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Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking

Dayton Drug Trafficking Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been charged with drug trafficking, the future can suddenly feel uncertain. Being convicted of this type of crime can put your future at risk. It is easy to feel lost or frightened when facing the power of the state. However, it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. You have rights, and there are legal avenues available to defend your freedom.

At The VanNoy Firm, we understand the gravity of these charges and the stress they place on you and your family. Our team of experienced criminal attorneys is committed to seeking the best possible outcomes for our clients through legal and ethical means. We provide comprehensive guidance to help you understand the charges you face and develop a strong defense strategy to safeguard your future.

Drug Trafficking Laws in Ohio

Many people assume drug trafficking only involves large-scale operations or crossing state lines. In reality, Ohio law defines trafficking much more broadly. Under Ohio Revised Code 2925.03, you can be charged with trafficking if you knowingly sell or offer to sell a controlled substance.

The definition extends beyond the simple act of selling. You can also face trafficking charges if you prepare drugs for shipment, transport them, deliver them, or prepare them for distribution. The law does not require money to change hands for a trafficking charge to apply. 

 

Penalties for Drug Trafficking

Ohio takes drug crimes very seriously, and the penalties for trafficking reflect that severity. The punishment you face depends heavily on the type of drug involved and the amount in your possession.

  • Felony Degrees: Charges can range from a felony of the fifth degree to a felony of the first degree. A fifth-degree felony may result in 6 to 12 months in prison, while a first-degree felony can carry a mandatory prison term of up to 11 years.
  • Fines: Financial penalties can be substantial, reaching up to $20,000 for the most serious offenses.
  • Mandatory Prison Time: Certain factors, such as the amount of drugs or the location of the offense, can trigger mandatory prison sentences that a judge cannot suspend.
  • Aggravated Trafficking: Trafficking in Schedule I or II drugs (excluding cocaine, LSD, heroin, and hashish) is classified as aggravated trafficking, which carries harsher penalties.
  • Collateral Consequences: Beyond prison and fines, a conviction can lead to a suspended driver’s license, loss of professional licenses, and long-term difficulty securing employment or housing.

Alternatives to Conviction

In some cases, the best legal strategy involves seeking alternatives to traditional sentencing. Ohio offers programs designed to rehabilitate rather than punish, particularly for first-time offenders or those struggling with addiction.

  • Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC): This allows eligible offenders to receive treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues. Upon successful completion of the treatment program, the charges against you can be dismissed.
  • Diversion Programs: Similar to ILC, diversion programs offer a pathway to avoid a criminal record. These are typically managed by the prosecutor’s office and may involve community service, counseling, or educational courses.

You Deserve an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

Facing drug trafficking charges without legal representation puts you at a significant disadvantage. The prosecution will have ample resources and a deep understanding of the law. You need a dedicated advocate who can level the playing field.

The VanNoy Firm has a history of success in defending clients against serious criminal charges. We will meticulously review police reports, challenge evidence, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. Whether we are fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a plea to lesser charges, or representing you at trial, our goal remains the same: to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us now to get started.

How Can We Help You?

Our premier Dayton attorneys work diligently to defend our clients’ rights with aggressive and individualized legal representation.

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys

Anthony S. VanNoy
Trial Attorney
Kristie L. Gotwald, Esq
Trial Attorney
Ileana G. Valdivia
Attorney

Why Do People Choose Us?

Because We Win!

You Can Trust Your Future To The VanNoy Firm

How Can We Help You?

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