If you face drug trafficking charges, allegations, or police questioning related to a Mason, OH drug charge, you do not need to try to handle this on your own. You have the right to have a drug trafficking lawyer in Mason, OH by your side, protecting your rights and fighting for a more favorable outcome. Our team will look into your case, getting all the facts we need to put a defense strategy in place and to explain all the possible results in your case.
A criminal justice attorney from the Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC will aggressively fight for your best interests, putting an assertive defense strategy in place. Call our office at 513-929-9333, and we can get to work on your case right away.
Understanding the Penalties Associated with a Mason Drug Trafficking Conviction
In any case, there are two significant penalties you face if convicted. These include:
- Fines: If the courts convict you of a felony drug trafficking offense, you can expect to pay a significant fine. This could include a $2,500 fine for a fifth-degree felony and up to a $20,000 for a first-degree felony. There are also additional fines and fees you may have to pay, such as court costs.
- Jail Time: All felony drug trafficking convictions call for time in county jail or state prison. A fifth-degree felony conviction may bring up to a year in prison. More serious felony drug trafficking convictions call for mandatory minimum prison sentences. Repeat offenders may also face extended time behind bars. While we fight to reduce or eliminate the time you spend incarcerated, mandatory minimums mean you must reside for a set time in prison before we can work out a community control plan on your behalf.
The severity of the penalties you face after an Ohio drug trafficking conviction depends on several factors, including the drug’s schedule and how much of it you had in your possession. For example, the state treats narcotics and opiates very seriously in an effort to combat an ongoing opioid epidemic. Methamphetamines may also garner increased penalties.
Marijuana
A marijuana trafficking conviction is not as serious as the cases that involve many other types of drugs, but you still do not want to try to fight these charges on your own. In general, moving a relatively small amount of marijuana is usually charged as a fifth-degree felony in Ohio.
The typical sentence for this type of violation is usually six months to a year in state prison. However, we can sometimes negotiate probation, known as community control in Ohio, instead of an extended jail sentence. You may also receive a nominal fine and other punishments.
Narcotics
The penalties for possessing and trafficking opiates and other narcotics are significantly higher than the penalties for marijuana trafficking, especially if you had a significant amount on you when you were arrested.
For example, if you had more than 28 grams of cocaine, you will likely face a first-degree felony conviction. You could receive:
- Three to 11 years in state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Other penalties
Other Ways a Felony Conviction Affects Your Life
Any felony conviction can have a dramatic impact on your life in a wide variety of ways. This could include:
- Losing your job
- Being unable to get a professional license
- Having a hard time renting an apartment
- Having to explain your conviction every time you apply for a job
- Attending mandatory drug treatment meetings
- Losing other rights as allowed based on a felony conviction
The easiest way to prevent the most serious consequences and penalties related to drug trafficking is to avoid the conviction. We will build a robust defense to fight the charges against you. Give us a call today and let us go to work for you.
Fighting for a More Favorable Outcome in a Mason Drug Trafficking Case
When we accept your case, we immediately go to work gathering all the information we can and trying to understand exactly what happened. You can trust our team to fight aggressively, including negotiating a plea deal or working to reduce the charges against you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting a favorable outcome in your Mason drug trafficking case. Some of the most common strategies we use to help our clients avoid significant fines and jail time include:
- Arguing to have your charges dropped
- Challenging an illegal stop or search
- Challenging police drug collection and testing procedures
- Negotiating a plea deal for a significantly reduced charge, such as drug possession, with significantly reduced penalties
- Taking your case in front of the judge and jury and presenting a robust defense
We can also review your case if you or a loved one was previously convicted of an Ohio drug trafficking offense. We may be able to identify grounds for a successful appeal. If we do, we can handle your appeal and try to clear your name.
Are You Looking for a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH?
If you are facing criminal charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Cincinnati office directly at 513-929-9333 to schedule your free consultation.
