If you’re facing drug charges, the first step you should take is to consult an attorney. They can assess your situation and explain the kinds of penalties you may face. In the meantime, the information below provides a basic understanding of how the state of Ohio deals with drug offenses.

Overview of Ohio Drug Laws

Criminal law in Ohio prohibits individuals from buying, possessing, or using controlled substances. These substances are arranged into categories that range from Schedule I, which are considered the most dangerous drugs, to Schedule V, which are considered the least hazardous. The type of criminal charge you face depends on the schedule of drugs involved in your offense, its amount, and whether you were found in possession of the drug or attempting to sell it.

Possession vs. Trafficking

Possession is a drug charge that’s given when a controlled substance is found either on your person or your property. It’s typically handled at a state level and is less severe than a trafficking charge, which is given when you’re suspected of selling or planning to sell a controlled substance. Trafficking is a felony in Ohio and may be considered a federal offense depending on the amounts being distributed.

Penalties & Potential Defenses

Penalties for drug charges in Ohio vary depending on the specifics noted above. For example, possession of fewer than 200 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and can result in fines between $150 and $200 or 30 days in jail. Trafficking the same amount of marijuana, on the other hand, is classified as a felony and can result in fines of up to $2,500 or a year in jail. In some cases, mandatory attendance of a drug rehabilitation program may be included in your sentence.

While the strategy your attorney employs depends on the exact circumstances of your case, some common drug charge defenses include claiming no knowledge of the drug found in your possession; arguing that the drug is not a controlled substance; claiming your Fourth Amendment rights were violated via an illegal search by law enforcement; or asserting that you were tricked into holding or selling drugs, a tactic known as entrapment.

If you’re facing drug charges, contact David S. Washington Jr. in Hamilton, OH. For more than two decades, this seasoned criminal defense attorney has been helping clients charged with drug trafficking or possession, as well as OVI arrests, reckless driving, manslaughter, and more. Visit the law firm’s website for information about their services, and call (513) 751-1400 to schedule a consultation.