Ohio Possession of Controlled Substances

Columbus Controlled Substances Attorney

The state of Ohio has tough and complex laws against the possession of controlled substances.  If you are convicted of possession of a controlled substance, you may have to spend some time in jail and pay a fine. You will need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will discuss the facts of your case and let you know what your options are. Contact Attorney Adam Burke for your free consultation at (614) 280-9122.

Ohio Possession of Controlled Substances

A controlled substance is a drug, mixture, compound or a substance that can be dangerous to the human body when ingested.  ¹

The federal government, and by extension the state of Ohio, classifies drugs into 5 schedules, from the most severe to the least severe. Drugs noted in schedule I and schedule II of the Ohio Revised Code have little to no medical use, and are highly addictive – and thus highly dangerous. Drugs included in schedule III, IV and V of the Ohio Revised Code may have medicinal properties, but can be toxic and addictive if taken on a regular basis.

Ohio Possession of Controlled Substances Penalties

Depending on the offense committed, and your criminal record, if any, you could be facing anything from 180 days in jail to 10 years in jail, as well as fines ranging from $1000 to $20,000.

The penalty will depend on a variety of factors, like whether this was your first offense, whether the offense was committed in the vicinity of children (juveniles), the schedule under which the drug was listed, the amount of the substance, and whether the possession was constructive or actual.

Possession of a small amount of a schedule IV drug in your car, for example, may be considered a minor misdemeanor of the 1st degree, and will carry a minimal fine and jail term. In such cases, if you have access to a good lawyer, it is possible to reduce the sentence to probation, or even rehabilitation at a state run clinic, by putting up a strong defense in court.

Possession of large amounts of schedule I and II drugs attract the most severe penalties under Ohio law. In such cases, it is imperative that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Attorney Adam Burke Llc — Columbus, OH Controlled Substances Attorney 

If you have been arrested for possession of controlled substances, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Attorney Adam Burke. It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney you help you with possible defenses to your case and to discuss the facts of your case. Contact Attorney Adam Burke today for your free consultation at (614) 280-9122.