Being charged with a drug offense of any type can carry significant consequences in Ohio. Laws enable the court to issue intense sentences involving jail time and fees. As an experienced Mansfield drug crime lawyer will tell you, going into a courtroom without representation and guidance may be a great risk.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has decades of experience protecting the rights of individuals charged with drug crimes in Mansfield.. We have been Ohio’s premier criminal defense firm for over 30 years. When representation matters, consult our Mansfield criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options.
How Ohio Proves Drug Crimes
One of the most important reasons for you to hire a drug crime attorney in Mansfield is because area laws can be aggressive. Attorneys work closely with clients in our firm to fully understand what evidence the court has against you and what evidence can show you do not deserve these specific types of charges. Yet, with so many types of evidence available to prosecutors, such as the following, this can be challenging:
- Demonstrative evidence of impairment
- Digital forensics
- Blood samples
- Forensic evidence
- Fingerprints
- Documentary evidence
- DNA
- Hearsay
- Video or photo evidence
- Physical evidence
Many times, prosecutors in Mansfield can be aggressive about seeking as much evidence as possible to use against you in a drug crime case. That is one of the core reasons why having a defense attorney becomes so critical. Without legal guidance, you may not know what defense strategies may apply or what your rights are.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Mansfield, call 614-884-1100
Types of Drug Crimes in Mansfield We Represent
The complicated Ohio drug crime laws make it clear that anyone who may be facing charges should seek legal defense. A look at the Drug Offense Quick Reference Guide from the Ohio Supreme Court demonstrates the complexity of these charges and the potential outcome for conviction. Some of the most common drug crime cases our legal team handles include:
- Possession: Though dependent on the type of drug, even marijuana possession carries a significant risk of jail time and fines. Those with over 200 grams face felony charges. Those with Schedule I or Schedule II drugs may face up to 8 years in prison and fines of $15,000 if they have 5 to 10 grams of the drug on them.
- Drug trafficking: those with larger amounts of more dangerous drugs face long-term implications, including up to 11 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000. If you are in a school zone at the time or engaging with vulnerable populations, that can increase your charges.
- Drug manufacturing and cultivation: Ohio law does not allow you to cultivate or manufacture drugs, with consequences including second or first-degree felonies if the drugs are more dangerous.
If you are charged with one of these or other drug crimes, make your first statement a request for your attorney and then call us. Our Mansfield drug crimes lawyers will provide exceptional legal insight, helping you build a case to obtain the best possible outcome. With so many potential consequences in your future, having an experienced legal team is critical, as evidenced by our case results.
Factors That Make Drug Crime Penalties More Complicated
There are numerous aggravating factors that could make your charges more aggressive and penalties more severe. That includes the presence of a firearm or other deadly weapon, drug trafficking near minors or schools, or repeat offenses.
In these situations, Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt encourages you to act quickly to get the legal guidance you need in place.
Mansfield Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me 614-884-1100
You May Qualify for Alternative Sentencing
Though Ohio drug crimes laws are harsh and can carry significant implications for your future, there are some situations that may result in alternative sentencing, meaning you can avoid going to jail or paying thousands of dollars in fines. Our drug crime attorney in Mansfield can answer questions about your situation, but some of the alternative sentencing options may include:
- Probation: The court has the right to establish rules for probation. This would allow you to complete community service or enter into counseling programs with court approval. Not everyone qualifies for these programs.
- Drug treatment programs: For those who have noted dependence or addiction, incarceration is not the only way forward. You may be able to seek care for your mental health needs to avoid the worst of the crime consequences.
Because of the complexity of Mansfield drug crime lawsuits, it is beneficial to pursue these types of alternative outcomes right away. Our legal team gets to work on your case right away, enabling you to get the support you need right away and also providing you with the resources necessary to navigate the complexity of your future. We may help you avoid fines and jail time in some situations.
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Consider the Consequences of Conviction of Drug Crimes
You have a lot to overcome, and with significant risk of serious consequences, we strongly encourage you to speak to a lawyer about your case before you agree to a plea agreement. Consider the implications that are so common with conviction that some people may not think about them before now. Those include:
- Probation restrictions include having a curfew, completing random drug screening, finding employment, and paying fines and fees. You may be forced to pay restitution or enter a drug and alcohol addiction treatment program.
- Professional license suspension is common for convictions of drug crimes. This includes licenses such as your driver’s license, as noted under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.19.
- Employment limitations due to the difficulty of proving you are a reliable employer and the stigma that comes from these types of charges
With so much at risk, you deserve a legal team you can depend on. Put your trust in our drug crime lawyer in Mansfield to learn more about the specifics of your case, and be sure to read our frequently asked questions for more information. It can make an incredible difference in your future.
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Schedule a Consultation with a Legal Team You Can Depend On
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt fights for our clients. We negotiate with prosecutors and find resolutions whenever available. Discuss the details of your case with our passionate Mansfield drug crime attorney today.
Call or text 614-884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form