Drug crimes in Ohio can be confusing and complex. There are many different types of drug crimes that come with varying penalties upon conviction based on the specifics of the case. At Comunale Law, we understand how stressful and confusing it can be after an arrest for drug crimes and are here to help with top tier legal representation for your case. To learn more, call or contact our office today.

Schedules of Controlled Substances

Ohio uses a “controlled substances schedule” to classify drugs according to their severity and risk of being abused by the user, likelihood of becoming addictive to the user, dangers to public health, pharmacological effects, and the likelihood that the substance will be used to make other drugs. Schedule I drugs are considered the most harmful and have the worst penalties, while Schedule V substances have been deemed the least harmful and come with lesser penalties. Examples of each schedule include the following: 

  • Schedule I: Peyote, heroin, ecstasy, LSD
  • Schedule II: Methamphetamine, methadone, cocaine, oxycodone, Vicodin, hydromorphone, fentanyl, Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine
  • Schedule III:  Testosterone, Ketamine, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids
  • Schedule IV: Tramadol, Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Darvon, Soma, and Ativan
  • Schedule V: Lyrica, Robitussin AC, Lomotil, and Parapectolin

Common Drug Crimes in Ohio

Virtually any type of behavior associated with controlled substances is considered a crime in Ohio, but some crimes are charged more often than others. Some of the most common drug crimes defended by our experienced criminal defense attorneys include the following: 

  • Drug possession
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Drug cultivation
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Sale of drugs/Possession with intent to sell
  • Drug trafficking
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and more.

Any accusation of a drug crime should be taken seriously, even minor possession charges, as a conviction for these crimes can come with serious penalties that can follow a person for years. 

Penalties for Drug Crime Conviction

The penalties for drug crimes in Ohio are determined by the schedule of controlled substances, the type of crime alleged, the amount in question, and whether the person accused has a prior criminal history. Crimes can range from misdemeanors, which come with up to one year in jail and fines to felony offenses, which can result in years in prison, thousands of dollars in fines, and additional consequences.

Conviction for drug crimes also results in a criminal record, which will show up on every background check for school, jobs, and housing. A felony criminal record also restricts additional rights and privileges, such as the right to possess a firearm, communicate with others who have a felony record, vote, and run for public office. To learn more about drug crimes in Ohio, call or contact our office today.

Call or Contact Our Office Now

Have you or someone you know been arrested and charged with drug crimes in Ohio? Then you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney protecting and defending your rights throughout the legal process. Call the office or contact us today at Comunale Law to speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your case.