What Is a “Bulk” Amount of Cocaine in Ohio?
August 6, 2024
A “bulk” amount of drugs refers to a large quantity of drugs typically possessed in the course of drug trafficking or distribution. Possessing a bulk amount of cocaine or other controlled substances can expose a defendant to severe penalties. When facing bulk possession charges, you need a dedicated Ohio drug crimes lawyer to defend your rights and interests.
Definition of “Bulk” Amount Under Ohio Law
Under Ohio law, a quantity of controlled substances constitutes a bulk amount when it equals or exceeds a specified amount. The minimum amount of drugs needed to qualify as a bulk amount depends on the type of controlled substance involved:
- Any Schedule I opiate or opium derivative in an amount equal to or exceeding 10 grams or 25 unit doses
- Raw or gum opium in an amount equal to or exceeding 10 grams
- Any Schedule I hallucinogen other than THC or LSD, or any Schedule I stimulant or depressant, in an amount equal to or exceeding 30 grams to 10 unit doses
- Any Schedule II opiate or opium derivative in an amount equal to or exceeding 25 grams or five times the maximum daily dose
- Phencyclidine in an amount equal to or exceeding five grams or 10 unit doses
- Any Schedule II stimulant in an amount equal to or exceeding 120 grams or 30 times the maximum daily dose
- Any Schedule III or IV substance other than an anabolic steroid or a Schedule III opiate or opium derivative in an amount equal to or exceeding 120 grams or 30 times the maximum daily dose
- Any Schedule III opiate in an amount equal to or exceeding 20 grams or five times the maximum daily dose
- Any Schedule III anabolic steroid in an amount equal to or exceeding 200 dosage units, 16 grams, or 16 milliliters
In Ohio, cocaine falls in Schedule II of the state’s schedule of controlled substances.
Legal Consequences for Possessing “Bulk” Amounts of Cocaine in Ohio
Penalties for a conviction for cocaine possession under Ohio state criminal law depend on the amount of cocaine found in a defendant’s possession. Sentencing ranges for cocaine possession include:
- Less Than Five Grams – Fifth-degree felony, with penalties of six to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500
- Five to Nine Grams – Fourth-degree felony, with penalties of six to 18 months incarceration and fines up to $5,000
- 10 to 19 Grams – Third-degree felony, with penalties of nine to 36 months incarceration and fines up to $10,000
- 20 to 27 Grams – Second-degree felony, with penalties of two to eight years in prison and fines up to $15,000
- 28 to 99 Grams – First-degree felony, with penalties of three to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000
- 100 or More Grams – First-degree felony, with a penalty of 11 years imprisonment and fines up to $20,000
Contact a Drug Crime Defense Attorney Today
If you were arrested for possessing bulk quantities of cocaine in Ohio, you need an experienced attorney who will defend your rights, freedom, and future.
Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder today for a free, confidential consultation with our legal team to discuss your options for pursuing a favorable resolution to your drug charges.