Were you charged with a marijuana-related drug crime?

If you were charged with a marijuana-related drug offense like possession, sale, trafficking, or cultivation, it is important to retain a trusted lawyer as soon as possible. Koffel Brininger Nesbitt is based in Columbus and represents clients throughout the state of Ohio. If you are looking for tough defense for drug charges, contact a Columbus drug crime lawyer at The KBN today.

For a free legal consultation with a marijuana lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-884-1100

Marijuana Charges in the Ohio Revised Code

Marijuana is a Schedule I drug, which is the most severe drug schedule in the United States. However, penalties for marijuana/pot crimes in Ohio have been lowered in recent years. For example, possession of marijuana in Ohio is a minor misdemeanor. Other marijuana possession charges are as follows –

  • Fourth-degree misdemeanor: 100-200 grams
  • Fifth-degree felony: 200-1,000 grams
  • Fourth-degree felony: 1,000-5,000 grams
  • Third-degree felony: 5,000-20,000 grams
  • Second-degree felony: 20,000-40,000 grams

Columbus Marijuana Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100

Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana

Illegally cultivating marijuana is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio unless it is done within the vicinity of a juvenile or school, in which case it is charged as a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Marijuana cultivation can be charged up to a first-degree felony in cases where there are more than 20,000 grams and it was done within the vicinity of a school or juvenile.

It is possible to have your charges reduced or dismissed with a powerful defense, such as:

  • You are legally permitted to cultivate marijuana because of a medical marijuana card
  • There is reasonable doubt you cultivated marijuana
  • Police conducted an illegal search and seizure that violates the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
  • Marijuana was grown for personal use, not for sale

To learn about Ohio’s sentencing sanctions, click here.

The state of Ohio does allow for an affirmative defense for the crime of cultivating marijuana. This will only be possible if the defendant can prove that the marijuana was intended for their own personal consumption. Keep in mind that success in this type of case can still result in a misdemeanor conviction. That is why you need a powerful defender to fight for the best possible outcome of your case.

Click to contact our Columbus Drug Crime Defense Lawyers today

Penalties for Marijuana Crimes in Ohio

You may be able to avoid incarceration if you are convicted of a minor marijuana offense because these are misdemeanors in Ohio. However, if you are charged with a felony marijuana offense, you may need to take a more aggressive approach to your defense. In either scenario, the Columbus drug crime lawyers at KBN are here to help you avoid penalties such as fines and jail/prison time. In many drug offense cases, we advocate for cases to be handled in specialty drug courts and petition for alternative sentencing options like drug treatment.

NACDA Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio

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Contacting Koffel Brininger Nesbitt

KBN has been listed as one of the “Best Law Firms” in the region by US News. Our lead attorney, Brad Koffel, has been listed in Best Lawyers® since 2008 and was voted one of the “Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys in Ohio” by the NACDA. We are passionate about defending people accused of drug crimes, so if you need representation you can count on, call us today.

Available daily from 7am to 10pm at (614) 884-1100 or you can schedule a consultation with us using our online form.