Defense Attorneys for Drug Crimes
Drug charges in Ohio can vary significantly in terms of severity, ranging from simple possession to distribution and manufacturing charges. No matter the drug offense with which you are charged, it is a wise idea to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help create a strong legal strategy and make sure that your case resolves in the best possible manner. If you or a loved one is being charged with a drug crime, it is essential to contact the drug crime defense attorneys at Kruger & Hodges, it is also important understand some key facts about how drug crimes in Ohio are prosecuted.
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Controlled Substance Schedules
The federal government has a list, or schedule, of controlled substances. Ohio has a similar list. Where a drug is found on this list influences the charges that a person can end up facing. The schedule of controlled substances in Ohio includes the following:
- Schedule I: This category includes drugs like heroin, which have no accepted purpose and the highest risk for addiction.
- Schedule II: This category includes a large number of painkillers, which have a medically accepted use but also have a high risk for abuse and addiction.
- Schedule III: Drugs like anabolic steroids fall into this group and include substances that have a moderate risk for addiction but legitimate medical uses.
- Schedule IV: This category includes sedatives that have a low risk of addiction but an accepted medical use.
- Schedule V: Drugs with a small amount of codeine are included in this category and have a low risk of addiction but a commonly accepted medical use.
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Drug Crimes in Ohio
Some of the most common drug crimes with which individuals in Ohio are charged include the following:
- Drug possession: Ohio law prohibits a person from knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using a controlled substance unless that individual is a drug manufacturer, has a license to prescribe drugs, or has a valid prescription.
- Drug paraphernalia: Ohio law makes it illegal to possess drug paraphernalia, which includes any type of equipment or product that is used or intended to be used for the cultivation, manufacture, production, processing, packaging, or storing of illegal drugs. These charges often arise in addition to other drug offenses.
- Drug trafficking: These charges arise when a person knowingly delivers, sells, offers to sell, prepares for distribution, prepares to ship, or transports drugs.
- Heroin possession: Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug. While possession of less than 1 gram of heroin is a fifth-degree felony that results in up to 12 months in prison and fines of up to $2,500, possession of over 250 grams of heroin results in a required 11 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
- Marijuana possession: Classified as a Schedule I drug in Ohio, the penalties that a person faces for marijuana possession vary significantly based on the amount that is involved. While less than 100 grams of marijuana is typically classified as a minor misdemeanor that results in $150 in fines, possession of 40,000 grams of marijuana is a second degree felony that can result in up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
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Obtain the Services of our Skilled Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
If you have been charged with any type of drug offense in Hamilton, Eaton or Middletown, do not hesitate to contact the Law Firm of Kruger & Hodges’ drug crime defense attorneys to schedule an initial free consultation. From start to finish, our criminal defense attorneys will remain committed to obtaining the best possible results in your case.
Call or text 513-894-3333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form