Facing Drug Crimes Charges In Cincinnati? Our Trial-Tested Attorneys Are Ready To Help.
Facing drug charges can be an overwhelming experience, affecting not just your immediate freedom but your future opportunities as well. At Minnillo Law Group Co., LPA, we understand the gravity of your situation. With more than 25 years in practice serving clients in Cincinnati, Hamilton County and beyond, we have seen firsthand how a drug offense can alter lives.
We offer personal attention and tailor our defense strategies to suit each client’s unique situation. You will always receive clear communication from us, and we pride ourselves on transparent billing practices. From our offices in Hyde Park, Eastgate and Fairfield, we are well-positioned to assist anyone in the Cincinnati metropolitan area and the surrounding regions of Ohio and Kentucky. Do not hesitate to reach out for a free consultation to discuss your drug crime concerns.
Defense Against All Drug Charges
In Ohio, a drug charge can arise from various situations involving controlled substances. These charges are serious and can include a wide range of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine.
We defend against all types of drug offenses, including:
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Selling drugs
- Manufacturing drugs
Facing these charges without an experienced criminal defense lawyer could put your future at risk. Our team at the Minnillo Law Group is ready to support you, ensuring that every legal avenue is explored in your defense.
Penalties For Ohio Drug Crimes
Ohio law enforces strict penalties for drug crimes, which can be severe even for those with no prior criminal record. Penalties might include significant time behind bars, substantial fines and a lasting mark on your criminal record.
For example, a conviction for drug trafficking can lead to years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, depending on the substance and the amount involved. This permanent record can affect your future employment, housing and personal relationships for years to come.
How Controlled Substance Schedules Affect Drug Charges
Under the Controlled Substance Act, substances are categorized into schedules. These schedules determine whether a drug can be used in medical fields, including distribution, manufacture and consumption.
Certain substances are seen as too dangerous for medical use and are given extreme regulations. However, many substances can be purchased over the counter, obtained with a doctor’s prescription or used on patients in medical facilities. There are five total drug schedules, including:
- Schedule I: Drugs that have the harshest restriction are classified as Schedule I. These substances have no medical uses because of their high potential for abuse. Schedule I can include peyote, heroin and methaqualone.
- Schedule II: Second to Schedule I substances are Schedule II substances. These drugs have a high potential for abuse, but can occasionally be obtained with a prescription. Schedule II can include fentanyl, oxycodone, methadone and cocaine.
- Schedule III: Substances that have a moderate potential for abuse are classified as Schedule III substances. These drugs have a larger range of medical uses. Schedule III can include ketamine, testosterone and steroids.
- Schedule IV: Substances that can be regularly bought over the counter or prescriptions are typically classified as Schedule IV substances. Schedule IV can include Xanax, Soma, Valium and Tramadol.
- Schedule V: Substances with the lowest potential for abuse are classified as Schedule V substances. Schedule V can include cough medicine, antidiarrheal and allergy medicine.
It is crucial to understand drug schedules during a criminal case. Prosecutors scrutinize the type and quantity of a substance a defendant possessed at the time of their arrest. If the defendant possessed a Schedule I substance, for example, they could face maximum criminal punishments, especially if they were manufacturing or distributing the drug. If the defendant was in possession of a large quantity of substances, then they could be charged with federal drug trafficking charges.
Will First-Time Drug Offenders Go To Jail In Ohio?
The possibility of jail time for first-time drug offenders in Ohio depends on several factors, including the type and amount of the drug involved. While not all first-time offenses result in jail time, the threat is real, particularly for more severe charges like trafficking or manufacturing controlled substances. Working with a seasoned attorney can help in negotiating lesser charges or alternative sentences, such as probation or treatment programs, especially for lesser offenses like drug possession.
Ready To Defend Your Future? Call Us Today.
If you or someone you know is facing drug charges, the time to act is now. Contact the Minnillo Law Group today by calling us at 513-723-1600 or by filling out our online contact form. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine the best path forward.