In today’s world, many young people going through college will come in contact with drugs, whether at a college party, in the dorms or in some other circumstance., The criminal charges that can stem from these situations can be extremely serious.
If you are facing drug crime allegations or have a child who is a college student facing drug crime charges in Ohio, you need strong criminal defense representation from an experienced Athens campus drug crimes defense attorney.
I can help. At my law firm, I represent Ohio University students in drug crime and other criminal cases from my office in Athens. I have more than 25 years of criminal defense experience, a Ph.D. in criminology, and extensive knowledge and experience regarding forensic evidence in criminal cases.
Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11 governs the possession of illegal drugs, and can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. The severity of the offense depends on the type of the drug and the quantity you have allegedly possessed.
Drugs are categorized from Schedule I drugs, which have no medical uses and a high potential for abuse, to Schedule V drugs, which have accepted medical uses and a low potential for abuse. The law establishes bulk amounts for the drugs on the schedule. When police recover less than the bulk amount of a specific illegal drug, you can be charged with possession.
When the quality of the evidence makes a dismissal unlikely, it may still be possible to preserve a student’s clean record. The prosecutor may agree to reduce a drug possession charge to a non-criminal infraction, and an Athens student facing a first offense may be eligible for a diversion program or another form of alternative sentencing that prevents a bad mark on their record.
Students who allegedly possess more than the bulk amount of a specific drug will likely face drug trafficking charges. Trafficking is always a felony, but the severity of the felony depends on the quantity the student allegedly possessed.
When you have no prior criminal record and no aggravating factors are present, a trafficking charge may be resolved through participation in a drug treatment program, probation, and other penalties. I help Athens college students mount a vigorous defense to drug charges, demonstrating that a sentence which avoids incarceration and preserves the student’s future serves the greater good.
I know that young people can make mistakes, but I believe the consequences should not be everlasting. When I defend college students, my focus is on preserving their long-term opportunities to achieve their goals and reach their potential. My intent is to get the charges dismissed, but when that is not possible, I negotiate a resolution with minimal long-term consequences, or take the charges to trial and force the prosecutor to prove their case.
I have a strong courtroom presence, backed by training in public speaking, to deliver strong, passionate arguments before the court. I do in-depth factual investigations and thorough case preparation. I have a strong commitment to relentless efforts to provide effective drug defense for my clients and their children.
I defend college students against drug possession or trafficking charges, possession of drug paraphernalia charges, OVI charges, and related criminal charges.
I understand the challenges that students and parents are facing and the importance of defending you well. I commit to using all of my experience and resources to defeat the charges you are facing.
When facing college drug crime allegations in Athens, trust in Andrew H. Stevenson, Attorney at Law, LLC. With a deep understanding of the legal complexities surrounding campus-related drug offenses, I am honored to be your dedicated Athens College Drug Crimes Lawyer. I’ll provide you with a rigorous defense, protect your rights, and work towards the best possible outcome. Don’t let these charges jeopardize your future. Contact me today for a consultation and let us fight for your defense. Your academic and personal future are our priority, and we’re here to guide you through this challenging time. Your initial consultation is free.