Having a drug conviction on your record can have a lasting impact on your life. Long after you pay your fines and serve your jail time, you can find your criminal record hanging over your head. Given these consequences, it is vital that you work with a dedicated criminal defense attorney to fight these charges and push for a case dismissal or acquittal.
In my time as a Lancaster drug crimes lawyer, I have represented clients in cases large and small. While the situation might feel hopeless, the right strategy could help you beat your charges and walk away without a conviction on your record.
State law takes a hard stance against possessing, manufacturing, using, or selling controlled substances. According to Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11, these acts are felony offenses that can lead to life-altering consequences if you are convicted. Some of the substances that are regulated by the state include the following:
There are some exceptions under the statute to be aware of. These charges are not appropriate when it comes to medical providers authorized to prescribe drugs or pharmacists dispensing medication according to a doctor’s orders. During my tenure as a Lancaster drug crimes attorney, I have employed alternative defense strategies to avoid convictions in these cases as well.
The penalties that come with a drug charge can vary, and that is based on more than just the specific offense you are facing. While manufacturing charges typically carry steeper penalties compared to possession, the volume of the substance can also impact a potential sentence. These are known as bulk amounts of a drug.
According to Ohio Revised Code § 2925.01, a bulk amount is anything equal to or exceeding 10 grams or 25 doses of a schedule I opiate or derivative, including cocaine. The sentencing range for these crimes varies from six months to ten years, and there are costly monetary fines to consider as well.
When I take a drug defense case in Lancaster, OH, I thoroughly investigate the state’s evidence to determine the best possible defense strategies. The following are some of the options I frequently take when defending clients.
One of the most common defense strategies available in these cases involves the violation of your constitutional rights. The police face limits on when they can search your home, vehicle, or person. If they violate your rights, any evidence they collect could be excluded from use at trial.
In most drug cases, your intent is an important component. After all, you have not committed a crime if you unknowingly possess or transport a controlled substance. The state must be able to show that you acted knowingly, and I can counter that with evidence that establishes you were unaware that you had anything unlawful in your possession, or the location that any drugs were found in does not actually belong to you.
Ultimately, the state has to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The reality is that the evidence is not always strong enough to meet this high burden. When that is the case, the best strategy is to point out how weak the allegations against you are instead of attempting to provide an alternative theory or suspect.
If you are accused of a drug-related offense, it is important that you fight back against these charges. A conviction can upend your life in ways you might not expect, but the good news is that favorable outcomes are possible, especially with help. Reach out right away to learn how I can protect your rights while serving as your Lancaster drug crimes lawyer. With over 25 years of experience, I have seen almost every type of situation imaginable and will get to work on your behalf.
Client found in possession of a large amount of marijuana after his vehicle was stopped. Client was facing over 6 years in prison and the case was ultimately dismissed.
