An arrest for any type of drug crime is a worrisome event, one that can make you feel like your future is at risk. With the guidance and support of our Delaware County drug crime lawyer, we can help you navigate your rights and seek out the best possible legal defense for you.
With 30 years combined experience, a Delaware County criminal defense lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt defends clients facing a wide range of legal matters with aggressive legal representation.
Our Drug Crime Attorney in Delaware County Is Ready to Fight for You
Your drug crime attorney in Delaware County with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt recognizes how critical it is for you to have the legal guidance and support you need in a challenging matter like this. We have helped our clients to navigate some of the most overwhelming drug charges and helped them to minimize or eliminate the consequences. There are many reasons to trust our team with your case, including:
- Exceptional experience: As dedicated legal advocates who focus our practice on our clients’ criminal defense needs, we understand what your rights are and will fight aggressively to protect them.
- Reliable communication and guidance: These types of cases can often bring a lot of fear and worry. With constant communication and one-on-one support, you can trust we will be here to help you.
- Strong reputation: Our criminal defenders have a long history of providing clients with exceptional legal support. You can trust in our reputation to work in your favor.
If you are facing charges or could be facing charges, we strongly urge you to contact your Delaware County drug crime attorney from our firm for immediate help. We are happy to offer a consultation to provide you with additional insight and support. Do not wait to contact us for the legal guidance you need. Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Delaware County, call (614) 884-1100
We Help Clients with All Types of Criminal Defense Charges Related to Drugs
With years of experience, you can count on your drug crime lawyer in Delaware County to pursue exceptional legal defense for you, no matter what type or severity of drug crime you are facing. With our help, we will provide you with guidance, aggressive defense, and outstanding resources. Some of the cases we can help with include:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug paraphernalia
- Drug possession
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug cultivation
If you are facing any of these types of drug crime charges, or others, we encourage you to request a confidential legal consultation with a respected Delaware County drug crime attorney from our firm.
Let us answer your questions and provide you with guidance on what your rights are. We always provide confidential consultations that protect your rights. Expect our professionals to remain by your side throughout this process.
Delaware County Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
The Benefits of Working with a Drug Crime Law Firm in Delaware County, Ohio
Anyone who is charged with a crime has a legal right to representation, and the court will appoint someone to help you if you decide to do so.
While we commend those who work in these difficult positions, we also know they are bogged down with clients and simply unable to provide many with the type of legal representation you may need and want. Instead, put your drug crime lawyer in Delaware County to work for you:
- We answer your calls. Our team makes time to be there to support you through these challenging situations. When you need us for any component of the charges or trial, we will be there.
- We know how to create a strong legal defense for our clients. This is critical. No matter how much evidence is working against you, we will find any legal defense strategy possible to protect your future.
- We recognize you deserve exceptional legal support. We are not looking for a way to just get you through this but to do whatever we can to reduce your consequences, either through eliminating the charges or getting them reduced.
When you meet with us, we will explain your case to you, including the types of charges you are likely to face, the types of penalties that could apply, and the specific legal defense strategies that may apply to your situation. By providing you with this information, we can consistently strive to defend you at all steps in this process. We are aggressive advocates for our clients, who have left us many positive client testimonials, which you can read.
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Drug Schedules and Penalties for Drug Offenses in Ohio
Ohio categorizes controlled substances into five schedules under Ohio Revised Code § 3719.41. These classifications determine the severity of drug charges, with higher schedules carrying more severe penalties. If you are caught with a Schedule I or II drug, you may face felony charges, while lower schedules may result in misdemeanor offenses.
Ohio’s Drug Schedule Classifications
Controlled substances are classified based on medical use and potential for abuse, as follows:
- Schedule I drugs include Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, and Peyote. They have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.
- Schedule II drugs include Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Oxycodone. They have limited accepted medical use but carry a high risk of addiction.
- Schedule III drugs include Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids, and Testosterone. They have moderate potential for abuse and are accepted for medical use.
- Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. They have a lower potential for abuse and are widely prescribed for medical treatment.
- Schedule V drugs include cough medicines with low-dose codeine and Lyrica. They have the lowest risk of addiction and are commonly used in medical treatment.
Penalties for Drug Possession by Schedule
Drug possession penalties in Ohio range from misdemeanors to felonies, with steep fines and potential prison sentences. Prior convictions, drug quantity, and intent to distribute all play a role in sentencing. Penalties for drug possession by schedule include:
- Schedule I & II – Felony charges, 6 months to 8 years in prison, fines up to $20,000.
- Schedule III & IV – Misdemeanor or felony depending on quantity, up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $5,000.
- Schedule V – Misdemeanor charges, potential probation, fines up to $1,000.
