The Punishments for Cocaine-Related Drug Crimes Can Be Severe

Cocaine-related criminal offenses are treated rather harshly compared to crimes involving other types of drugs. This is a drug that is considered illegal in every state. Ohio residents who are accused of committing cocaine-related drug crimes may face severe punishments if convicted.

As with all drug crimes, there are various consequences for cocaine-related offenses, depending on the type of crime allegedly committed, one's intent and the amount of cocaine found in one's possession. For the crime of cocaine possession alone, there are five different levels of charges and associated punishments. All are considered felony level offenses, but the punishments range from six months in jail up to 11 years and fines ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

The consequences for a conviction on a possession charge are severe, its true, but those convicted for selling or trafficking this drug may suffer far worse. Both of these offenses are considered felonies and are punishable by prison terms and hefty fines. Again, drug amount and intent will be used to determine what level of punishment will be applied if a conviction is achieved by prosecuting attorneys.

There is no doubt about it, Ohio residents who are accused of cocaine-related drug crimes have a lot to lose. The severity of the available punishments can be, quite simply, life changing. One who has been accused of a cocaine-related offense does have the right to defend him or herself in criminal court. This, of course, can be done with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney. With legal counsel at one's side, one can pursue a legal course of action that will best benefit his or her current and future circumstances.

Source: FindLaw, "Ohio Cocaine Laws", Accessed on March 29, 2017

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