Brunswick Drug Crime Lawyer

Brunswick Drug Crime Attorney

A drug crime case can have severe penalties. Jail time, fines, or mandatory drug treatment programs can all be possible consequences of a drug crime charge. A Brunswick drug crime lawyer can work to defend you against these charges, safeguard your rights, and reduce penalties. 

Why Choose DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder?

The Brunswick criminal defense lawyers at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder have over 50 years of combined experience providing criminal defense against a variety of charges. We know how challenging it can be to face drug crime charges, and we seek to make this process easier by explaining the drug crime laws and criminal defense strategies that apply to your case. 

We consistently achieve lowered sentences and dismissals of drug crime cases, allowing individuals to move forward after charges. 

Understanding Drug Crimes in Brunswick

Unfortunately, there are about 4,500 unintentional drug overdose deaths every year in Ohio, with some of the most deadly substances being fentanyl and opioids. Drug use can have disastrous repercussions on your physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle. People in Brunswick can seek help through local rehabilitation and medical centers, such as Evolve Behavioral Health or BrightView Health.  

There are a variety of different drug crimes you may be charged with. Many crimes can be drug-related, leading to additional charges on top of charges such as violent crime or sexual assault. 

The primary drug offenses are:

• Possession. Knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using a controlled substance can lead to possession charges
• Trafficking. Trafficking charges involve selling or transporting controlled substances. You can face charges for small and large-scale sales
• Manufacturing. Manufacturing charges involve producing, cultivating, or otherwise creating a controlled substance 

Ohio’s Drug Crime Penalties

Drug crime penalties can range from minor misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug, the drug crime you are charged with, and previous convictions. You may be faced with up to life imprisonment and a fine of up to $20,000. 

Other consequences could include a suspension of your driver’s license, a permanent criminal record, child custody issues, or participation in a treatment or rehabilitation program.  

Some factors increase the seriousness of a drug crime, known as aggravating factors. The presence of aggravating factors can lead to higher charges or penalties, and can include:

• If the offense involved large quantities of a drug
• If you have prior offenses or are on probation or parole
• If you intended to distribute the drug
• If the offense was affiliated with or organized by a gang
• If the offense involved a deadly weapon, such as a firearm
• If the offense involved injury or death
• If the offense occurred in a drug-free zone

Why You Should Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

Defending against drug charges is legally complex. A Brunswick drug crime lawyer can analyze your case for various strategies to achieve case dismissal, reduced charges, or reduced penalties. Some strategies that are commonly used in a drug crime case are:

• Suppressing illegally obtained evidence. Evidence obtained illegally could include a search and seizure conducted without a warrant, consent, or probable cause. A lawyer can file a motion to suppress this evidence, preventing it from being used against you. 
• Challenging a lack of evidence. Evidence against you must be sufficient to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A lawyer can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence to determine if they have sufficient evidence to convict you. 
• Arguing a lack of knowledge or ownership. To be convicted, you must have knowingly possessed or otherwise been involved in the drug crime. A lawyer can argue that you were unaware of the drug’s presence, such as if the drugs were in a shared space where someone else could have placed them.
• Arguing a medical necessity. Having controlled medication or a drug for a valid medical use can be a defense to drug charges. A lawyer can present a valid medical prescription or a doctor’s testimony to support the argument that you had the drug for a medical purpose. 

FAQs

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Ohio?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Ohio, but only when used in compliance with strict restrictions. You must have an approved medical condition, have the recommendation of a certified Ohio physician, and only purchase and use medical marijuana from authorized dispensaries. If you have a drug charge related to your medical marijuana, hire a drug crime lawyer who can defend against your charges using evidence of your authorization to use it for medical purposes.

What Is Ohio’s Drug Schedule?

Ohio’s drug schedule is a system that categorizes controlled substances into five schedules, I through V. Schedule I includes drugs with the highest potential for abuse or addiction with no accepted medical use, such as heroin or LSD. Schedule V includes drugs that have the lowest potential for abuse and accepted medical uses, such as medications with minimal amounts of codeine, like certain cough syrups. 

What Is a Drug-Free Zone in Ohio?

A drug-free zone is a specific area that can result in harsher penalties if a drug crime occurs. These zones are meant to deter drug crimes near areas with children, including within 100 feet of a school, daycare, or park. If you are charged with a drug crime in a drug-free zone, your charges may be elevated by one degree. 

What Is a Major Drug Offender?

A Major Drug Offender (MDO) is a classification for individuals who have been convicted of a drug charge with extremely large quantities of a drug. This status can be given when at least 100 times the bulk amount of a drug is involved, which is generally 100 or more grams of cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl. Being an MDO can lead to higher charges and penalties, with mandatory maximum prison time and no option for rehabilitation as an alternative. 

Reach Out to a Brunswick Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crime charges can have life-changing penalties that could permanently limit your freedom and opportunities. Defending against these charges is essential to protect your future. Contact DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder for a free consultation to learn how an experienced Brunswick drug crime attorney can minimize the penalties of a drug crime conviction or lead to a not-guilty verdict.