Repeat offenses lead to enhanced penalties, and drug trafficking charges under Ohio Revised Code § 2925.03 carry mandatory minimum sentences. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or distribution, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is essential to exploring defense strategies and avoiding the most severe penalties.
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The Impact of a Drug Conviction in Delaware County
A drug conviction can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to find a job to where you can live and whether you can legally own a firearm. Even a misdemeanor drug offense can leave you with a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to move forward. If you are convicted of a felony drug charge, the consequences become even more severe, with longer prison sentences, higher fines, and restrictions on basic legal rights, such as losing your right to vote.
How Drug Convictions Affect Employment and Professional Licensing
Most employers run criminal background checks and mandatory drug screenings before hiring, and a drug conviction can significantly limit your job prospects.
Many industries, especially those requiring security clearances or government oversight, have strict hiring policies that prohibit applicants with drug-related offenses. Even in fields without such restrictions, employers may view a drug conviction as a red flag that raises concerns about reliability and trustworthiness.
Housing and Financial Consequences of a Drug Conviction
A drug conviction can severely impact your ability to find housing. Many landlords run criminal background checks on rental applicants and may deny housing to those with a drug-related offense. If you rely on federal housing assistance, a drug conviction can make you ineligible for Section 8 and other subsidized housing programs.
How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Firearm Rights
Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), individuals with felony drug convictions are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If you were convicted of a felony drug offense in Ohio, you lose your Second Amendment rights and could face additional criminal charges if caught with a firearm. Even certain misdemeanor drug convictions can restrict firearm possession under state and federal laws.
Defense Strategies for Drug Charges in Delaware County
When you are charged with a drug crime, building a strong defense as early as possible is critical. Prosecutors will work quickly to gather evidence and push for a conviction, which is why having an experienced criminal defender on your side from the start can make a significant difference. A well-prepared defense can lead to reduced charges, case dismissals, or alternative sentencing options that keep you out of jail.
The right defense strategy depends on the circumstances of your arrest, the evidence against you, and whether your rights were violated. Law enforcement must follow strict legal procedures when conducting searches, making arrests, and handling evidence. If any of these steps were done improperly, we may be able to challenge the case against you and get the charges dismissed.
Challenging Illegal Searches and Seizures
Law enforcement officers must follow proper procedures when conducting searches and seizures, as outlined in the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. If officers searched your home, vehicle, or personal belongings without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
Fighting Drug Possession Charges by Proving Lack of Intent
In drug possession cases, prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed the controlled substance. However, many arrests involve constructive possession, meaning the drugs were found near you but not directly on you. If the drugs were in a shared vehicle, home, or workplace, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove they were yours.
Drug Crime Entrapment and Law Enforcement Misconduct
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces or pressures someone into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
Undercover officers may pose as drug buyers, coerce suspects into transactions, or use deception to encourage criminal activity. If you were pressured into a drug-related offense by law enforcement, your attorney may be able to argue entrapment as a defense.
Alternative Sentencing Options for Drug Offenders in Ohio
If you are facing drug charges in Delaware County, you may not have to serve time in jail. Ohio offers alternative sentencing programs designed to help non-violent drug offenders avoid incarceration while focusing on rehabilitation. Depending on your charges and criminal history, you may qualify for pretrial diversion, drug court, or probation instead of jail time.
Pretrial Diversion for First-Time Offenders
Pretrial diversion programs allow first-time, non-violent drug offenders to complete rehabilitation in exchange for having their charges dropped. These programs focus on education, treatment, and counseling rather than punishment, giving you an opportunity to avoid a criminal record. To qualify, defendants must meet specific conditions, such as:
- Attending drug treatment programs to address substance use issues.
- Completing mental health counseling or group therapy
- Completing community service hours as part of their rehabilitation.
- Staying away from individuals who have a criminal history
- Avoiding further legal trouble during the diversion program.
Drug Court as an Alternative to Incarceration
Ohio’s drug courts provide treatment-focused alternatives for eligible drug offenders. Instead of serving time in jail, participants are placed in intensive rehabilitation programs that include:
- Regular drug testing to ensure compliance with court orders.
- Counseling and therapy sessions to address substance abuse and mental health issues.
- Frequent court check-ins to monitor progress and ensure program completion.
Expungement for Drug Offenses
Certain drug convictions can also be expunged under Ohio law. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals may apply to have their records sealed, removing the conviction from most background checks. Expungement can improve your job prospects, housing opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Contact Our Legal Team for a Free Legal Consultation to Discuss Your Case
Your Delaware County drug crime lawyer is ready to help you through this difficult case. To find out how we can help you, contact Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt now for a confidential consultation. You will feel better as soon as you talk to us. Our criminal defense team is ready to fight for your best possible outcome.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
