Cleveland DUI & Drug Crime Attorney in Ohio Protects Your Freedom
What types of charges can I face for drugs?
Michael C. Asseff Attorney at Law has defended many Ohioans from harsh drug penalties. If you are involved with drugs, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances. Charges can include:
- Possessing a controlled substance — Drug possession is one of the most common drug charges. Possession can be charged when a person knowingly obtains, possesses or uses a controlled substance. Possession can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the quantity of the drug and other factors.
- Possessing drug paraphernalia — It is a crime in Ohio to knowingly make, obtain or possess an instrument or device for the purposes of using an illegal drug. Many items can be considered drug paraphernalia if used improperly, including plastic bags, pipes, hypodermic needles, razors and even spoons. This crime is charged as either a first- or second-degree misdemeanor.
- Trafficking —Trafficking is the sale, shipment, transportation or delivery of a controlled substance. Drug trafficking is a felony — the degree of the felony depends on factors such as whether the sale was made in a school zone or if a weapon was used.
- Manufacturing — Charges for manufacturing drugs can arise anytime you take part in any portion of the process of producing a controlled substance. For example, those who grow marijuana or “cook” methamphetamines could face charges of drug manufacture. Manufacture of drugs is also a felony whose severity is determined by aggravating factors.
- DUI/OVI — If a blood test or other test finds a schedule I drug in your system, you may be charged with OVI. Even if you were not high while driving, just having a controlled substance in the car, or metabolites in your bloodstream, can trigger a mandatory license suspension.
Please remember that controlled substances are not limited to the typical street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, LSD and heroin. Controlled substances can also include legal prescription drugs such as oxycodone, Ambien, codeine or steroids if you do not have a valid prescription.
What penalties should I be aware of?
Drug crimes carry serious criminal penalties. At the least severe level, a second-degree misdemeanor can lead to as much as 90 days in jail and fines up to $500. At the most severe level, a first-degree felony can result in imprisonment for 3 to 10 years and fines up to $20,000. You can face other penalties for drug crimes. Some of these include:
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Your specific concerns can be better addressed in an individualized setting where you can discuss the charges and the circumstances in detail with an attorney.
How can an attorney help be beat drug charges?
An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you reduce or eliminate the charges and penalties you face. While each case is different, your attorney can look into several standard areas to find out if the police made mistakes. Your attorney can use these mistakes to suppress harmful evidence. Some common reasons to suppress evidence include illegal search and failure to advise the accused of their Miranda rights. Other defenses your attorney may explore might be:
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A detailed consultation with an experienced attorney is the first step to understanding the charges against you and formulating a plan to reduce or eliminate that penalties you face.
Contact us today to handle your drug charges
Drug charges are a serious matter that can take away your freedom. Work with an experienced criminal defense attorney by calling Michael C. Asseff Attorney at Law today at 440-520-1222 or contact the firm online.