If the police arrest you for drug trafficking, or if you are wanted for questioning, you do not have to try to navigate this process alone. A criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights during questioning, stand by you at your arraignment, and represent you throughout the criminal justice process. We will explain the possible outcomes based on the facts of your case, and aggressively pursue the one that will affect your life the least.
A drug trafficking lawyer in West Chester, OH at the Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, LLC can create an aggressive defense strategy that will allow us to fight the charges against you. Call our office at 513-929-9333 today, and we can get started on your case right away.
The Seriousness of a West Chester Drug Trafficking Conviction
Drug trafficking includes participating in the sale of a controlled substance. This may be by selling or offering to sell a controlled substance, or by handling a controlled substance with knowledge that it is intended for sale. The consequences of an Ohio drug trafficking conviction vary widely depending on the type of drug and how much they accuse you of moving. Because the state is fighting a deadly opioid epidemic, they treat offenses that involve narcotics and opiates much more seriously than they do marijuana and many other drugs. Methamphetamine also poses a major health crisis in Ohio, leading to increased penalties.
Marijuana
It probably comes as no surprise that many of the drug possession and drug trafficking charges in Ohio stem from the possession of marijuana.
In general, Ohio marijuana laws are relatively lax, when compared to other controlled substances. For example, trafficking less than 200 grams of marijuana is a fifth-degree felony in Ohio. You will face third-degree felony charges for trafficking at least 1,000 grams of marijuana. You will only face a first-degree felony charge if you were accused of trafficking 20,000 grams or more of marijuana near a school or in the vicinity of a child.
Narcotics
The penalties for trafficking narcotics are significantly higher. For example, having 27 grams or more of cocaine will likely bring a first-degree felony conviction with a mandatory prison sentence.
Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction
The penalties you face depend on the degree of the felony.
Degree | Penalties |
Fifth-degree felony | 6 months to 1 year in prison
Up to $2,500 in fines |
Fourth-degree felony | 6 to 18 months in prison
Up to $5,000 in fines |
Third-degree felony | 9 months to 3 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines |
Second-degree felony | 2-8 years in prison
Up to $15,000 in fines |
First-degree felony | 3-11 years in prison
Up to $20,000 in fines |
While any amount of jail time is not desirable, more serious charges and repeat offenses often carry mandatory jail or prison terms. A mandatory sentence means you will have to serve the time and it cannot be reduced by participating in rehabilitative programs while incarcerated. Mandatory time is followed by post-release control.
Of course, any felony conviction can also affect your life in an untold number of ways. You could lose your job or even your professional license. You will have to reveal your conviction every time you apply for a job or apartment. You could lose your driver’s license, have to attend mandatory drug rehabilitation, and perform community service as a part of your sentence and probation agreement.
The only way to avoid the serious consequences of a drug trafficking conviction is not getting convicted in the first place. That is where we can help. Call us today and let us try to keep a felony conviction off your record.
Fighting for a More Favorable Outcome in Your West Chester Drug Trafficking Case
We will investigate the circumstances that led up to your arrest, and go over the details of your stop, detainment, and arrest. No detail is too minor. As a criminal defense firm, we know what it takes for prosecutors to win a drug trafficking case, and how they go about meeting this burden of proof. We have seen what works and what does not and know where to look for common mistakes by police.
Based on the facts we learn about your case, we can put a plan in place that allows us the best chance for a more favorable outcome. Depending on the circumstances, we will fight aggressively to clear your name, argue for a lesser charge, or try to negotiate a plan that reduces the impact of the penalties you may face.
No single defense works for every West Chester drug trafficking case, but some of our more common strategies for drug cases include:
- Arguing for the prosecutors to drop the charges because of lack of evidence
- Challenging evidence collected during an illegal stop or search
- Challenging the procedures police used to obtain and test the drugs in question
- Negotiating a plea deal for a lesser charge with significantly reduced penalties
- Taking your case to trial and arguing your defense, attempting to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors
If you or a loved one is already serving time after an Ohio court convicted you of a drug trafficking offense, we will be glad to review your case and see if you have grounds for a successful appeal. We are not only a criminal defense firm, but we can handle your case if there is evidence you were wrongly convicted.
Meet with a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in West Chester, OH, Today
Steven R. Adams is a criminal defense lawyer serving West Chester, Ohio. Steven and the rest of the Not Guilty Adams team can help you understand the serious nature of the charges against you and explain the defense strategies that might help us get a more favorable outcome in your case. Our aggressive approach to drug trafficking cases could help you clear your name, or at least mitigate the effects of any penalties you face.
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.