Dayton Drug Crime Lawyer

Defending Clients Facing Drug Charges in Dayton & Cincinnati

At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, our criminal defense team handles many cases, including those involving drug crimes. If you have been accused of committing a drug crime, we can help defend you from this serious charge. Law enforcement is notorious for cracking down hard on drug crime, which is why it is one of the leading causes of incarceration in the U.S. If convicted of this serious offense, you could face imprisonment, fines, and a criminal record that may limit your employment and housing opportunities.

Are you facing drug charges in Ohio? Call L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug crime attorney in Dayton, OH!

Drug Crime Cases We Handle

Our Dayton drug crime lawyers have handled the following kinds of drug cases:

• Possession of controlled substances
• Delivery or transport of controlled substances
• Distribution of controlled substances
• Sale of illicit drugs to minors
• Marijuana growth operations
• Manufacturing of crystal meth
• Prescription drug crimes

The penalties for drug crimes depend on various factors, such as the type and quantity found in your possession.

For example, if a large drug amount is found in your possession, prosecutors may argue that your intent was to sell or distribute the drug. Our Dayton drug crime lawyers can help protect your rights amidst drug charges, both at the state and federal level.

Ohio Drug Crime Penalties

In Ohio, drug crimes are taken seriously, and the penalties for these offenses can vary depending on the type of drug involved, the amount, and whether it's a first or repeat offense. Here are the penalties for drug crimes in Ohio, categorized into felonies and misdemeanors:

Felony Drug Crimes

• First-degree felony: Trafficking or manufacturing large amounts of Schedule I or II drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, can result in a prison sentence of up to 11 years and fines of up to $20,000.
• Second-degree felony: Trafficking or manufacturing large amounts of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs, such as prescription medications or marijuana, can lead to a prison sentence of up to eight years and fines of up to $15,000.
• Third-degree felony: Possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of moderate amounts of Schedule I or II drugs can result in a prison sentence of up to five years and fines of up to $10,000.
• Fourth-degree felony: Possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of moderate amounts of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs can lead to a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines of up to $5,000.
• Fifth-degree felony: Possession, trafficking, or manufacturing of small amounts of Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V drugs can result in a prison sentence of up to 12 months and fines of up to $2,500.

Having a felony on your criminal record can also prove to be a long-term burden that limits opportunities for employment, professional licenses, and more. In regard to drug crimes, felonies are typically prosecuted when a case involves more serious offenses, large quantities of controlled substances, and other aggravating circumstances. Common felony drug crime charges include sale or distribution of drugs, drug trafficking, manufacturing, and more.

Misdemeanor Drug Crimes

• First-degree misdemeanor: Possession or use of drugs classified as Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V can result in a jail sentence of up to 180 days and fines of up to $1,000.
• Second-degree misdemeanor: Possession or use of drug paraphernalia can lead to a jail sentence of up to 90 days and fines of up to $750.
• Minor misdemeanor: Possession or use of a small amount of marijuana (up to 100 grams) is considered a minor misdemeanor, resulting in a fine of up to $150.

It's important to note that the penalties mentioned above are general guidelines, and actual penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Additionally, Ohio law allows drug treatment programs and probation as alternatives to incarceration for non-violent drug offenses, particularly for first-time offenders.

Drug crime cases are hinged on a case's unique facts and circumstances, which means that a defense strategy must be tailored to the situation at hand. In all cases we handle, our firm works to fully investigate the allegations and create a defense strategy that produces the best possible resolution. This may include exploring alternative sentencing options such as drug diversion when possible, reducing charges from felonies to misdemeanors, mitigation of penalties, or a fight at trial.

Federal Drug Cases in Ohio

In larger drug crime cases, the stakes can be even higher when the federal government becomes involved in an investigation or prosecution. If you or someone you know is currently under investigation for a federal drug crime or have been charged with a federal crime involving drugs, you must know that a lot is on the line. Government agencies handle federal cases with tremendous resources, aiming to gain convictions.

Additionally, federal drug crime cases, such as those involving trafficking, are known for resulting in incredibly harsh sentences and for implementing mandatory minimums that prevent judges from using their discretion when sentencing offenders. For these reasons, and because federal cases are unique and demand specially licensed attorneys, you should be intent on speaking with a member of our team as soon as possible when federal allegations are involved in your case.

Why Hire Us?

Our dedicated law firm has over 50 years of combined legal experience serving men and women in Ohio. Nothing is more important to us than being able to make the voice of an accused individual heard to ensure a fair trial. No wonder we have been honored with inclusion among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

Why should you entrust your case to our Dayton drug crimes attorneys? Consider the following reasons:

• Our firm's founder is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
• We are not afraid to take your case to trial
• We have handled thousands of cases

Contact Our Dayton Drug Crime Attorney Today

Our firm proudly extends its legal services to individuals living not just in Dayton, but also throughout Cincinnati.

No matter how complex or hopeless your case may seem, our firm is determined to secure the most positive outcome possible. Don't let a drug crime charge change the course of the rest of your life.

Contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug crime lawyer in Dayton, OH!