Being charged with a drug crime in New Albany can leave you with more questions than answers. Ohio’s laws treat drug offenses seriously, but there are ways to push back, protect your record, and move forward.
Your New Albany drug crime lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can help you understand your options. Your New Albany criminal defense lawyer offers flexible payment plans, low deposits, and access to a team with 30 years of experience and over 300 five-star reviews. When you are ready to talk, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Types of Drug Crime Charges We Handle in New Albany
Drug charges in Ohio can look very different from case to case. What you are accused of depends on the type of substance, the amount involved, and what police believe your intent was. These are some of the most common offenses we help people fight in and around New Albany.
Drug Possession Charges at the Misdemeanor and Felony Levels
Possession charges can be relatively minor or extremely serious. The difference usually comes down to the drug involved and how much was found. If police claim they discovered drugs during a stop or search, they may charge you even if the drugs did not belong to you. These cases are often based on the details, and there may be chances to challenge the stop, question lab results, or push for a reduction.
Charges Related to Drug Manufacturing or Cultivation
Manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance is treated much more seriously than simple possession. These charges can come up if you are accused of growing marijuana, producing synthetic drugs, or even just having equipment that police believe is tied to production. The penalties are often steep, and prosecutors may add extra charges based on the location or quantity involved.
Our team looks at whether the evidence actually supports those claims. You may not have had control over the location, or the search may have gone beyond what was legal. We dig into the facts early and look for ways to push back before things get too far.
Prescription Drug Offenses and Controlled Substance Violations
Many drug charges involve legally prescribed medications. You might be accused of carrying pills outside of a bottle, sharing medication with someone else, or getting a prescription under another person’s name.
These situations are more common than people realize, and they can carry serious consequences if not handled properly. We take the time to explain what was going on and show the court that this is not just about possession, but about the bigger picture.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving New Albany, call (614) 884-1100
How Ohio Prosecutors Build and Escalate Drug Crime Cases
In Ohio, drug charges are not always based on what substance was found. Prosecutors look at the full picture, including where you were, what else was nearby, and what they think you planned to do. These extra details are what often push a case from a misdemeanor to a felony faster than people expect. Factors that may lead to more serious charges include:
- The weight or dosage amount of the drug
- Any prior convictions on your record
- Whether weapons were found during the arrest
- The proximity to schools or minors
- If prescription drugs were involved
- Whether the case involved cash, scales, or packaging materials
- Whether the arrest stemmed from a controlled buy
- The use of surveillance or confidential informants
- Evidence of transportation or intent to distribute
If you are wondering how intent to sell drugs is determined in Ohio, it usually comes down to circumstantial evidence. That means officers and prosecutors may point to packaging materials, phone records, or even text messages to suggest you had plans to sell. We know how to push back before a possession charge turns into something much more serious.
New Albany Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Defense Strategies We Use for Drug Charges in Franklin County
Your New Albany drug crime attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt does not take the state’s version of events at face value. Every arrest involves decisions made at the moment, and those decisions do not always follow the law. Our team looks at what actually happened and builds a strategy based on the details that can shift a case in your favor.
Challenging the Stop, Search, and Seizure
One of the first things we look at is whether law enforcement had the right to stop you and search your property. There are clear limits on what the Supreme Court allows police to do, especially during traffic stops or street-level encounters.
A warrantless search during a traffic stop is one of the most common reasons we ask the court to suppress evidence. If the search went beyond what was legally allowed, that may be enough to get key evidence thrown out.
Disputing Possession and Intent in Shared or Public Spaces
Possession charges are not always straightforward. Just because something was found near you does not mean you had control over it or knew it was there. This is especially true in shared spaces like cars, homes, or hotel rooms. If other people were around, the state has to show more than proximity to prove the drugs were yours.
Intent charges are also worth challenging. If you are accused of having drugs for sale, the state often relies on circumstantial evidence, like packaging or cash. However, those items are not always concrete proof of intent. We look at whether the evidence supports the charge or if it is based on assumptions that do not hold up under scrutiny.
Diversion, Intervention, and Judicial Release Options
In many cases, alternatives to conviction may be available. These can include diversion programs, intervention in place of conviction, or early release from a sentence if certain conditions are met.
According to Ohio Revised Codes § 2925.01(K), § 2951.041, and § 2929.20, the court can approve treatment-based or alternative options when appropriate. These programs are not automatic, but we can help determine whether they are a good fit and advocate for them when possible.
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Get in Touch with a Drug Crime Attorney in New Albany Today
Your drug crime lawyer in New Albany with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has experience handling both felony and misdemeanor charges throughout New Albany, Licking County and Franklin County.
We know how quickly these cases can move, and early intervention often makes a real difference. You can contact us today to talk through your situation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form