Have you been charged with a drug crime in Sandusky, OH? Call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers today at (419) 625-7770 to learn how our Sandusky drug crimes attorneys can help you.
Facing drug possession or distribution charges can upend your life and put your future at risk. You need a legal team that understands the stakes and knows how to fight for you in and out of court.
Our team has 181 years of combined experience handling tough criminal cases just like yours. Our attorneys will explain your options, build a strong defense, and stand by you through every step of the process.
If you’re facing charges in Sandusky, Ohio, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Sandusky criminal defense attorney.
Why Choose Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers if You’re Arrested for Drug Crimes in Sandusky, OH?
When you’re arrested for a drug crime in Sandusky, OH, the choices you make next can shape your future forever. Drug charges come with serious consequences, and the legal system can be tough to navigate if you try to handle things alone.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, our reputation stands out because we dedicate our skills and resources to defending our clients, no matter how difficult the case.
Here’s what sets our Sandusky criminal defense lawyers apart:
- Nearly two centuries of combined legal experience fighting for people accused of serious offenses.
- A proven team of skilled trial lawyers recognized by Super Lawyers and honored as Top 40 under 40.
- We are relentless in our approach and do everything possible to help you avoid jail and keep your record clear.
Choosing the right defense lawyer can have a major impact on your case and your life. If you need help with a case in Sandusky, Ohio, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Sandusky drug crimes lawyer.
Overview of Drug Crimes in Ohio
Drug charges in Ohio carry serious consequences. Here’s an overview of the most common types of drug-related charges you might encounter in the state:
Possession of Controlled Substances
It’s against the law to knowingly possess controlled substances, such as cocaine or heroin. It’s also illegal to possess prescription drugs without a valid prescription or legal authorization. Even being caught with a small amount can lead to criminal charges, and penalties get worse with higher quantities or certain types of drugs.
Drug Manufacturing
Ohio makes it a crime to manufacture or grow controlled substances, which includes operating a drug lab or cultivating certain plants. There are specific rules for drugs like marijuana and methamphetamine, but in general, producing any controlled substance without authorization is a serious offense.
Trafficking and Aggravated Trafficking
Selling, transporting, or distributing controlled substances, especially in larger quantities or near schools, can result in charges of trafficking or aggravated trafficking. Offenses become more serious for drugs classified as Schedule I or II, and sentencing can include substantial prison time.
Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription medications are also tightly regulated under Ohio law. Charges may arise if someone obtains drugs through fraud, forges prescriptions, or shares medication without legal authority. Prescription drug fraud is taken very seriously by prosecutors.
Drug Paraphernalia
Items used to consume or prepare illegal substances, such as pipes, syringes, or scales, are regulated by Ohio law. Using, possessing, selling, or even advertising drug paraphernalia is a criminal offense, and these cases often accompany other drug charges.
Conspiracy
You don’t have to physically handle drugs to face charges; agreeing or planning with others to produce, deliver, or sell controlled substances can lead to drug conspiracy charges. Simply being involved in a plan or agreement is often enough for these charges.
Because the penalties for each of these offenses can be severe, it’s essential to understand your rights and consult an experienced Sandusky criminal defense attorney right away.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Sandusky, Ohio?
Penalties for drug crimes in Ohio can vary greatly depending on several factors. The type of drug, the amount involved, whether the offense is possession or something more serious like trafficking or manufacturing, and your past criminal history all play a major role in what kind of punishment you might face.
Depending on your specific case, the consequences can include:
Prison or Jail Time
Convictions for drug crimes often carry time behind bars. Serious felony offenses like trafficking, manufacturing, or having large quantities can result in lengthy prison sentences. Even smaller charges or certain misdemeanors may lead to time in county jail.
Probation
Instead of, or in addition to, jail time, you could be sentenced to probation. Probation usually comes with strict rules you must follow, including meeting with an officer, staying drug-free, and avoiding new criminal charges. Violating probation can send you to jail.
Fines and Court Costs
Most drug convictions result in heavy fines, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the charge and its severity. Additional court fees and costs often apply and can add up quickly.
Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation
Courts in Ohio sometimes order people convicted of drug crimes to complete outpatient or residential drug treatment programs. Successfully finishing treatment can sometimes lead to reduced penalties or even dismissal of some charges for first-time offenders.
Community Service
In some cases, the court will require drug offenders to complete a certain number of community service hours as part of the penalty.
Because of these wide-ranging and lasting penalties, having a knowledgeable Sandusky drug crimes attorney fight for you in Ohio is extremely important.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Drug Crimes?
If you’re arrested for a drug charge, there are legal defenses that could be raised, depending on the circumstances. Some frequently used ones include:
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
You can’t be convicted if you did not knowingly possess drugs. For example, if you borrowed someone else’s car and were unaware that there were illegal substances hidden in it, your attorney can argue lack of knowledge as a defense.
Valid Prescription
If you have a doctor’s valid prescription for the substance found in your possession, such as pain medication or other controlled drugs, showing this documentation can serve as a strong defense against criminal charges.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Police must follow strict legal rules when conducting searches. If officers searched your home, car, or person without a warrant or probable cause and discovered drugs, your lawyer may be able to have that evidence thrown out of court.
Evidence Wasn’t Properly Handled
Police mistakes, such as a broken chain of custody, lost evidence, or contamination of a drug sample, can also provide grounds for dismissing charges or a not guilty verdict.
Entrapment
Sometimes, law enforcement persuades someone to commit a drug offense they would not have otherwise committed. If you were pressured or coerced by police into illegal activity, you may be able to claim entrapment as a defense.
Drugs Belonged to Someone Else
If the drugs were found in a space you share with other people, such as a house or vehicle, and the prosecution can’t prove they were specifically yours, you and your attorney can argue that they belonged to someone else.
Each drug case is different, so the right defense will depend on the exact facts of your case.
Being accused of a drug crime can affect every part of your life, but it doesn’t have to define your future, especially when you have knowledgeable attorneys on your side.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, we’re ready to fight for your rights and give you the straightforward answers you need during this difficult time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Sandusky drug crimes attorney.