From simple drug possession to drug trafficking and distribution, the potential sentences can be devastating if you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Portage County, Ohio.
While a drug conviction can limit your future, no Ravenna drug case is open and shut. You can protect yourself from the most extreme outcomes and pursue a favorable resolution by working with the experienced Ravenna drug crime attorneys at Erb Legal.
Our defense lawyers have considerable experience and success in dealing with Portage County drug offenses. Whether it’s a minor misdemeanor drug possession or a significant drug felony, we can employ various strategies to negotiate with the prosecution, challenge the evidence, and pursue a result such as a dismissal or an acquittal. Contact Erb Legal to set up a consultation.
Wesley is regarded as one of the fiercest defense attorneys in Northeast Ohio.
View Firm AwardsPeople in Ravenna and all-around Portage County, Ohio, frequently find themselves charged with drug offenses. The severity of these drug crimes and the penalties attached are usually related to the amount of drugs and other circumstances involved.
Erb Legal handles various types of Ohio drug-related crimes, including:
Like the rest of Ohio, Portage County sees its fair share of drug crime cases involving heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Ohio has a zero-tolerance policy for these drugs and does not distinguish between possession for personal use or for selling. The state’s laws align with the national trend of cracking down on opioids.
Possession of these drugs is a felony and carries a mandatory minimum sentence of six months in prison. Depending. on the amount of the drug and the offender’s prior criminal record, the punishment could range from six months to five years in prison. In addition, the offender may also face a hefty fine and other penalties, such as the loss of their driver’s license.
Medical cannabis has been legal in Ohio for a few years, and some Ohio counties have a relaxed approach to enforcing marijuana possession laws. However, recreational marijuana remains illegal under state and federal law, and the potential penalty you could face in Portage County will depend on the amount of marijuana involved.
Possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana is considered a minor misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $150. Possession of between 100 and 200 grams is a fourth-degree misdemeanor, resulting in a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $250. Possession of between 200 and 1,000 grams is a fifth-degree felony, resulting in up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Possession of more than 1,000 grams of marijuana is a third-degree felony, resulting in a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
In Ohio, there are five categories, or schedules, of drugs, with Schedule I being the highest with more severe penalties.
Schedule I drugs have the highest risk of abuse and no known medical use, such as heroin, marijuana, morphine, and mescaline. Schedule II drugs have some accepted medical benefits but still have a high risk of abuse, including codeine, methadone, oxycodone, opium, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Schedule III drugs have widely accepted medical uses but carry the risk for abuse, such as barbiturates, ketamine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids.
Schedule IV drugs have some accepted medical uses and a low risk of abuse, such as Xanax, Valium, pipradrol, and sibutramine. Schedule V drugs have a wide range of medical benefits and a low risk of abuse, including ephedrine, combination drugs with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 grams, combination drugs with less than 100 milligrams of opium per 100 grams, and buprenorphine.
No one wants to face a drug charge, but the penalties will vary considerably. For example, drug crimes in Ohio can be a misdemeanor or felonies based on the quantity involved, the criminal history of the accused, the type of drug, and other details involved. These specifics will influence the severity of your drug charges and the penalty range if convicted.
Ohio’s drug penalties and consequences are serious and can have lasting effects. Anyone arrested for a drug offense should seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney’s help to ensure the best possible outcome.
Aside from possible jail time, fines, court-ordered treatment, and restrictive terms of probation, a drug conviction in Portage County will likely be attached to your criminal record for life. This can result in lasting damage to your ability to move on.
Some of the adverse effects of a drug conviction include:
Prosecutors and police officers in Portage County usually want you to believe their drug case against you is stronger than it is. However, these cases rely on evidence and are very fact dependent. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can identify weaknesses in your drug charges and use that to your advantage.
For instance, the severity of a drug possession case may rest on how much of the substance was allegedly under your control. If your attorney can challenge how the drugs were weighed, you may face a misdemeanor rather than a felony. Likewise, if your drug crime defense lawyer can cast doubt on whether the drugs in question were really under your control, you may be able to get your drug charges dismissed altogether.
If you are facing drug charges, it is essential to understand the possible defenses available to you. Here are some of the most common drug crime defense strategies:
Every drug case is unique, and defenses are not one size fits all. If you or a loved one are arrested or accused of a drug offense, consulting with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the facts and determine the best defense action plan is essential.
To help you better understand what to expect if you’re arrested for possessing drugs, having paraphernalia, selling drugs, permitting drug abuse, or any other drug crime, we have answered some of the frequently asked questions surrounding drug offenses in Portage County, Ohio. If you have additional questions, contact our Ravenna drug lawyers.
In Ohio, the penalty for drug possession varies depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved. Simple possession of Schedule I or II drugs is a felony. A conviction can result in up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Possession of larger quantities or more dangerous drugs can result in higher penalties, including longer prison sentences and more significant fines.
Under Ohio law, it is possible to have certain drug convictions expunged or sealed from your criminal record. However, the specific criteria for eligibility depend on the type of offense and other factors, such as the time that has passed since the conviction.
Drug trafficking in Ohio is defined as selling, distributing, or transporting illegal drugs. The penalties for drug trafficking depend on the type and quantity of the drug involved, as well as other factors, such as whether the offense occurred near a school or other protected area.
In Ohio, it is possible to be charged with drug possession even if you didn’t physically have drugs on you at the time of the arrest. This is known as “constructive possession.” It occurs when the police can prove that you had control over the drugs, such as if they were found in your home or car.
While Ohio has legalized medical marijuana, it is still subject to certain restrictions. The possession and use of medical marijuana in Ohio are only legal for patients approved by a certified physician and who obtained a medical marijuana card from the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program. However, even with a medical marijuana card, there are still limitations on where and how much marijuana a patient can possess. Being arrested and charged with a drug offense is possible if you are not compliant.
It may be possible to avoid going to jail for a drug crime, especially if this is your first offense. Your attorney may be able to negotiate for a drug treatment program or community service instead of time behind bars.
Whether you’ve been accused of drug possession in Aurora, trafficking in Ravenna, permitting drug abuse in Streetsboro, or any drug offense in Portage County, Ohio, it is essential to take it seriously. A drug conviction is not something you want on your record. With effective legal representation from Erb Legal, you can prepare a compelling defense and work towards a favorable result, such as a dismissal, reduction, or acquittal at trial.