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Drug Crimes

Drug Crimes Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug offense, your first phone call should be to a Mason Ohio drug crimes lawyer. Depending on the type, quantity, and weight of the drugs involved, a conviction could send you to prison for decades and subject you to fines totaling thousands of dollars. In most cases, the right criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between freedom and incarceration.

Engel & Martin, LLC represents individuals accused of drug crimes, ranging from simple possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia to serious felony charges of conspiracy, money laundering, and trafficking in controlled substances. Where appropriate, we will work with prosecutors and the police to explore community-based drug treatment programs and rehabilitation as a constructive alternative to punishment.

Mason Ohio Drug Crimes Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Rights

Engel & Martin, LLC helps people accused of drug crimes minimize or avoid the consequences of a conviction. In every case, the firm explores whether the police violated the constitutional rights of the accused. Our criminal defense attorneys, all of whom are former prosecutors, have significant experience dealing with search and seizure issues in trial courts and the courts of appeals. Representative reported search and seizure cases include:

More serious felony drug convictions can result in mandatory prison sentences. Many convictions carry collateral, or additional, consequences, including the loss of the ability to carry a firearm. Even a minor drug conviction may impact a person’s ability to maintain or obtain professional positions, such as the healthcare industry, aviation, or public office positions, so if you have been arrested or believe you are about to be, call Engel & Martin, LLC immediately.

Drug Charges in Ohio

The most common drug charges in Ohio include:

  • Possession of Controlled Substances: In Ohio, it is illegal to knowingly obtain or possess a controlled substance unless you have a prescription for it, have a license to prescribe it, or are a drug manufacturer.
  • Drug Manufacturing: In general, manufacturing drugs refers to the manufacture or cultivation of controlled substances, except for marijuana and methamphetamine, which are regulated separately.
  • Trafficking and Aggravated Trafficking: The sale, transportation, delivery, and distribution of controlled substances are prohibited by state law. Several factors will determine drug trafficking charges, including the amount of drugs in your possession: if they are a Schedule I or II controlled substance, the charge can be escalated to aggravated trafficking.
  • Prescription Drug Charges: Ohio law considers many prescription drugs to be controlled substances; however, when legally prescribed, such medications do not involve criminal charges. Recent years, however, have seen an increase in the number of people attempting or obtaining certain medications without a prescription.
  • Conspiracy: The term “conspiracy” refers to an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. An individual can be charged with drug conspiracy when they agree to sell, transport, manufacture, deliver or otherwise engage in the sale or trafficking of narcotics.
  • Drug Paraphernalia: Drug paraphernalia refers to any equipment, material, or product used or intended for cultivating, preparing, ingesting, or otherwise handling drugs. It is illegal to use, sell, or advertise drug paraphernalia in Ohio.

If you have been charged with a drug offense in the Mason, Ohio area, contact Engel & Martin, LLC to discuss the facts of your case. We will do our best to fight the allegations against you and help you avoid serious, life-altering penalties.

Controlled Substances Schedule For Ohio

Like the federal government, the state of Ohio has a schedule for controlled substances. It divides drugs into five categories:

  • Schedule I: These substances are most likely to be abused and have no accepted medical use. The list includes LSD, heroin, ecstasy, and other hallucinogenic drugs. 
  • Schedule II: There is also a high risk of abuse or dependence on these substances, but they may have medically accepted uses as well. These drugs include cocaine opium and methamphetamine
  • Schedule III: Although these substances pose a moderate risk of abuse, they also have legitimate medical uses. This category includes some pain relievers, barbiturates, and anabolic steroids.
  • Schedule IV: These drugs have an accepted medical use and low risk of abuse. Examples include depression and anxiety medications.
  • Schedule V: There is a medical use for these drugs and the risk of addiction is very low. They include over-the-counter drugs and common prescription medications.

If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Mason, Ohio, or you are being questioned about a crime involving a controlled substance, call Engel & Martin, LLC today. Our team stands ready to defend your rights and build a strong defense.

I Was Arrested For a Drug Offense. What Should I Do?

If you have been arrested for a drug offense in a state or federal investigation, you should assert your right to remain silent and have an attorney present during any questioning. Until an attorney arrives, the only information you should give the police is your name, address, and date of birth.

You can reach Engel & Martin, LLC any time at 513-445-9600. We will protect your rights from the moment the police initially question you until your case is concluded. When possible, we will negotiate with the prosecutor to achieve a favorable plea deal or even a complete dismissal of the charges. Should your case proceed to trial, our experienced legal team, which includes former prosecutors, will fight for your freedom.

If I Am Convicted of a Drug Crime, Will I Go To Jail?

Unfortunately, the sentencing guidelines for many drug crime convictions include a potential jail or prison sentence. However, it’s important to remember that you need to be proven guilty before you can be convicted and sentenced. If you’re arrested for a drug offense in Mason, Ohio, it’s critical to seek legal counsel immediately. 

A skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney will fight to get the charges reduced or even dismissed so that you serve no jail time at all. If you are a first offender, you may also be eligible for a diversion program or a special docket like Drug Court or Mental Health Court, so your lawyer may explore this option as well.

What Are Some Of The Defenses To Drug Crimes Charges?

There are several defenses that may successfully apply to your drug crimes case. They include but may not be limited to:

  • Lack or improper execution of a search warrant
  • Police failure to give a Miranda warning during interrogation
  • Entrapment
  • Confidential informants with ulterior motives or low credibility
  • Mistaken identity
  • Lack of intent or knowledge (e.g. you did not know your roommate left drugs in your car)

Your criminal defense lawyer will explore every viable defense option to make sure that you have the best chance of putting this stressful experience behind you.

Why Should I Hire Engel & Martin, LLC for My Drug Crimes Case?

Our law firm is unique because all of our criminal defense lawyers are former prosecutors. We thoroughly understand how the prosecution will prepare your case, and we know how to present a compelling reaction to their arguments. We also know which strategies are most effective for getting drug crimes charges reduced or dismissed.

If you have already been convicted of a drug offense, Engel & Martin, LLC can help you prepare and file an appeal as well as pursue a sealing of the fact of the conviction or, if permitted, an expungement that eliminates the burden of a criminal record. Please call our office to learn how we can help.

Call an Experienced Mason Ohio Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

Located in Mason and Columbus, the law firm of Engel & Martin, LLC serves clients throughout Ohio. We have handled thousands of cases in state and federal courts and are ready to put our skills and experience to work for you. You can reach us at 513-445-9600 or via email. New clients facing criminal charges should use the “Rapid Response” page to receive expedited attention.