Being arrested and charged with any type of criminal offense can be devastating. However, Ohio has some of the harshest drug crime penalties in the country. You may require the legal guidance and support of an aggressive Columbus drug possession lawyer with Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt if you hope to clear your name of these severe allegations.
Working with a highly experienced Columbus drug crimes lawyer with our firm may be your best option whether you are facing your first criminal charge or have a long history of drug charges on your record. The type of drug and amount of controlled substance in question will have an impact on the severity of the charges filed against you. Contact our criminal defense team to request a confidential consultation today and learn more about the potential consequences of a drug possession conviction, ways to defend yourself against these charges, and whether alternative treatment options may be available in your case.
Ohio Schedule of Controlled Substances
Ohio law categorizes controlled substances into “Schedules.” The classification of the controlled substance will determine the level of the criminal charges against you. This will, in turn, determine the potential penalties of a conviction.
Schedule I
Schedule l controlled substances are considered the most severe. They have no recognized medical use and have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Examples of Schedule l controlled substances could include:
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- LSD
- Peyote
- Mescaline
- Morphine
- Marijuana
Schedule II
Schedule ll controlled substances are some of the most serious drugs you can be accused of possessing. They have some recognized medical purposes but a high potential for dependency and abuse. Examples of Scheduled ll controlled substances include:
- GHB
- Methadone
- Narcotic painkillers, including OxyContin
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine
Schedule III
Schedule lll drugs are not as severe as Schedule l or ll controlled substances. They have many recognized medical purposes but a high risk of abuse and dependency. Some examples of Schedule lll controlled drugs include:
- Barbiturates
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
Schedule IV
Schedule lV controlled substances are some of the lowest grain drug possession charges. They have widely recognized medical purposes and a low risk of dependence or abuse. Some examples of Schedule lV controlled substances include:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Certain sleep aids
- Anti-anxiety medications
Schedule V
Schedule V controlled substances have the lowest risk of dependency and addiction. They are widely used within the medical community. Schedule V controlled drugs could include stimulants and small amounts of narcotic drugs.
For a free legal consultation with a possesion of drug lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100
Drug Possession Under Ohio Law
Drug possession is one of the most common types of drug charges your criminal defender with Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt handles. Most drug possession charges will be tried at the misdemeanor level. However, if you are charged with possession of a Schedule l or ll controlled substance, it is more likely your charges will be upgraded to a felony. Your drug possession attorney in Columbus may be able to help you defend against one or more of the following charges:
- Possession of drug materials
- Heroin possession
- Possession of fake or counterfeit drugs
- Cocaine possession
- Illegal possession of chemicals
- Possession of methamphetamines
- Marijuana possession
- Prescription drug possession
The Emergence of Black Tar Heroin
Recently, we have seen a spike in Black Tar Heroin in the white, suburban, high school, and college population. Pre-existing depression or sensory-seeking youngsters tend to be first movers among their peers into alcohol and marijuana. As these kids become more brazen in their recklessness, they tend to move on to prescription drug abuse.
Once a person starts opiate use, it can be very difficult to stop. The introduction of a cheap alternative opiate is now sweeping the country — black tar heroin. Your drug possession lawyer in Columbus at Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt is aware of these concerns and will do everything possible to help you clear your name of the allegations against you if you are accused of possession of this Schedule l controlled substance.
Columbus Possesion of Drug Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
Ohio’s Drug Possession Penalties
Drug possession cases are treated harshly by the Ohio court system, with many drugs, when found to be illegally in the possession of an individual, including pharmaceutical drugs, resulting in class 5 felony charges. This includes marijuana, and if you are found to possess more than 1,000 grams, you will be charged with felony drug possession. This charge, if convicted, has a penalty of up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Drugs that are considered to be more dangerous, such as cocaine, heroin, anabolic steroids, and others, even the smallest amount found in your possession is a felony. The prison term for a conviction can reach as high as 8 years in state prison. Any drug possession charge requires a skilled drug possession lawyer to take action for the defense immediately.
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How to Defend Against Columbus Drug Charges
Your drug possession attorney will need to scrutinize the evidence and facts in your case to determine which defenses are most likely to return a favorable outcome. Fortunately, after having reviewed the circumstances of your drug possession charges, our team will have a better idea of how to approach your defense. Some of the most common defenses used to challenge drug possession charges in Franklin County include:
- Lack of probable cause
- Lack of actual possession
- Insufficient evidence to support the charges against you
- Illegal wiretapping or surveillance
- Illegal search and seizure
- The substance and question was not an illicit drug
- Unwitting possession
- Valid prescription or eligibility for medical cannabis
Treatment in Lieu of Conviction
While there are many different types of defenses that your Columbus drug possession attorney in could use to clear your name of the charges against you, in some cases, enrolling in a drug treatment program may be a better alternative. There are many cases every year where we are successful in petitioning the court for treatment instead of conviction, commonly known as Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC).
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Get Help from Columbus’ Leading Drug Possession Law Firm Today
If you have recently been charged with drug possession, your entire future could be in jeopardy. Fortunately, by working with a knowledgeable and aggressive drug crime lawyer at Koffel, Brininger, and Nesbitt, you can take control of your defense and protect your future. Do not jeopardize your freedom by working with an overworked public defender.
Hire a criminal defender with the resources, energy, and dedication your case deserves. Request a confidential consultation with our legal team. You can reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule your defense strategy session as soon as today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
