Bowling Green Drug Possession Lawyer

While the federal government has prohibited individuals from being in possession of a number of controlled substances, it is state governments that typically enforce drug possession crimes under an individual state’s law.

In Ohio, the laws regarding drug possession are clear, and if an individual is convicted of a drug possession crime, they may face numerous penalties. If you have been charged with drug possession, our Bowling Green, Ohio drug possession attorneys are ready to take on your case today. Call our law office now to learn how we can help you defend yourself against serious drug charges.

WHAT CONSTITUTES “POSSESSION” IN OHIO?

What exactly constitutes “possession” can be hard to define, especially because Ohio’s criminal code does not define it. Typically, the criteria for possession are satisfied by two elements:

• Being in physical control of the drug (either solely or jointly with others); and
• Knowledge of having the drug.

Based on the above standard, a person would be considered to be in possession of a drug regardless if it was on their person or in their home (or another location) if they knew that they had the drug, but would not be found to be in possession if they had no idea that the drug was there.

For a free legal consultation with a drug defense lawyer serving Bowling Green, call (419) 930-3030

WHAT SUBSTANCES ARE ILLEGAL TO POSSESS?

IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DRUG POSSESSION AND ARE STRUGGLING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR RIGHTS ARE CALL GROTH & ASSOCIATES TODAY FOR YOUR CONSULTATION.

There is a long list of substances that are illegal to possess in the state of Ohio. These include all schedule I, II, III, IV, and V drugs. Possession of schedule I and II drugs is more serious, and constitutes aggravated drug possession charges.

As a note, while marijuana is classified as a controlled substance by the federal government, marijuana possession laws differ slightly from the laws regarding the possession of other controlled substances in Ohio. To be sure, the possession of fewer than 200 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense with a max fine of up to $250. The possession of fewer than 100 grams is penalized by a fine of up to $150.

Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

Penalties for Drug Possession in Ohio

The penalties for a drug possession conviction vary based on the amount of drug involved and the type of drug involved. The more of a drug that a person is charged with being in possession of, or the more dangerous the drug, the harsher the consequences will be.

Aggravated possession of drugs–possession of schedule I or II drugs with the exception of marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and heroin–is a fifth-degree felony charge. If the amount in possession is more than the bulk amount but less than five times the bulk amount, the crime becomes a fourth-degree felony. More than five times but less than 50 times the bulk amount, and the crime is a felony of the third degree.

Possession of schedule III, IV, or V drugs, on the other hand, is a first-degree misdemeanor (unless this is a second-offense charge, in which case it is a fifth-degree felony).

A misdemeanor of the first degree is punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to 1,000, or both. The fifth-degree felony charge will result in a minimum of six months of incarceration and up to a one-year jail term, a larger fine, or both.

DEFENDING YOURSELF AGAINST DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES IN BOWLING GREEN

If you are facing drug possession charges, clearly, you want to avoid a conviction. There may be a number of different defenses available to you, including illegal search and seizure, lack of knowledge of possession, entrapment, or legal possession, such as possession via valid prescription. Our lawyers will review your case thoroughly in order to determine the best defense available to you.

If defending yourself against charges isn’t the best course of action, negotiating a plea deal may be. We can assist you in understanding this option as well and ultimately securing the best outcome for your case possible.

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CALL OUR BOWLING GREEN DRUG POSSESSION LAWYERS TODAY

If you have been charged with drug possession, you have a right to defend yourself against charges and a right to competent legal representation. At the law offices of Groth & Associates, our experienced Bowling Green drug possession lawyers have the skill set and case history you’re looking for. We are passionate about our work and always put our clients’ best interests ahead of personal gains.

To schedule a free consultation with our law firm, please call us today or send us a message at your convenience. You can also visit our Bowling Green location in person. We work for you around the clock.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form