In Ohio, getting charged with possession is a serious offense. The state makes it illegal to offer or sell controlled substances, including methamphetamines (meth), heroin, LSD, and cocaine. It is also illegal to ship, prepare, or distribute any controlled substance when you (or someone else) plan to resell the substances. Consequences depend on the amount of substance the guilty person possesses. Some substances are measured in bulk, whereas others, such as marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, are measured by weight.

Each drug is classified into its own category under Ohio law for regulation and determining adequate punishment.

Schedule I Drugs

• LSD, Heroin, Ecstasy, Marijuana
• This includes the drugs that are the most dangerous. They have no current medical use and a high potential for addiction and abuse.

Schedule II Drugs

• OxyContin, Morphine, Cocaine
• This classification includes drugs that are also highly addictive and have a great potential for abuse. They are sometimes medically accepted for conditions like chronic pain and can be obtained by prescription.

Schedule III Drugs

• Tylenol, Vicodin, Ketamine
• These are less dangerous than Schedule I and II drugs. They can be purchased at local pharmacies without a prescription.

Schedule IV

• Valium, Soma, Xanax
• These are used for medical purposes but can sometimes lead to abuse. Low probability of misuse.

Schedule V

• Robitussin and Ezogabine
• The least addictive category and low quantify of a narcotic. Although they have a low potential for abuse, they can often be misused.

Charges

Below are the standard charges associated with felony drug possessions in Ohio:

F1 Drug Trafficking – Usually comes with three to eleven years of prison time and associated fines of up to $20,000

F2 Drug Trafficking – Prison time is usually two to eight years, with associated fines of up to $15,000

F3 Drug Trafficking – Jail time of usually about one to five years, with fines of up to $10,000

F4 Drug Trafficking – Usually includes six to eighteen months in jail with associated fines of us to $5,000

F5 Drug Trafficking – This offense is still serious but isn't always associated with jail time.

Determining Felony Level

Felony level is determined by the type and amount of drug you are caught with.

Cocaine

F1: More than 27 grams

F2: 20 to 26 grams

F3: 10 to 19 grams

F4: 5 to 9 grams

F5: Less than 5 grams

LSD

F1: 1,000 to 4,999 doses

F2: 250 to 999 doses

F3: 50 to 249 doses

F4: 10 to 49 doses

F5: less than 10 doses

Heroin

F1: More than 40 grams

F2: 10 to 49 grams

F3: 5 to 9 grams

F4: 1 to 4 grams

F5: Less than 1 gram

Crystal Meth

F1: More than 150 gram

F2: 15 to 49 grams

F3: 3 to 14 grams

F5: Less than 3 grams

Marijuana

F2: 20,000 or more grams

F3: 10,000 to 19,999 grams

F5: 200-999 grams

In Ohio, medical marijuana is legal, while recreational usage is decriminalized. If found with less than 100 grams or to transfer less than 20 grams to another person, it is considered a misdemeanor. These charges do not result in jail time but are still considered to be punishable by potentially having one's driver's license suspended for anywhere between 5 and six months, along with associated fines up to $150.

Contact a Defense Attorney

Getting charged with drug trafficking can be very serious in Ohio. Fighting for your case can be challenging without the help of a dependable and trusted attorney. Here at The Meranda Law Firm LTD, we have a team of award-winning attorneys with years of hands-on experience representing cases like yours. We are committed to offering the services and support you need throughout the entire process and ensuring you fully understand your case.

Call our offices today at (614) 707-4239 or visit us online to get started with a free consultation with a team member. Let us help you.