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Ohio Drug Crimes Lawyer

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Former Prosecutors Who Fight for Your Rights in Court

Drug charges carry heavy penalties that can affect the rest of your life. If you are facing drug charges in Ohio, it is critical to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. The criminal defense attorneys at Patituce & Associates, LLC can help protect your rights and fight for your future. 

Our Ohio drug attorneys have a wealth of experience defending individuals charged with a wide range of drug offenses. We are former prosecutors who use our knowledge of the legal system to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

 If you are arrested for a drug crime, do not speak to the police—contact our firm at 440-471-7784 to learn how we can protect your future and freedom.

Ohio Drug Crimes Resources

Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Ohio

Drug crime cases can be complicated and present significant challenges for the accused. At Patituce & Associates, LLC, our Ohio criminal defense lawyers recognize that each case is unique, and we base our defense strategy and representation on what your case requires. Our Ohio drug crime attorneys will challenge the evidence and make sure that you obtain the best possible defense. We are not the type of firm that takes the police or prosecutor at their word. We make them prove their case.

When we take on a drug crime case, we will:

  • Obtain the search warrant used against you
  • Obtain any video and audio involving you
  • Obtain the name, identity, and record of any witness against you
  • Leverage our own investigators and experts to find additional evidence

Using this information, we will craft a compelling defense in your favor. We may prepare to have evidence thrown out through a suppression hearing, attend negotiations with the prosecutor, and prepare your case for court if necessary. Our firm will work tirelessly to either reduce the charges that you face or request that the court dismiss them completely.

Types of Ohio Drug Cases That We Represent

At Patituce & Associates, LLC, we represent Ohio residents in a variety of drug-related cases, including:

  • Possession of controlled substances 
  • Trafficking or aggravated trafficking in drugs 
  • Corrupting another with drugs 
  • Possession of controlled substances
  • Possessing drug abuse instruments 
  • Permitting drug abuse 
  • Illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia 
  • Illegal use or possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia 
  • Deception to obtain a dangerous drug 
  • Illegal processing of drug documents 
  • Illegal dispensing of drug samples 
  • Counterfeit controlled substance offenses 
  • Criminal forfeiture of property relating to felony drug abuse offense 
  • Illegal administration or distribution of anabolic steroids
  • Illegal manufacture of drugs, illegal cultivation of marijuana or methamphetamine 
  • Illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs

The Federal Controlled Substance Schedule

In the United States, the federal government has its own controlled substance schedule, which classifies drugs based on their medical use and potential for abuse. The federal schedules are similar to the Ohio schedules, but there are some differences. These schedules range from Schedule I to Schedule V and are used to determine the severity of drug crimes.

Here are some examples of drugs that fall under each schedule:

  • Schedule I: These drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana.
  • Schedule II: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and fentanyl.
  • Schedule III: These drugs have a moderate to low potential for abuse and include substances with limited amounts of narcotics. Examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and some codeine-containing products.
  • Schedule IV: These drugs have a low potential for abuse and include substances with a limited amount of narcotics. Examples include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
  • Schedule V: These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and include substances with a limited amount of narcotics. Examples include cough medicines containing codeine.

Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions in Ohio

The penalties for drug crimes in Ohio vary based on the type and amount of drug involved, as well as the defendant’s prior criminal history. Certain aggravating factors, such as being arrested within 100 feet of a school, park, or another drug-free zone, could increase the fines and jail time involved.

Below are a few examples:

  • Drug manufacturing: In Ohio, a person who produces a drug listed in schedules III, IV, or V can be charged with a third-degree felony. This offense carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years and/or fines of up to $10,000.
  • Possession of a controlled substance: This is generally a misdemeanor offense but can be charged as a felony for larger amounts of drugs or if the defendant has prior drug convictions. For example, possession of one gram or less of heroin is a fifth-degree felony punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.
  • Drug trafficking: This is often a felony offense that can result in significant prison time, especially for large quantities of drugs. For a Schedule I or II drug, penalties can range from up to one year in jail for a fifth-degree felony to up to 11 years in prison for a first-degree felony. 

Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney for a Drug Charge

If you are facing drug charges in Ohio, hiring a criminal defense attorney from Patituce & Associates, LLC can benefit you in several ways.  Drug laws can be complex, and an attorney can help you understand the charges and the potential consequences. He or she can also guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions about your case.

Your lawyer will investigate the case against you and gather evidence to build a strong defense. This may include obtaining search warrants, reviewing audio and video recordings, and identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Based on the evidence gathered, your attorney will develop a unique defense strategy tailored to your case. Your lawyer can use this strategy to negotiate with the prosecutor or represent your case in court.

Facing Drug Crime Charges in Ohio? Contact an Attorney Today

After an arrest for a drug charge in Ohio, don’t navigate the legal system alone. The attorneys at Patituce & Associates, LLC can fight for your rights and advocate for the best possible outcome. Contact us today at 440-471-7784 to schedule a free case consultation and learn more about your legal options.