Cleveland Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Drug crimes can range in severity from simple possession to the more extreme charge of drug trafficking. However, all types of drug crimes should be treated seriously. Drug crimes in Ohio can carry serious penalties. Even a relatively minor drug crime conviction can affect your future in various ways. If you are arrested or charged with a drug crime, it’s important to get professional representation. The criminal defense attorneys at Yelsky & Lonardo, LLC, in Cleveland, Ohio, have dedicated experience helping people figure out drug crime charges. We can protect your rights and your reputation in the face of these charges and help you pursue a favorable result.

Our firm is well-established, and our criminal defense attorneys have a long history of success serving our clients in Cuyahoga County. Find out how we can help you, too.

What Are The Most Common Drug Offenses In Cleveland, And What Are Their Potential Penalties?

Understanding the nature of the offenses involved in drug crimes and their potential penalties can help you figure out your situation. Some of the most common drug offenses and their typical sentencing guidelines in Ohio include:

• Marijuana possession: One of the more minor of the drug offenses. Marijuana possession has been partially decriminalized, however possession of over 70 grams (but less than 100 grams) is still a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $150. Possession of 100-200 grams can result in a heavier fine of up to $250 and up to 30 days in jail and possession of over 200 grams can result in a felony drug charge that includes prison time.
• Possession of Schedule I and II substances: Possession of these substances carries more severe consequences. It is classified as a felony drug crime regardless of the amount in your possession. Having less than one gram can result in six to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. Drug possession of five to 10 grams of a Schedule I or II substance is punishable by two to eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Drug trafficking minor amounts: This is another more severely punished drug offense and is charged as a fourth-degree felony. This results in a fine of up to $5,000 and up to 18 months in prison.
• Drug trafficking larger amounts or higher-schedule drugs: This is considered a first-degree felony and one of the harshest punished drug crimes. A conviction can result in up to 11 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

A few factors that can increase the penalties, also called “aggravating factors” include presence of a firearm, drug trafficking near minors and repeat offenses. If one or more of these factors is involved in your arrest, it can increase the consequences in your sentence.

Our attorneys have experience representing clients facing federal drug crimes and are well-versed in federal court. Even though some of these penalties and punishments can seem overwhelming, an attorney from our firm can help mitigate the charges and consequences. Our team understands how to build a strong defense in your favor.

How Are Different Drugs Classified Under Ohio Law?

The different drug classifications in Ohio can make a difference in how your case is handled and sentenced. In our state, drugs are classified into certain schedules. The higher the schedule of the drug involved in your case, the more serious the consequences a conviction can carry.

• Schedule I is the highest and reserved for the most serious drugs. They are classified as Schedule I due to their high risk of addiction and danger. Schedule I drugs have no medical uses and include heroin, LSD, and even marijuana.
• Schedule II drugs include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and fentanyl. These drugs have a high potential for abuse but can also have some medical uses if prescribed or administered by a medical professional.
• Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for abuse and some medical use. This includes drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV drugs like Xanax, Valium and Ambien have a low potential for abuse and verified medical use.
• Schedule V is the lowest class of drugs that can be involved in a drug crime. These are often available over the counter and examples include antidiarrheals and cough suppressants. However, they can still be charged as a misdemeanor depending on the number of drugs in your possession and what you were using it for.

Can Drug Charges Be Expunged From My Record In Ohio?

As drug laws and drug crimes change, many people may wonder if these charges can be erased from their criminal record. The short answer is yes. Some criminal convictions can be expunged from your record. In many cases, most marijuana and drug trafficking records can be sealed or expunged. However, certain high-level and aggravated drug crime convictions may not be eligible for expungement. An experienced drug charge attorney can give you more information and help you with this process.

Get The Help You Need After a Drug Arrest in Cleveland

A drug crime charge can seriously affect your life. A conviction can not only result in imprisonment and fines, but affect your future opportunities as well as both your personal and professional relationships. An attorney from our firm may be able to help you mitigate these consequences. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do. Schedule a free initial consultation at our Cleveland law office to get answers and figure out your options. Call 216-435-0009 or use our online contact form to get in touch. Our dedicated and skilled criminal defense attorneys are here for you.