Law enforcement officials have cracked down on drugs in recent decades, and the penalties for possessing, dealing, and manufacturing them are severe. Having a drug charge brought against you can be life-altering, as the penalties range from fines to multi-year prison sentences.

Types Of Drug Charges In Ohio

Typically, a drug crime includes the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of drugs classified as controlled substances. 

Possession of a controlled substance — drugs that are only acquired legally via a prescription — is a charge broken into five categories called schedules. Schedule I drugs are considered the most harmful, with the highest risk of addiction and no recognized medical value. Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous, having a low risk of dependency; they are commonly used for medical reasons.

You can also be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, or having equipment or products designed for the purpose of using controlled substances. This includes any materials used specifically for growing, cultivating, manufacturing, or distributing illegal substances, such as pipes or syringes.

A person selling, or offering to sell, a controlled substance may be charged with drug trafficking. This includes shipping, delivering, transporting, and even preparing a controlled substance knowing the recipient has the intent to sell it.

In Ohio, the sentence for a drug charge always includes a mandatory driver’s license suspension for a minimum of one year and could additionally include jail time, fines, probation, and even loss of property. The secondary consequences include everything from lost employment opportunities, insurance, and Second Amendment rights, as well as difficulty qualifying for financial aid.

If drug charges have been brought against you, rely on the team at David S. Washington, Jr. to build a case that helps you put your best foot forward in court. Call the Hamilton, OH, law firm at (513) 751-1400 to schedule a consultation, and visit their website to learn more about their experience with criminal law.