Columbus Drug Possession Defense Attorney
Key Insights & Guidance Through Drug Possession Charges in Columbus
Being convicted of drug possession can have a profoundly negative impact on your future. While it may seem like a minor offense, the effects can reverberate in all areas of your life. From difficulties obtaining a job to challenges with applying for housing and paying off court fines, a conviction can carry heavy consequences.
On top of this, extensive man-hours and financial resources being poured into the pursuit of drug offenders. Law enforcement is aggressively pursuing individuals for even minor crimes of possession. You cannot afford to go through this time alone! You need a Columbus drug crime attorney who can deliver counsel and guidance.
Understanding the Prosecution of Drug Possession Crimes in Ohio
Many cases of possession in Ohio can be prosecuted as felonies, which can carry very steep consequences and penalties. Not only are illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and ecstasy illegal to possess, but so are unlawfully obtained prescription drugs. For example, you could face serious charges for simply possessing a bottle of OxyContin that you do not have a valid prescription for. Possession of any of these drugs—even marijuana, when in excess of 1,000 grams—can lead to a class 5 felony charge.
A conviction can bring with it up to a year in prison and fines of up to $2,500. As amounts in your possession increase, so do the potential repercussions, potentially leading to several years' imprisonment. Law enforcement officers are more inclined to consider you guilty of possessing with intent to distribute, rather than simple possession for personal use, should drugs found in your possession exist in larger amounts. This means the penalties could be greatly increased, as the charges will be more severe.
Strategies for Building a Strong Defense Against Drug Possession Charges
Possession charges can be much more complicated than they appear. If the prosecution wants to secure a conviction, they must be able to present sufficient and convincing evidence. This is where our firm comes in. It is our mission to help our clients clear their names by combating any evidence against them and utilizing our negotiating skills to secure the best possible outcome.
We can help clients argue the following to defend their futures:
- The drugs were not truly in their possession and did not belong to them
- They were unaware of the drugs and not intentionally exercising control over them
- The evidence against them was obtained through illegal search and seizure
- Officers violated their rights when arresting or charging them
- They possessed a valid prescription for the drugs found on them
While some of these defenses can be difficult to enact successfully, you can be confident a positive outcome will be secured when you have an incisive legal representative on your side.
Get in Touch with Our Columbus Drug Possession Defense Team!
Unfortunately, many innocent people or individuals who simply made one mistake are slammed with overzealous charges and attacks from prosecution. In these times, individuals need to seek legal guidance and defense from the seasoned drug crime lawyers at our Columbus firm. With more than 15 years of experience, we are equipped to handle all types of criminal cases and are ready to go above and beyond for our clients. Our legal team is not afraid to take on tough prosecutors or navigate the complexities of the justice system.
Now is the time to reach out to The Meranda Law Firm LTD. We want to provide you with skilled and affordable legal care in the face of your drug possession charges.
Contact our firm immediately if you are facing charges. Free & confidential initial consultations available.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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Zach has been a very professional and knowledgeable attorney! Being my first time needing assistance from a law firm, Zach is going above and beyond to help me get what I deserve! I have never met a more down to earth and more understanding person. I definitely recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice and legal help! You will not be let down!- Anonymous
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I am very happy with The Meranda Law Firm. I hired Mr. Meranda to help me with a case and i am very pleased with the outcome. I would recommend him to everybody he's a very good lawyer.- Kristina Poulton
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Zach did a great job representing me. He worked hard to take care of me in my case. If I ever need a lawyer again, I'll definitely give him a call first.- Rod
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Zach is incredibly professional and will work as hard as he can for you, no matter how big or small your case is. He shows genuine concern and interest in his client and the situation. He is straight forward and honest. Zach was the third attorney on my case and the only one that actually took the time to become familiar with my case. He was not intimidated as my previous attorneys were and his competency resulted in my case ending in a very satisfying outcome.- Rylan Burrie
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Professional, upfront, attentive, most of all comforting in the fact that the communication was clear. Never a doubt by always respectful. Admired the standard in which the company, more so Zach, displayed. I was so impressed and would if needed use his services again.- Anonymous
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I hired Mr. Meranda to represent me in a case and he did an excellent job. I am very pleased with the results of the case. Mr. Meranda was very professional and honest. He's is definitely a straight shooter. Thank you Mr. Meranda.- Aaron Jacks
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A criminal case can be very stressful. The Meranda Law Firm can help you with this process. Zack is there to make sure that you get the best personal one on one help you can get. So you don't get pushed around in the system. Takes all the worry out of your case. Very down to earth guy. Easy to talk too. Without Zack I don't know where I would be right now. Thanks Zack; can't tell you how much I appreciate the help you gave me. If you are looking for a lawyer that can take the stress out of your case Zack is your guy- Jeff w
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We are very appreciative of the efforts put forth by Zach Meranda. The outcome was positive and he made us feel secure in an out of control situation. Felt glad to have him defending us and having his common sense approach to our case. We would recommend his services to anyone in need.- Anonymous
Have Questions?
We Have Answers!
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Should I be worried if I am innocent?The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
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What important legal rights am I entitled to?If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
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Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.