Akron

Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Defense for Drug Trafficking Cases in Ohio

The area of law concerning drug crimes encompasses possession, sales, manufacture, delivery, or transportation of controlled substances. Possession generally is related to cases in which a small amount of the drug was alleged to be found, therefore for personal use. You can be charged with drug sales or trafficking, however, depending on how much was found and what kind of drug is involved. The crime of drug trafficking or possession with intent is far more serious, and allow for far more severe penalties to be imposed in a conviction.

At DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder, our Akron drug trafficking attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with any drug crime. Our extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the defense law has resulted in numerous successful defenses in drug cases. If you have been arrested in Akron for drug trafficking or other drug offense, you need to contact our firm as early as possible after the arrest.

Contact our Akron drug trafficking lawyers at 330-762-7477 today to discuss your case in a free review!

What Is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking, also known as drug distribution, involves the sale, transportation, or importation of illegal drugs. This serious crime falls under federal jurisdiction and is considered a felony, carrying severe penalties and potential prison time. It is not the same as drug possession. As a federal crime, drug trafficking laws are established by Congress and apply to the entire nation.

Ohio Drug Trafficking Laws

Drug trafficking is a serious offense and is generally classified as a felony in Ohio. The severity of the offense and the penalties imposed depend on various factors, including:

• the type and quantity of the drugs involved
• the defendant’s prior criminal record
• other circumstances surrounding the offense

Under Ohio law, controlled substances are categorized into different schedules, with Schedule I drugs being considered the most dangerous and resulting in the highest penalties. Some of the common controlled substances that are often associated with drug trafficking offenses include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and certain prescription medications.

What Are Drug Sales?

This can be a complex area of law. Drug sales basically mean the offender is exchanging illegal drugs for money. It is closely tied to drug distribution or trafficking. Depending upon the drug, even a small amount alleged to have been in your possession, or several plants growing in your home, can result in charges of possession with the intent to sell, a felony charge.

Drugs that are commonly involved in cases of illegal sales charges include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, LSD, Xanax and Valium, as well as others.

Drug Sales Penalties in Ohio

The crime of drug sales is a felony, but the amount and type of drug will determine how serious the punishment that could be imposed. For example, a felony charge could result in a prison sentence of 6 -12 months with fines up to $2500, or it could go as high as 3 – 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000. These are general guidelines. They could be enhanced if it is alleged that the sale of drugs occurred near a school.

Controlled Substances and Drug Schedules

Controlled substances are categorized into different schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and likelihood of causing dependence or addiction. These schedules are defined in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

• Schedule I substances are recognized as highly addictive with no accepted medical use, and are not safe even with medical supervision.
  • Examples: heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy (MDMA), peyote
• Schedule II drugs are also highly addictive and have medical uses, but may result in severe drug dependence.
  • Examples: cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, Adderall
• Schedule III drugs are recognized as low potential for abuse, with accepted medical uses and moderate risk of dependence.
  • Examples: products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit, anabolic steroids, ketamine, certain barbiturates
• Schedule IV drugs are recognized for their low potential for drug abuse, with accepted medical uses and limited potential for dependence.
  • Examples: Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Ambien
• Schedule V drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV substances, with accepted medical uses and limited potential for dependence.
  • Examples: cough medicine containing codeine, anti-diarrheal medications containing diphenoxylate, certain anticonvulsant drugs

Trafficking Specific Drugs in Ohio

Cocaine Trafficking Penalties

• < 5 grams
  • 5th-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $2,500
  • Prison: up to 12 months
• 5 – 10 grams
  • 4th-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $5,000
  • Prison: up to 18 months
• 10 – 20 grams
  • 3rd-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $10,000
  • Prison: up to 5 years
• 20 – 27 grams
  • 2nd-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $10,000
  • Prison: up to 5 years
• 27 – 100 grams
  • 1st-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $20,000
  • Prison: up to 11 years
• 100+ grams
  • 1st-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $20,000
  • Prison: up to 11 years

Heroin Trafficking Penalties

• < 1 gram (liquid) or < 10 units (solid)
  • 5th-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $2,500
  • Prison: up to 12 months
• 1 – 5 grams (liquid) or 10 – 50 units (solid)
  • 4th-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $5,000
  • Prison: up to 18 months
• 5 – 10 grams (liquid) or 50 – 100 units (solid)
  • 3rd-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $10,000
  • Prison: up to 5 years
• 10 – 50 grams (liquid) or 100 – 500 units (solid)
  • 2nd-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $10,000
  • Prison: up to 5 years
• 50 – 100 grams (liquid) or 500 – 1,000 units (solid)
  • 1st-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $20,000
  • Prison: up to 11 years
• 100+ grams (liquid) or 1,000+ units (solid)
  • 1st-degree felony
  • Fine: up to $20,000
  • Prison: up to 11 years

Defending Drug Trafficking Charges in OH

Defending a charge of drug sales or trafficking could involve determining if law enforcement violated your rights and engaged in an illegal search and seizure. In some cases, innocent people are caught up in stings set up by undercover police. Representation with our Akron drug trafficking lawyers means a thorough investigation into the specifics of your case, and the facts surrounding your arrest, a full review of police records and reports, interviewing witnesses, and all other factors that could assist in your defense. When appropriate, we work with the prosecutor to pursue reduced charges.

An effective defense starts with your contacting our firm at 330-762-7477 so we can discuss your case. Our Akron drug trafficking attorneys are here to protect your rights and your future.