Can a Felony Drug Charge Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Ohio?

If you are facing felony drug crime charges, an Ohio drug crime lawyer can help answer your questions, such as “Can a felony drug charge be reduced to a misdemeanor in Ohio?” and “How will these charges impact me long-term?” Your lawyer can also build and present a compelling case on your behalf, helping you actively move toward your desired outcomes.

Are Felony Drug Charges Reduced to Misdemeanors in Ohio?

There are many different factors involved in determining whether a felony drug charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor in Ohio. However, one of the most important tools you have at your disposal is an Ohio drug crime lawyer. Not only can they answer your questions, but they can walk alongside you throughout your case, providing guidance and advice.

There are four steps you can take to increase your chances of having your felony reduced to a misdemeanor.

Step One: Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer Right Away

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics estimates that 26% of all arrests in the United States are connected to alleged drug activity. In 2022, the Ohio Substance Abuse Monitoring Network noted that there was an increase in drug activity in five of Ohio’s major areas. With so many drug arrests each year, prosecutors take these cases seriously. 

Having a criminal defense lawyer representing you can help protect you from potential injustices throughout your case and bring clarity to the process. If you are eager to work your felony charges down to a misdemeanor, the assistance of a lawyer can be your greatest asset. 

Step Two: Plea Negotiations

While it may seem counterintuitive at first, you may need to plead guilty to the lesser of the crimes you have been charged with to pursue a lighter sentence. Your attorney may be able to help you negotiate a plea deal with the Ohio state prosecutor to reduce your felony charge to a misdemeanor. In exchange, you plead guilty to the lesser offense, which potentially leads to reduced penalties.

One reason a plea deal may be offered is if the prosecution is worried they do not have a strong enough case to convict you. Issues with evidence or violations of your rights during the investigation or arrest process may weaken the case against you. 

Step Three: Diversion Programs and Drug Courts

In recent years, the state of Ohio has started to offer diversion programs and drug courts in many of its jurisdictions. These institutions tend to focus more on rehabilitation and treatment for drug addiction than pursuing incarceration. If you can successfully complete this kind of program, which often includes drug treatment, counseling, and other court-mandated requirements, your initial charges may be reduced or even dismissed.

Sadly, this is not an option for everyone, as your eligibility often depends on factors like the degree of the felony. Typically, 4th or 5th degree felonies are accepted, but anything higher may be difficult to work with. The presence of a chemical dependency diagnosis and your motivation to change through treatment are also influential factors that can dictate your eligibility. 

Step Four: Challenging the Evidence 

When your lawyer weakens the prosecution’s case, it can be easier to have your felony charges reduced to misdemeanor ones. There are several different ways that your drug crime attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, planting a seed of reasonable doubt. Here are a few examples of what this may look like:

• Questioning how the evidence was acquired. If your lawyer suspects the prosecution or Ohio law enforcement of obtaining evidence without probable cause or the proper warrants, they can work to prove that your rights were violated and have unethically gathered evidence dismissed. 
• Scrutinizing the scientific side of your case: When testing your urine for drugs or performing tests on suspected controlled substances, those performing said tests can make mistakes, and equipment may not work correctly. Your lawyer can investigate to determine if mistakes happened during these tests, even going so far as to call on relevant expert testimony should the need arise. 

Why Choose Us?

At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, we work hard to protect both you and your rights. We have been helping people like you achieve their goals since we opened our firm in 2003. Our legal team has a proven record of success when it comes to getting drug charges reduced or even thrown out altogether. With our help, you can unlock the strategies your case needs.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer in Ohio?

A: Each drug crime case is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all price that can be applied to hiring drug crime lawyers across the board. The amount of time your case needs, the level of complexity, and who you hire to represent you are all examples of factors that could influence how much you may pay.

Q: What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Drug Crime Case in Ohio?

A: There is a wide variety of evidence that can be used in a drug crime case in Ohio, including photos, urine samples, blood tests, the drugs themselves, witness testimonials, professional input, police records, and more. As long as the evidence is relevant and was acquired through the proper channels, it can be presented before a judge.

Q: Can a Felony Drug Charge Be Dropped in Ohio?

A: It is possible to get a felony drug charge dropped in the state of Ohio, but it is not a guarantee, and many different variables may impact your ability to achieve this desired outcome. For some lower-level felonies, there are addiction rehabilitation programs that, once completed, can lead to a decrease in the severity of charges or even allow them to be dropped.

Q: Do I Need to Have a Drug Crime Lawyer Representing Me in Ohio?

A: While it is not a legal requirement to have an experienced defense attorney representing you in a drug crime case in Ohio, many defendants have found that it can help them achieve favorable results. If you are hoping to have your charges reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor, DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder can help you turn that goal into a reality.

Contact an Ohio Drug Crime Attorney TodayYou deserve the chance to pursue your desired outcomes. Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder today to schedule a consultation.