Cuyahoga Falls Drug Crime Lawyer

Cuyahoga Falls Drug Crime Attorney

If you have been arrested for a drug crime, you could face serious consequences. A Cuyahoga Falls drug crime lawyer can reduce the chances of facing jail time for possession, trafficking, and other drug-related crimes.

Anyone arrested for a drug-related offense should seek the help of a skilled Cuyahoga Falls drug crime lawyer as soon as possible after their arrest. The team here at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can help. We have been practicing criminal defense law for years, and in that time, we’ve handled all kinds of different drug crime cases. Learn how we can help you fight your charges.

Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer

While drug overdose deaths have been on the decline, with just 4,915 deaths in 2022 from unintentional overdoses, possession and trafficking of drugs are still major problems in the Buckeye State. Across the United States, drug crimes constituted roughly 29.6% of all arrests in 2024. In Ohio, that number jumped to 42.5%, so if you are facing drug charges, you’re certainly not alone.

Drug crime penalties differ based on factors such as what type of substance was involved and whether you’re facing charges for simple possession, trafficking, manufacturing, or another related crime. What all drug crimes have in common is that they can benefit from the help of a seasoned Cuyahoga Falls drug crime attorney.

When you hire a drug crime lawyer, you get access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. No one should try to fight drug charges alone. Hiring a lawyer will take some of the stress off you during a difficult time and help to ensure the optimal outcome in your case. While it is true that it costs money to hire a drug crimes lawyer, it’s well worth the expense.

Ohio Drug Possession Laws

Ohio’s drug crime laws are both strict and complex. The state categorizes drugs into different schedules ranging from I to V, and your criminal charges will be based on the type of drug you possess. Instead of basing drug crime penalties on the substance or amount, though, Ohio law uses a bulk amounts formula, with the specific amounts defined in Ohio Code 2925.01.

Possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V substance is considered simple drug possession. If you are caught with a Schedule I or II substance, you’ll be charged with aggravated possession of drugs. Penalties vary based on the type of drug and the bulk amount. If you are caught with less than the bulk amount, it is considered a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Second and subsequent offenses are considered fifth-degree felonies punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or up to $2,500 in fines.

If you’re caught with a bulk amount or more, you could face up to nine months in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000. Additional penalties at all levels of possession can include probation, driver’s license suspension, and diversion programs for those who meet the conditions.

Ohio Drug Trafficking Laws

Drug trafficking is a more serious charge than simple possession. It involves providing drugs to another person, as would be the case with people selling drugs or preparing them for distribution. Under Ohio Revised Code 2925.03, anyone who is involved in any way with knowingly providing controlled substances to another person can be charged with drug trafficking. 

Most drug trafficking offenses are felonies, apart from those involving only small amounts of marijuana. You could be charged with simple or aggravated drug trafficking if you are caught engaging in any of these activities:

• Selling drugs
• Offering to sell drugs
• Preparing drugs for shipment
• Shipping drugs
• Preparing drugs for distribution
• Distributing drugs

FAQs

What Are the New Drug Laws in Ohio?

The new drug laws in Ohio pertain primarily to the decision in 2023 to legalize recreational marijuana. Adults can now legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrate. However, new laws have also been recently introduced that increase the penalties for trafficking fentanyl and other hard drugs to up to 11 years for trafficking over a gram.

How Do You Beat a Drug Charge in Ohio?

You can increase your chances of beating a drug charge in Ohio by hiring a skilled drug crimes lawyer. Your lawyer might try to have your case thrown out due to:

• Illegal search and seizure
• Lack of possession
• Lack of knowledge
• Faulty evidence
• Constitutional rights violations
• Entrapment

Even if your charges are not dismissed entirely, your lawyer can help you negotiate a plea deal and explore alternative sentencing arrangements.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Get Sent to Jail in Ohio?

Most first-time drug offenders do not get sent to jail in Ohio, but sentencing depends on the severity of the charge. For misdemeanor drug charges, alternative sentencing arrangements such as fines, probation, community service, or treatment and education programs are more common. For felony drug charges, jail time is a more significant possibility.

How Many Grams Is a Felony in Ohio?

The number of grams that is a felony in Ohio varies based on the controlled substance in question. For marijuana, possessing 200 grams or more can lead to felony charges. For cocaine, the dividing line between misdemeanor and felony falls at five grams. For heroin, possession of just one gram can be considered a felony, as can even a very small amount of fentanyl.

Cuyahoga Falls Drug Crime Lawyer

Ohio takes drug crimes very seriously. If you’ve been charged with one, you need a drug crime lawyer in Cuyahoga Falls on your side who can help you craft an effective defense and determine the right path forward. DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can help. We have over 85 years of combined experience in criminal defense law and have successfully defended countless clients against drug crime charges. We can help you, too. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation today.