
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Ohio
Information from a Columbus Criminal Attorney
Drug possession, distribution and trafficking can all lead to devastating legal repercussions, but the severity will depend on the type and amount of the substance and any prior criminal record that a defendant may have. In all drug offense cases, the penalties that are commonly assessed include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Severe fines
- Mandatory drug classes or treatment program
- Criminal record, which may be permanent, resulting in an inability to get certain jobs, rent property and limit you in other future opportunities that rely on the results of a criminal background check.
Given what could potentially be at stake, even in a simple drug possession case, if you or someone you care about has been arrested or is the subject of a pre-charge investigation and feel that charges are imminent, it is crucial that you immediately seek the legal counsel of a highly competent Columbus criminal defense lawyer that knows how to effectively defend you and protect your rights throughout the course of your case. You will also greatly benefit by exercising your right to remain silent until you have secured and consulted your attorney. Anything you say can be used as ammunition in the prosecution's case against you, even information you feel should exonerate you.
Need a Lawyer for a Drug Case in Columbus?
At The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we are passionately dedicated to assisting individuals that are facing any type of drug crime charges and have a proven ability to win in a wide variety of legal matters from the fairly simple to extremely complex. With more than 15 years of legal experience, our attorneys possess extensive negotiation and trial litigation experience in both state and federal courts and have the ability to produce a highly effective defensive strategy on your behalf.
Our focus and top priority in every case is to produce the best verdict possible and we will tirelessly pursue this goal for you in your case. We provide strong, honest representation and will stand by your side and fight with you for the preservation of your future freedom, livelihood and legal record.
Contact a Columbus drug crime lawyer now for strong and dedicated legal advocacy in your case.
Free & confidential initial consultation 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 Meranda was a real attorney with a no bull shit strategy!!! But he won my criminal case even when the odds were against me and I thank him and his associates!!- Pfeifer
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I couldn't have asked for a better attorney. I've had other attorneys and Zach is the only one that actually knew my case and put a lot of time and effort into making sure the outcome was good, which it definitely was. I really think he is one of the best attorneys & I highly recommend him to anyone that needs legal help.- Payton R
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I could not have asked for a better attorney than Mr. Meranda. He was very professional and yet made sure that I was comfortable and understood everything about my case. I am so grateful to have been referred to his office! I highly recommend his office as his rates are affordable, he is very honest, and he is very knowledgeable.- 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 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 would give The Meranda Law Firm a 10 out of 10 for the pre-case advice, the genuine concern about his client, and the time and effort that was put into the case from beginning to the end. If there is anytime in the future I would need an attorney Zach has earned my business. Thank you Mr. Meranda for all that you covered and all that you helped me with.- Andrew
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Zach Meranda is very professional and really seemed to care about my case! Very friendly, and explained everything so I understood exactly what was going on. Answered all of my questions and never judged. He was great!!! I would recommend him to anyone who wants a great attorney. Can’t thank him enough.- Anonymous
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I have nothing but good things to say about Meranda Law Firm, more so Zack. He was a very professional attorney. Made sure that I knew what was going on and that I understood everything. He seemed to be very involved in the case doing what he could to get the best results. Most importantly Zach always made me feel comfortable and was very good about communicating with me. I would recommend The Meranda Law Firm to anyone needing legal advice or any legal help.- Alexandria Trejo
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.
