Certain types of controlled substances may be approved for medicinal use, as is seen with many narcotics and medical marijuana. Ketamine may have therapeutic benefits when prescribed by a treating physician. However, if you do not have a valid prescription or are found with ketamine on your person, you may be subject to criminal charges.
A respected Columbus ketamine possession lawyer with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt could help you clear your name and avoid the devastating penalties of a conviction. When you need an experienced Columbus drug crimes defense lawyer working for you, our firm is the clear choice, having helped thousands of those accused of criminal offenses avoid convictions. Contact our law office to request a confidential consultation today so you can understand the allegations against you and start to prepare your defense.
Ketamine Possession Charges in Columbus
Ketamine is classified as a Schedule lll controlled substance under O.R.C. §2925.11. This means it has a moderate propensity for addiction or abuse and limited approved medical uses. It may be considered a wobbler offense, depending on how much ketamine was found in your possession.
You could be charged at the misdemeanor or felony level, depending on the circumstances of your case. The greater the amount of ketamine in your possession, the greater your chances of facing felony charges. The district attorney must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction according to Ohio Revised Code §2901.05.
If the elements of the offense cannot be met, the charges against you should be dismissed. Your ketamine possession lawyer in Columbus will carefully review the evidence against you to determine whether we can challenge the charges before going to trial. If not, you can rely on your Columbus criminal defense lawyer at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt to work tirelessly to prepare a compelling defense.
For a free legal consultation with a ketamine possession lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
The Criminal Penalties of a Ketamine Possession Conviction Are Harsh
Possession of a Schedule lll controlled substance like ketamine is generally considered a felony offense. The amount of ketamine in your possession will determine whether you are charged with an F-4, F-3, or F-2 felony. If the amount of ketamine found on you is less than five times the bulk amount, the lesser offense, F-4 felony charges, may apply.
An F-4 felony is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and as much as 18 months in prison. However, if you are found with 50 times or more of the bulk amount of ketamine, the prosecutor may move forward with F-2 felony charges. If convicted, you may be ordered to pay as much as $15,000 in fines and spend up to eight years incarcerated.
Additionally, most drug offenses carry mandatory driver’s license suspensions, according to the Ohio General Assembly. Depending on the details of your case, your driver’s license could be suspended or revoked for up to three years if you are found guilty. Your ketamine possession attorney in Columbus will need to review the evidence to find out the extent of the charges against you and which penalties you are facing.
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Ways to Defend Yourself and Dodge a Conviction
Your Columbus ketamine possession attorney must consider every possible defense option. It may be in your best interests to enter a pre-trial diversion program. Here, by completing specific program terms, you can get the drug possession charges against you dismissed.
However, if you have a criminal record or someone was injured as a result of the charges against you, you may not qualify for pre-trial diversion per the requirements as described by Ohio Revised Code §2935.36. If this happens, we need to consider alternative defenses to present at trial. For example, we might argue that constitutional rights were violated.
We may also argue chain of custody failures or actual versus constructive possession. If someone else could have been in possession of the ketamine, as it was not found on your person, we may be able to get the charges against you dismissed. You can learn more about potential defense options when we discuss your case.
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Columbus Ketamine Possession FAQ
Ketamine possession charges can be intimidating. When you are arrested and facing prosecution, it can feel as though the world is ending. We want you to feel empowered to take back control of your future.
It all starts with a powerful defense. Review this quick FAQ below that discusses ketamine possession charges. Do not hesitate to contact our law office when you are ready to schedule your defense strategy session.
What Should I Do if I Have a Warrant Out for My Arrest?
If you find out you have a warrant out for your arrest due to ketamine possession, it is important to contact a drug crimes attorney with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt for help as soon as possible. We need to prearrange bail and help you turn yourself in before you are unprepared and arrested in public. From there, we can start working on a plan of action to address the charges against you.
Will I Be Charged with a Felony for Ketamine Possession?
It is difficult to say without having reviewed your case. However, most ketamine drug possession charges will be tried at the felony level. However, if you have no criminal record, the prosecutor may be willing to let you plead to a less serious misdemeanor offense.
Can I Get a Ketamine Possession Conviction Expunged?
It is possible that your ketamine possession conviction could be expunged if you meet the requirements as outlined in Ohio Revised Code §2953.32. Many F-4 felony convictions are eligible for expungement. However, securing an acquittal is always the better option.
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Consult an Aggressive Columbus Ketamine Possession Lawyer to Clear Your Name
When pending drug charges could turn your world upside down, defending yourself should be a top priority. Do not rely on a public defender who may not be able to give your case 100% of their attention. Your future depends on a powerful defense.
Turn to a top-rated Columbus ketamine possession attorney with Koffel Brininger Nesbitt to safeguard your rights and get back to your life. Learn more about which defense strategies are most suitable for your case when you contact us to schedule a confidential consultation. Complete our online contact form or call us to get started on your defense as soon as today.
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