Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer in Cleveland, OH

Ohio Drug Crimes Convictions Are Costly: Talk To A Drug Charges Lawyer

If you are charged with a drug offense in Ohio, you need to hire a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible. Often, the accused has made statements to the investigating agencies, and their drug charges attorney has to make up for lost time. At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., located in Brooklyn Heights, we find that when represented, defendants often do not have motions filed on their behalf that might allow them to have the case reduced or dismissed in its entirety.

We review all the evidence from booking videos, dash cams, body cams, and other evidentiary materials to determine the basis of the allegations that are brought against our clients. We then decide whether law enforcement acted and performed their duties lawfully, which would affect the case outcome.

What To Know About The Consequences

Drugged driving (OVIs) and other drug offenses make up a major portion of criminal charges throughout the state of Ohio. Three of the most common drug charges include:

1. Possession: When someone has a controlled substance in their possession. In cases involving marijuana, the possession of marijuana without a medical marijuana card.
2. Manufacture: The unlawful creation of controlled substances can result in charges of drug manufacturing, which is usually considered a felony.
3. Trafficking: The transportation of illegal controlled substances, particularly when the transfer crosses state lines, is a serious crime. Trafficking charges are felonies that usually require jail or prison time.
4. Drug Dealing: When someone is selling or distributing drugs, the government will often seek to prosecute them to the fullest extent possible under law.

When it comes to drug offenses in the state of Ohio, the consequences are constantly changing. However, one thing remains the same: these penalties are harsh and can affect you for the rest of your life. Many may think these are minor offenses due to the number of individuals arrested and charged. However, these offenses result in collateral penalties many defendants are unaware of. The additional penalties may include:

• Inability to obtain financial aid for continuing education after high school
• Termination of employment
• Driver’s license suspension
• Increased insurance premiums
• Inability to obtain employment
• Possible deportation

Although many drug offenses are expungable, drugged driving is not, and they will affect the ability to expunge another criminal offense.

How Drug Charges Can Follow You Later In Life

Drug charges, especially federal charges related to illegal drug manufacturing or trafficking, can have profound consequences for your future that go well beyond the penalties you face upon conviction.

Long after you have served your time and paid your fines, you could experience:

• Lost employment or professional opportunities, especially in professions where licensing boards check your background carefully or with employers who do background checks
• Limited housing options, since rental property managers often screen applicants to eliminate those with drug-related convictions from their properties and cut down on potential problems with their tenants
• Limited educational opportunities, since some colleges and universities will deny admission to those with drug convictions and financial aid may also be restricted
• Lost rights and freedoms, including restricted international travel, the potential loss of your voting rights and the right to firearm possession
• Increased costs when it comes to car insurance or life insurance since those with a history of drug use may be considered poor insurance risks
• A long-term social stigma that can affect your ability to join certain clubs or organizations, and embarrassment that can make it difficult to form new friendships or relationships with others

Whether you are facing simple drug possession charges or something more serious, such as drug trafficking, your best chance at obtaining a favorable outcome to your case and avoiding a criminal record is through the help of an experienced defense lawyer.

Before considering a plea deal or any other action that might lead to conviction, contact a drug defense attorney and discuss your case. They may be able to challenge the evidence against you or explore alternatives such as rehabilitation programs or other diversionary measures that can help. Do not underestimate the importance of fighting for your future.

Why Should I Hire A Drug Charges Lawyer?

Virtually all drug charges are serious and could lead to jail time. Hiring a drug charges lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. Our legal representation is here to give you the best possible legal representation.

When facing drug charges, including things like illegal possession of prescription drugs, having someone who knows the law inside and out is crucial. We examine every detail of your case. This includes the circumstances of your arrest and whether the charges were brought correctly. We look for any mistakes law enforcement makes that could affect your case. For example, if the police illegally searched your home, car or belongings, any evidence they seized during that search cannot be used against you. We know what to look for and how to challenge the evidence against you in court. This can make a big difference in your case’s outcome. The prosecution might have little or nothing to base their charges on without illegally obtained evidence.

A just outcome to their case is almost impossible for most people when they try to represent themselves instead of hiring a criminal defense lawyer. The system is just too complicated for most defendants to keep up with. They often struggle to deal with the prosecution due to power and knowledge imbalance. The prosecutor’s job is to get you convicted and sent to jail or prison for as long as possible. They will not take mercy on you because you are representing yourself. Neither will the judge if you forget to file an important document or attend a hearing. Finally, when it is your freedom and future at stake, making decisions without emotions getting in the way can be very hard. Too many people who represent themselves end up with an unjust drug conviction that the evidence does not support.

We aim to help you get the best plea deal or, if possible, have the charges reduced or dismissed. We have the experience, knowledge and resources to make this happen.

Get Started Today

At Patrick M. Farrell Co. L.P.A., we treat clients like family. Call Attorney Pat Farrell today at 216-661-5050 for a free consultation at our office. You can also send an email through our online form.