney can provide insights into how long you can go to jail for drug possession in Ohio and other case topics.
They can share information about factors that could affect your drug crime punishment, which include:
- Schedule and type of drug
- The amount of the drug
- If you were found in possession of a controlled substance in a “drug-free zone” like a public park or within 100 feet of a school
- If you were convicted of a criminal offense previously
Outside of the criminal penalties that come with a drug possession conviction, you may have to deal with collateral consequences that affect you for a long time. These consequences can include difficulty finding work or housing, travel restrictions, and loss of the right to own a firearm.
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How to Defend Against a Drug Possession Conviction
A drug possession conviction can make it tough to enjoy your life the same way you did in the past. Have a drug crime attorney help you defend against a prosecutor.
Your lawyer can tell you which drug crimes are felonies in Ohio and which are misdemeanors. They may consider various legal defenses to help you disprove the prosecution’s case, such as:
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects you against an unlawful search and seizure. If the police arrest you for drug possession after they search your premises and seize property from it, you may have had your Fourth Amendment rights violated. Thus, your attorney may argue that any evidence the police obtained illegally must be suppressed, weakening the prosecution’s case.
Unwitting Possession
There are times when people are arrested for drug possession, but were unaware that a controlled substance was in their presence.
For example, you borrow a friend’s car, and the police arrest you after they find a controlled substance in the vehicle. In this situation, your attorney may show you did not know a drug was in your possession.
Lack of Evidence
It is the prosecutor’s responsibility to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you possessed drugs and should be punished accordingly.
Your lawyer can poke holes in the prosecution’s case to the point where the court questions whether there is enough evidence against you to warrant a conviction.
Your attorney and the prosecution may negotiate a plea deal. If the prosecutor offers a plea bargain, you can review the proposal with your lawyer. You make the final decision on the offer. If you approve the deal, you may be able to stay out of jail or prison.
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Get Help From a Bexley Drug Possession Attorney
At Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt, we know the challenges you will face after you receive a drug possession charge. We can connect you with a drug possession attorney in Bexley who prioritizes your case.
Give us the opportunity to assist you with your legal matters. To learn more, request a case consultation with us.
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