Noble County Drug Crime Attorneys

Defending Clients Facing Drug Charges in Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Guernsey, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, and Washington Counties

If you have been accused of a drug crime, there is no time to lose in contacting our reliable team at Cross Law Office. Whether the charge involves heroin, marijuana, LSD, ecstasy, PCP, cocaine, methamphetamine, or even prescription drugs, including Oxycontin or Vicodin, our drug crime attorneys have the intricate knowledge to defend your rights. 

Drug crimes are treated extremely seriously by law enforcement and the court. Getting aggressive legal advocacy is key to avoiding the harsh consequences that could affect the rest of your life if you are convicted. We are ready to fight vigorously for you at trial.

Are you facing drug charges in Ohio? Call Cross Law Office, LLC today at (740) 997-2004 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our drug crime lawyers in Noble County! 

Drug Crime Charges We Handle

Many kinds of drug charges can be made against a person. No matter how serious or trivial you think your accusation is, it is important to contact our drug crime attorneys immediately.

Our knowledgeable team has a wide range of experience in defending clients from charges including:

• Possessing controlled substances and drugs without valid prescriptions
• Possessing paraphernalia used for drugs or narcotics
• Possessing a large amount of drugs for the purpose of selling it
• Transporting or trafficking drugs and narcotics
• Manufacturing controlled substances
• Selling narcotics and drugs to a minor

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Ohio?

Drug crimes are taken seriously in Ohio, and penalties vary depending on the offense. Here are the penalties for some common drug-related crimes in Ohio:

• Possessing controlled substances and drugs without valid prescriptions: Possessing drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or other controlled substances without a valid prescription is a felony offense in most situations, but can also be a misdemeanor depending on the drug. Any trace amount of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is a felony under Ohio law. 
• Possessing paraphernalia used for drugs or narcotics: Possessing drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense in Ohio. The penalties for a first-time offender include up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $250. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase.
• Possessing a large amount of drugs for the purpose of selling it: Possession of a large amount of drugs with intent to sell is a felony offense in Ohio. The penalties for a first-time offender include up to 11 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase.
• Transporting or trafficking drugs and narcotics: Trafficking drugs in Ohio is a felony offense. The penalties depend on the type and amount of drugs involved and the defendant's criminal history. A first-time offender can face up to 11 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase.
• Manufacturing controlled substances: Manufacturing drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine is a felony offense in Ohio. The penalties for a first-time offender can include up to 11 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase.
• Selling narcotics and drugs to a minor: Selling drugs to a minor is a felony offense in Ohio. The penalties for a first-time offender include up to eight years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000. For subsequent offenses, the penalties increase.

It's important to note that these penalties are not exhaustive and can vary depending on the circumstances of the case. In addition to these criminal penalties, drug offenses can result in losing driving privileges, professional licenses, and other collateral consequences.

Defense For Drug Charges in Ohio

If you are facing drug charges in Ohio, it's important to consult with an experienced Noble County drug crime lawyer who can help you understand your legal options and build a strong defense. Here are some common defenses that may be used in drug cases in Ohio:

• Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search or seizure, any evidence from the search might be suppressed in court.
• Lack of knowledge or intent: If you were unaware that you possessed drugs or did not intend to use or sell them, you may have a valid defense. For example, if someone left drugs in your car without your knowledge, you may be able to argue that you did not knowingly possess them.
• Lack of evidence: The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. If there is insufficient evidence to support their case, your attorney may also argue that the charges should be dismissed or that you should be found not guilty. 
• Entrapment: If the police or a confidential informant coerced you into committing a drug-related offense, you might be able to argue entrapment. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed.
• Chain of custody: In drug cases, the prosecution must establish a "chain of custody" to show that the drugs allegedly found on you or in your possession are the same drugs tested in the lab. If there are breaks in the chain of custody or if the drugs were mishandled, your attorney may be able to challenge the evidence.
• Prescription defense: If you were in possession of prescription drugs that were lawfully prescribed to you, you might have a valid defense. However, you must prove you had a valid prescription during the arrest.
• Plea bargaining: In some cases, negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution may be in your best interest. This may involve pleading guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a reduced sentence or other benefits.

It's important to remember that every case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on your case's specific facts and circumstances. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you explore your options and build a strong defense.

Contact Our Noble County Drug Crime Lawyers today 

Of all crimes to be accused of, drug crimes tend to result in some of the harshest sentencing. This is because there are already so many cases in our city, and eventually both judges and juries have tended to automatically assume a negative bias even before they hear a defendant’s side. A guilty verdict could dramatically affect the rest of your life, which is why it is essential to get in touch with Cross Law Office, LLC as soon as you can.

Contact Cross Law Office, LLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our drug crime attorneys in Noble County!