Drug Charge Lawyer Dayton

The state of Ohio and the federal government take drug crimes extremely seriously, and even with the legalization of marijuana in other states, the penalties for drug charges in Ohio can be severe. If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug crimes in the Dayton area, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to protect and defend your rights. Call or contact the Comunale Law Office today to schedule a consultation of your case.

 Types of Drug Charges

 There are many different types of drug charges based on the type of prohibited activity being alleged. One of the most common drug charges is possession, which involves simply having a controlled substance on your person or otherwise in your possession, such as in a car or home. If the prosecutor suspects someone of creating or growing illegal drugs, they can be charged with the cultivation or manufacturing of a controlled substance. Finally, if a person is suspected of transporting controlled substances for the purposes of selling them, they can be charged with drug trafficking. The major difference between possession and trafficking is often the amount of controlled substances alleged at the time of the arrest.

 Controlled Substance Schedules

All illegal and controlled substances are separated into schedules, and the higher the schedule of a drug, the harsher the penalties upon conviction. Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana. Schedule II includes cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and Vicodin. Schedule III drugs include ketamine, steroids, and Tylenol with codeine. Schedule IV controlled substances include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien, and Schedule V drugs include Robitussin and antidiarrheal medications.

 Penalties for Drug Crimes

The penalties for conviction of drug crimes in the Dayton area vary based on the type of crime alleged, the type of drug involved, and usually the amount of the drug in question. Other factors, such as prior convictions for other drug offenses, can also impact the severity of penalties if convicted. As such, the severity of potential consequences for drug crimes in Ohio is substantial.

 For example, conviction for possession of heroin, a Schedule I drug, in Ohio can range from a fifth-degree felony to a first-degree felony with major drug offender status based on the amount of heroin alleged. However, conviction for possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance has penalties that range from a first-degree misdemeanor to a second-degree felony based on the amount in question.

Misdemeanor offenses can come with up to one year in jail, fines, community service, drug treatment programs, and probation along with a criminal record. Felony drug offenses can result in years or even life in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, drug rehabilitation programs, and more. Conviction for drug crimes in Ohio also results in a permanent criminal record that will show up on every background check for school, jobs, and housing. To learn more, talk to a lawyer today.

Talk to Our Office Now

 Are you concerned about a drug charge in the Dayton area? Then call or contact the Comunale Law Office today to schedule a free evaluation of your case.