Criminal Defense For Drug Crimes
My name is attorney Steve Palmer. I have over 25 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer. I founded Palmer Legal Defense to help clients throughout central Ohio who are facing criminal charges, including those accused of drug crimes. I don’t want one bad decision to ruin your future. I can protect your legal rights and help you get your life back on track.
Drug-Defined Offenses And Drug-Related Offenses In Ohio
Drug crimes are often designated as either drug-defined offenses or drug-related offenses. A drug-defined offense refers to a direct violation of a law regulating or prohibiting the manufacture, possession, distribution or use of illegal drugs. If you have been charged with a drug crime in Columbus or Ohio, it’s important to find a criminal defense lawyer experienced with drug-related offenses.
A drug-related offense, on the other hand, refers to a crime motivated by the offender’s drug use. This can mean crimes that are committed because the offender is currently under the influence of drugs, or crimes that occur as a result of the user’s desire to earn money to continue a drug habit. Offenses connected to drug distribution itself, such as violence against rival drug dealers, are also often considered drug-related offenses.
Criminal Charges For Drug Possession
In Ohio, drug possession is defined as the possession of illegal drugs for personal use, distribution or sale. Drug possession also refers to the possession of controlled substances such as prescription medications, and can include the possession of compounds or mixtures that are often used to make or manufacture illegal drugs. The possession or use of prescribed medication without a prescription is equally serious.
Criminal Charges For Drug Dealing, Trafficking And Distribution
Drug dealing is an umbrella term that includes the practice of the possession of drugs in addition to drug trafficking and the intent to distribute or sell or resale of illegal drugs. Some of the most common drugs involved in drug dealing charges are crack cocaine, marijuana, heroin and crystal meth.
Possession With The Intent To Sell Or Distribute Drugs
If the drug possession charges being brought against you include a charge of intent to sell or distribute, your punishment could be even more serious than it would be for simple possession. The distinction of “intent to distribute” is generally determined by the amount of the drug found in your possession and the understood rate at which a person could use that drug alone.
Charges For Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is one of the most severe drug charges, punishable by stiff penalties. Ohio law defines drug trafficking as:
- Knowingly selling or offering to sell a controlled substance
- Preparing controlled substances for shipment, transport, delivery, distribution or
- Distributing a controlled substance with the knowledge that the controlled substance is intended for sale or resale
The punishments for drug dealing or drug trafficking can be very stiff. If the drug trafficking or dealing charges are severe enough, and if it is not possible to reach a deal with the prosecutor, the prison sentence you may be facing could even extend to a life sentence. In addition to a potential prison sentence, you and your family may face asset forfeiture, including that of your car and house.
Why You Need A Lawyer
If you are brought up on drug trafficking charges, you can face serious consequences. Under certain circumstances, you could even be charged for drug crimes in federal court. As an experienced criminal defense attorney, I know and understand the criminal legal system. I work to get my clients into rehabilitative programs or alternate sentencing options whenever possible, in lieu of jail time. A criminal defense attorney working on your behalf can negotiate to reduce the charges against you and protect your constitutional rights.
Contact A Columbus Drug Crimes Attorney
If you or someone you know is facing drug possession charges in Ohio, contact me at 614-224-6142 or fill out my contact form.