Columbus Drug Crime Attorney

Aggressively Defending Clients Facing Drug Charges

Drug offenses are vigorously pursued by both state and federal agencies. Prosecutors will work tenaciously towards convictions and oftentimes perfectly innocent people can find themselves facing unexpected charges. Regardless of the drug crime you or a loved one has been accused of, our Columbus drug crime attorneys can work tirelessly to clear your name and protect your future.

Our firm has more than 15 years of experience and is proud to have fought for many clients who were wrongly or overzealously arrested for drug crimes. We focus entirely on defending clients from their criminal charges and devote all our attention to this area of law. Both Attorney Zachuary Meranda and Attorney Edward Itayim have been selected to the 2014-2015 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list, demonstrating their dedication to superior legal services.

Common Types of Ohio Drug Offenses

Certain drug offenses can be charged as federal crimes, which means higher penalties could be enforced for a conviction under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This is why it is even more critical that you retain the services of a Columbus drug crime attorney who knows how to navigate these complex cases.

We can represent clients charged with the following:

• Drug possession
• Drug manufacturing
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Doctor shopping
• Marijuana charges
• Trafficking
• Possession with intent to sell
• Prescription drug charges

Whether you are up against a state or federal level drug crime charge, make sure you act fast to protect your livelihood, your freedom, and your reputation. Our firm can advocate on your behalf when you call on us!

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Ohio

There are many criminal activities that can be associated with drug crimes, from possession of a controlled substance to manufacturing. However, the penalties will typically depend on the type and amount of drug involved in that particular crime. Furthermore, if federal charges are filed, the penalties will be greatly increased. Though simple possession of a small amount of a substance, such as marijuana, may only result in a civil citation or a misdemeanor with no jail time, many drug offenders do not get off so lightly.

These offenses can lead to the following penalties:

• Prison sentences up to several years
• Hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines
• Probation or mandatory drug program
• Loss of property

Charges and penalties can be enhanced by prior convictions, use of a firearm, involvement of a minor, or drug activity near school zones or parks. Regardless of whether you are facing your first charge or your fourth, you need to act fast to defend your future against such serious repercussions.

Various drug crimes include: drug possession, drug distribution, drug trafficking, drug cultivation and drug paraphernalia. The penalties for possession of drugs vary according to the drug that is found in possession. The different charges are broken down in the following way:

Drug possession / Cultivation:

• Marijuana: misdemeanor if under 200g punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine up to $250. Felony if more than 200g and punishable by six months to eight years in jail and a fine between $2,500- $15,000
• Concentrated drugs: misdemeanor if less than 10g solid or 2g liquid and punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Felony if more than that and it is punishable by three to eight years in jail and a fine between $2,500-$15,000

Drug Distribution / Trafficking:

• Less than 20g: misdemeanor with a fine of $150
• Between 20-200g: felony punishable by one year in jail and a $500 fine
• 200-1000g: felony punishable by six months to 1.5 years in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
• More than 1000g: felony punishable by one to five years in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
• 20,000-40,000g: felony punishable by a minimum of five years and up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500
• More than 40,000g: felony punishable by a minimum of eight years in prison and a fine of $2,500

Drug Paraphernalia:

• Possession of paraphernalia: misdemeanor with a fine of up to $150
• Sale of paraphernalia: misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $750

Drug convictions in Ohio can result in a loss of driving privileges as well. The amount of time could be anywhere from six months to five years depending on the conviction. The penalties for drug crimes in Ohio are strict and there is a lot at stake when facing any of these charges. In order to protect yourself from a tainted criminal record, jail time and large fines team up with a Columbus drug crime attorney who has experience representing defendants for drug charges.

Prescription Drug Offenses in Ohio

In some cases, individuals with unlawfully obtained prescription drugs may be charged for possession or distribution. Some of the more common prescription drugs used on the streets include Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycodone, Xanax, Adderall, and Soma.

Typically, prescription drug offenses may include prescription drug fraud, prescription drug theft, illegal sale or distribution of prescription drugs, or violation of federal or state laws regarding controlled substances.

Many other drug charges exist, including but not limited to:

• Drug manufacturing
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Doctor shopping
• Marijuana charges
• Possession with the intent to sell

If you or someone you love has been arrested and charged with a drug crime, it’s important to know the serious nature of a potential conviction. There are so many future consequences including both legal matters and personal matters.

Understanding the potential defense tactics available to you can help you feel at ease during what is a very stressful situation. Some of the potential defenses to drug charges may include the following:

• The search was illegal
• Officers didn’t read you your rights
• Officers violated your rights
• Evidence was tampered with
• The drugs belonged to another party
• Evidence is insufficient
• You were caught using entrapment

When you work with a Columbus drug crime attorney, you have the resources necessary to help you navigate the complex legal process. You get someone who can explain your rights and options, working to defend them every step of the way.

What Can I Do to Fight My Drug Charges?

One of the most important steps you can take after being charged with a drug crime is hiring an attorney you can trust. This legal resource can never be underestimated! When officers or investigators are interrogating you, having a strong advocate in your corner is crucial. Furthermore, a Columbus drug crime lawyer can work to craft a strategic and effective legal defense that works to clear your name.

The following types of defenses can be used in drug cases:

• An illegal search and seizure was used to obtain evidence
• Officers failed to read you your rights or violated them in some way
• The evidence obtained was tampered with
• The drugs belonged to another individual or party
• Lack of strong or sufficient evidence
• Entrapment was used to get you to commit the crime
• You have a valid prescription for the drug

When you come to The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we will carefully review the details involved in your case and use our insight and knowledge to build an airtight defense. Our team is focused on helping you overcome your serious charges. Don't go with unreliable, inexperienced representation when you can hire our firm!