Drug Offenses

Drug possession, sale, manufacture, delivery and transportation of controlled substances is categorized as a drug crime.  Possession of illegal substances is typically limited to small amounts.  If the arresting officer or prosecution determines that you had an intent to sell or distribute, more serious charges can be brought against you.  At DUI Akron, we represent clients that have been charged with all types of drug offenses.  We use our in-depth knowledge of the law, 90+ years of collective experience and background as former state prosecutors to obtain our client’s freedom.  It is passion and a sincere interest in our client’s welfare that fuels our determination to win. 
 
Illegal Drugs in Ohio
Medical marijuana, CBD oil and low percentages of THC are sanctioned in Ohio, but other forms of marijuana are not.  In fact, there are a whole host of substances considered illegal in the state of Ohio.  Powdered cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy and hashish are illegal.  Heroin, LSD, methadone and methamphetamines are not protected substances.  Morphine, opium illegally obtained prescription drugs and steroids are outlawed unless prescribed by a licensed doctor.  Understanding your rights and knowing what is legal and illegal can be challenging.  Laws change every day.  It’s our goal to ensure that our clients are well informed.
 
What’s at Risk
The District Attorney’s Office is tough on drug cases.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a possession misdemeanor or trafficking charge.  They unleash all resources to go after one individual.  If you have been charged with transportation, manufacturing, conspiracy, cultivation, trafficking, sales, distribution, or possession of a federally controlled substance, the penalties are stiff.  Your life, money, freedom, pride and time are at risk.  If convicted, you could be facing driver’s license suspension, incarceration, court ordered drug treatment, community service, vehicle forfeiture or asset and property seizure.  People say they can’t afford a lawyer, but in these circumstances, you can’t afford not to hire an attorney.
 
Drug Possession vs. Drug Sale
The law makes a distinction between drug possession, sale, trafficking and intent to distribute.  At some point, it gets blurry and become highly subjective.  Classification of charges is dependent upon the type of drug possess and the amount.  Controlled substances like methamphetamines, crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin tend to carry heavier penalties.  Having more than 100g of marijuana is deemed a simple misdemeanor.  Anything over 200g is classified as felony possession of marijuana.  If it is determined that there was an exchange of drugs for money, a penalty of up to 10 years is possible.      
 
Case Results
We represented a client that had been investigated by a joint federal and state task force for 2 months.  The client was charged with conspiracy to commit several counts of drug trafficking. The case when to trial.  After 2 weeks, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.  In another case, we represented a client that was charged with manufacturing methamphetamines.  The prosecution argued that they were granted the right to enter.  We argued that the person granting them authority did not have the right to do so.  We were able to suppress the evidence and the prosecution promptly moved for a dismissal.