Columbus Drug Possession Lawyer
Arrested for possession of drugs in Ohio?
Felony and misdemeanor drug possession is one of the most common cases we handle. From marijuana and prescription drug to "designer drugs" and narcotics, we regularly represent people charged with drug possession.
Ohio's Drug Possession Penalties
Drug possession cases are treated harshly by the Ohio court system. Many drugs, when found to be illegally in the possession of an individual, including pharmaceutical drugs, result in a class 5 felony charge. This includes marijuana, as if you are found to possess in excess of 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
- $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 Columbus drug possession lawyer to immediately take action for the defense.
Treatment in Lieu of Conviction
However, 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). To learn more about ILC, see " Intervention in Lieu of Conviction"
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.
Drug Possession Defense Lawyer in Columbus
The legal team at Koffel Brininger Nesbitt has over 21 years of experience in the defense of serious drug charges, and over the years in the state courtrooms in the area, has developed strong abilities and resources to defend drug possession charges of all types. Brad Koffel has been named Ohio Super Lawyers® (Top 2 1/2% of the lawyers in Ohio) and is listed in " Best Lawyers in America " (Top 1% of the lawyers in the United States). These honors are not easily won, and come about through the quality of the defense work that the firm provides to their clients.
In many cases, after analyzing the evidence and circumstances of the arrest, the legal team has found flaws in police procedure that can be exploited on behalf of the client. Overzealous narcotics officers can violate procedure and when they do, the rights of the client have been violated. These errors create openings for the defense in many cases.
The legal team at KBN is prepared to fight aggressively on behalf of the client and it is strongly advised that you contact the firm from the moment of your arrest in order to protect your rights and begin the fight for your defense. Contact our firm to discuss your defense.
