One of the most serious criminal offenses you can face in Ohio is drug possession charges. There are various levels of drug possession charges, but if you are accused of possession of ecstasy or MDMA, this is a Schedule One drug that carries the harshest criminal penalties. Working with a top-rated Columbus drug crime lawyer may be the best way to protect your future and avoid the devastating consequences of a conviction.
The elements of the offense must be met for the prosecutor to secure a guilty verdict. It is crucial that you take action and exercise your right to experienced legal representation. Contact a knowledgeable and highly skilled Columbus MDMA possession lawyer with Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt to request a confidential consultation today. When you do, we can discuss the potential penalties you are facing, whether you qualify for pretrial diversion, and which defenses are most likely to produce a favorable outcome.
How a Leading MDMA Possession Attorney in Columbus Makes a Difference
Whether you were arrested at the Columbus Brew Festival at Cosi, the Delaware Arts Festival, the Hell City Tattoo Festival, or on your way home from a nightclub on suspicion of drug possession, you need a powerful criminal defender to advocate for your rights. When you turn to a reputable MDMA possession lawyer in Columbus with Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt, you can rest easier knowing we can craft a custom approach to your defense strategy. It will be our responsibility to challenge whether the state has met the elements needed to prove you are guilty of MDMA possession.
We will carefully review the evidence at hand, determine whether there was a lack of probable cause or unlawful search and seizure, and challenge any evidence that should be dismissed against you. Your Columbus criminal defense lawyer will also consider negotiating with the prosecutor to determine whether pretrial diversion is an option in your case. Generally, these are reserved for first-time, nonviolent offenders.
However, if you meet the requirements for a pretrial diversion program and fulfill these requirements, the drug possession charges against you could be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed altogether. When your freedom is on the line, you do not need to rely on a public defender who may not be able to give your case the time or attention it requires.
Connect with our criminal defense team for a comprehensive case evaluation and find out how you should go about defending yourself against the drug possession charges in question.
For a free legal consultation with a mdma lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
Possession of a Controlled Substance Under Ohio Law
Under Ohio Rev. Code §3719.01, it is considered illegal to be in possession of any type of “controlled substance,” including drug compounds, mixtures, and other illegal drugs. According to Ohio Rev. Code §3719.41, these controlled substances are categorized into classes known as “schedules”. The type and amount of controlled substance will determine the severity of the penalties you could be facing.
Ecstasy, also called MDMA, is considered a Schedule I controlled substance. It has virtually zero medical value or use and an extreme risk of addiction and abuse. Schedule l controlled substances are considered the most severe and, even in small quantities, could carry severe criminal penalties.
There are several types of MDMA drug possession charges you could be accused of depending on the circumstances of your case. It is crucial to understand the level of the charges you are facing, as this will determine the potential consequences if you are found guilty. Most individuals accused of MDMA possession will face either felony charges for MDMA possession or aggravated possession of drugs.
Felony MDMA Possession
Possession of ecstasy or MDMA is considered a felony-level offense. The greater the amount of MDMA you are accused of being in possession of, the higher the level of felony will be. Worst case scenario, if you are found guilty, you could spend as much as 11 years in prison and be ordered to pay fines of up to $20,000 in addition to the collateral consequences of a guilty verdict.
Aggravated Possession of Drugs
If you are accused of aggravated possession of drugs, your penalties may be far more severe if you are found guilty. This is often because aggravated possession of drugs charges only apply if you are found to have a bulk amount of MDMA or other Schedule l or ll drugs on your person. Unfortunately, aggravated possession of drug charges may also result in drug trafficking or distribution charges.
Columbus MDMA Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Defending Yourself Against MDMA Possession Charges
Several potential defenses could be used to successfully challenge the MDMA possession charges you are facing. To determine which strategy will be most successful, we will need to carefully analyze the facts and evidence in your case. Some of the most common MDMA drug possession defenses include:
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Lack of possession
- Insufficient evidence to prove guilt
- Lack of probable cause for a police stop
- The substance was not MDMA or any other illicit drug
- Lack of knowledge of possession
- Constitutional rights violations
You can also expect your MDMA drug possession attorney to consider actual versus constructive possession. Constructive possession means you knew about the drugs, where they were, and were in control of them at the time of your arrest. However, actual possession means you not only knew about the MDMA but had it in a purse, backpack, or even in your pocket.
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Meet with Columbus’ Premier MDMA Drug Possession Law Firm Today
An MDMA drug possession charge could limit your opportunities for a successful future. If you are found guilty, the criminal consequences could haunt you for the rest of your life. Do not put your future in jeopardy.
Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt have decades of experience defending clients against MDMA and drug possession charges. Our firm will do everything possible to present a powerful defense strategy so you can secure the acquittal you need to get back to your life. When you are ready to explore your defense options but are unsure of where to begin, complete our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
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