Ohio Drug Crime Attorneys—Drug Trafficking

Since the War on Drugs was initiated in the 1980s, state and federal drug task forces were established. Today they continue to escalate their efforts to eliminate or reduce drug trafficking. If you are brought up on drug trafficking charges, you face serious consequences and in certain cases may be tried under both state and federal jurisdictions. Our drug crime attorneys in Ohio at Yavitch & Palmer provide aggressive advocacy, whether defending you in court or engaging in negotiations to reduce charges or sentencing.

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is one of the most severe drug charges, and under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) §2925.03 is a felony, punishable by stiff penalties. Ohio law defines drug trafficking as the following:

• Knowingly selling or offering to sell a controlled substance
• Preparing for controlled substances for shipment, transport, delivery, distribution, or distributing a controlled substance with the knowledge that the controlled substance is intended for sale or resale

The coordination of state and federal efforts is managed through organizations like the Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), which monitors a five-county area in Ohio known for drug trafficking. Crack cocaine and cocaine in particular are rife and lucrative businesses in the five northern Ohio counties—Cuyahoga, Lucas, Mahoning, Stark, and Summit counties.

Drug penalties under Ohio law

Ohio drug trafficking charges range from fifth to first degree felonies with first degree felonies being the most serious and carrying the longest prison terms. The type of drug and quantity along with trafficking in the proximity of a school or juvenile are factors that influence which degree of felony is charged.

Under certain circumstances, Ohio law requires mandatory maximum sentencing. Repeated drug offenses, multiple drug offenses committed during a period of time, and convictions for other felonies committed concurrent with drug crime are also aggravating factors that can result in heavier sentencing.

For example, trafficking one thousand or more grams of cocaine (whether or not in the vicinity of a school or juvenile) is a first degree felony—and the court must impose a mandatory maximum prison term. The court may impose additional mandatory prison terms for felonies committed while engaged in the cocaine drug trafficking, such as use of a firearm, body armor, and causing injury or death.

Consult a skilled Ohio drug crime attorney

We understand the harsh sentencing you are up against and are best able to devise effective strategies during the early stages of your case. Motions to suppress evidence or that limit the prosecution's case may be available to our skilled and knowledgeable lawyers. Contact Yavitch and Palmer today. Call us at 614-224-6142 or fill out our web contact form.