It is easy to give up in the days after you are charged with drug possession. Keep in mind that you have the right to defend yourself against the charge. Exercise this right by partnering with an Upper Arlington drug possession lawyer who will give your case their full attention.
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has served over 15,000 clients in drug possession cases, as well as many others. Our team knows what the legal process that follows a drug possession arrest entails. We can guide you through this process and help you avoid mistakes along the way. To learn more, schedule a consultation with an Upper Arlington drug crimes lawyer from our team.
Why It Pays to Have a Drug Possession Lawyer on Your Side
Your Upper Arlington drug possession attorney does not judge you or make assumptions about your charge. Instead, they get insights into your arrest. They may look at how the prosecution will argue their case. By doing so, this can help your lawyer lay the foundation for their legal defense.
Regardless of the severity of your drug possession charge, your Upper Arlington criminal defense lawyer remains on your side throughout your case proceedings. They want you to focus on yourself and what you can do to boost your chances of avoiding a conviction. Meanwhile, your attorney can prepare your argument and make sure your case is ready for trial.
For over 30 years, Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt has provided legal guidance and support to individuals charged with criminal offenses. We can address frequently asked questions and any other concerns you may have as you navigate the aftermath of a drug possession arrest. Contact us today.
For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving Upper Arlington, call (614) 884-1100
What to Expect If You Receive an Upper Arlington Drug Possession Conviction
The court will consider possession of controlled substances in relation to Ohio Revised Code Section 2925.11 as it decides your case. If the court convicts you of drug possession, the penalties you get will depend on whether your crime is a felony or a misdemeanor.
With a felony conviction, you are subject to prison time. For example, those convicted of possession of a Schedule I substance like heroin or LSD may receive a prison sentence that lasts up to 10 years. Comparatively, a conviction for possession of a Schedule II substance such as fentanyl or cocaine may result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.
Typically, Schedule IV and V drug possession convictions are treated as misdemeanors. If convicted, you may receive a jail sentence that lasts up to one year. A Schedule III drug possession conviction may be a felony or a misdemeanor. With a conviction, you may receive a maximum of five years in prison for a felony or up to one year in jail for a misdemeanor.
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Collateral Consequences of a Drug Possession Conviction That You Need to Know About
Your drug possession lawyer in Upper Arlington can provide information about whether first-time drug offenders go to jail in Ohio and other case topics. They can also teach you about the collateral consequences of a drug possession conviction, as these can affect you for the rest of your life. Collateral consequences for those convicted of drug possession can include:
- Loss of the right to own a firearm
- Loss of a professional license
- Suspension of a driver’s license
- Trouble finding housing or employment
- International travel restrictions
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to complete a pre-trial diversion program in lieu of serving jail or prison time for a drug possession conviction. This may allow you to have your criminal record sealed. As a result, you may be able to avoid some of the collateral consequences of a drug possession conviction.
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Legal Defenses If You Have Been Charged with Drug Possession
It is not enough to tell the court that you should not be convicted of drug possession. Ultimately, the lawyer you hire makes a world of difference. Your criminal defense attorney wants you to get case results that match your expectations. They may utilize any of the following legal strategies to help you achieve these results:
Violation of Your Constitutional Rights
You are protected under the Fourth Amendment, which keeps the police from unlawfully searching and seizing your property. If police officers arrest you for drug possession, but they searched and seized your property illegally, your attorney may say that your Fourth Amendment rights were breached. This can result in the suppression of evidence and strengthen your case.
Lack of Possession
In their argument, your lawyer may show that you did not have possession of a drug. For instance, you are arrested for drug possession when you were not aware of a controlled substance in someone else’s home. Your lawyer may explain to the court that you did not know about the drug and had no control over the substance.
Entrapment
You are charged with drug possession after the police induced you into committing the offense. In this situation, you may be the victim of entrapment. Your lawyer can share communications between you and the police and other evidence to support your entrapment claim. If your lawyer’s argument is successful, the case against you may be dropped.
If your lawyer uses any of these or another legal defense, the court may be inclined to provide you with a favorable ruling. Of course, the legal process offers no guarantees. If you are offered a plea bargain in your drug possession case, it may be beneficial to evaluate the proposal with your lawyer. Because if you accept the deal, you may not have to deal with a prison or jail sentence.
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Trust an Upper Arlington Drug Possession Lawyer with a Proven Track Record to Help You with Your Case
Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt goes the extra mile for those charged with drug possession. Allow a drug possession attorney in Upper Arlington from our team to handle your legal matters.
We will help you address any legal challenges that arise in your drug possession case. For more information, request a case consultation with us.
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