Cincinnati Drug Possession & Trafficking Attorneys
Faced with Serious Drug Charges in Ohio?
Both drug possession and drug trafficking are serious criminal offenses in the state of Ohio. The penalties for each offense are harsh, and may include jail or prison time, steep fines, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory community service. A conviction for either of these drug crimes can severely damage your reputation and make it very difficult for you to secure a job, housing, student loans, and more.
If you or someone you love has been arrested for or charged with possession of a controlled substance or drug trafficking, you need a seasoned defense team on your side; you need L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our Cincinnati drug possession and trafficking lawyer are prepared to fight for your rights, your future, and your freedom. We represent clients in Southwest Ohio.
Call now for a free consultation: (937) 685-7006.
Understanding OH Drug Possession Laws
Ohio state law defines “drug possession” as knowingly having a controlled substance in your physical possession, either on your person or in a pocket, bag, purse, etc. that is in your possession. Ohio also recognizes “constructive possession,” which is the act of knowingly being aware that a controlled substance is nearby/in close enough proximity to actually possess.
Possible Defenses for OH Drug Possession & Trafficking Charges
Possible defenses to drug possession, therefore, include:
- The substance in question was not a controlled substance
- Possessing the drug legally (in the case of having a valid prescription or a medical marijuana exception)
- Not knowing that the substance was a controlled substance (no knowledge)
- Violation of Fourth Amendment rights (unreasonable searches and seizures)
- Entrapment (e.g. if a police officer uses coercion to get the defendant to commit a crime)
Drug Possession Penalties in Ohio
The penalties for drug possession in Ohio vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including the alleged drug in possession, the amount of drug allegedly possessed, whether or not the defendant has prior convictions, and more. Additionally, if a person is alleged to possess a Schedule I or Schedule II drug (those with a high potential for abuse and with no known medical use in the U.S., but with the exception of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, and certain others), that person faces aggravated drug possession charges. A conviction for aggravated drug possession typically carries harsher penalties.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in OH
Because drug trafficking involves the sale, distribution, or transportation of controlled substances—including over state lines—it can be charged as either a state or federal crime.
The penalties for drug trafficking vary widely, depending on various factors, including:
- The type of substance that was allegedly sold, distributed, or transported (Schedule III, IV, and V substances are generally considered the least serious and carry lesser penalties)
- The amount of drugs allegedly sold, distributed, or transported (in general, the greater the amount, the harsher the penalties)
- Whether or not the alleged offense took place near a school or near minors, even if the minors were not involved in the alleged selling, distributing, or transporting of the substance(s)
Drug trafficking may result in misdemeanor charges; however, it is far more common for these offenses to be charged as felonies. Felony convictions carry serious penalties, such as thousands of dollars in fines, months or even years in prison, and suspension/revocation of driver’s and professional licenses.
Contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC Today
The Cincinnati drug possession and trafficking attorney at L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC understand the severity of your situation. We are prepared to begin working immediately to build a solid defense on your behalf. Our team can determine if your rights were violated at any point during your arrest or prosecution and, if so, will work tirelessly to right this wrong. We have a proven track record of success and over half a century of combined legal experience. Let our team fight for you.
Call (937) 685-7006 or submit an online contact form today to request a free, confidential consultation and case review with our Cincinnati drug possession and trafficking lawyers.
Meet Our Attorneys
Good Things Happen When We Go to Court
Proof of Our Success
Read Our Client Testimonials
At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it."
Extremely pleased with L. Patrick Mulligan and Associates. They helped me through every step of the process and worked hard for me. I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it. Thank you!
- Megan -
"Patrick and his team are the only choice!"My husband was forced to defend himself at our home but that put him in jail. I first went with another lawyer, Mike Mills, who took my money and that was it. Feeling hopeless, I contacted Patrick’s team and they didn’t disappoint. Within 3 hours, Patrick was at jail speaking with my husband and a few days later, Patrick had him home. When you call the office, everyone helps you. You are not just another case to them; I know and experienced it. They are a team you want to be on your family’s side! Thank you Patrick and Laura and team - you are the best, thank you!- Jackson
-
"When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging."My family and I have used Patrick for different cases. A child custody as well as DUI. Initially you may feel scared and want to keep calling but in the end he has always proven that he is the best of the best. When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging. He knows what he's doing. Child custody WON! DUI best possible outcome! I wouldn't hire anyone but him. I highly recommend! Thanks Mr. Mulligan and staff!- Satisfied Client
-
"You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support."I want to personally thank you, Patrick and everyone else who did an amazing job on my cases. I've unfortunately dealt with a lot of attorney's over the years and you guys were the first one's I've ever trusted or felt that you really did what you said you were going to do!! Myself and my family couldn't thank you enough. You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support.- Brian
-
"Best Lawyer ever."Patrick Mulligan took on my case in May 1996 not knowing how things would go. My case being his first Big case. He saved my life. I have still to this day will always remember and be Thankful to him for trusting and believing in me. I was a mother of a daughter 19 months old who as killed by my boyfriend at the time. The state tried to prove me for child endangering and wanting me to serve 18 months in prison. Parick didnt know until that point what he had gotten into . Patrick did everything he could to prove I was a good mother. It was almost a year after my daughters life was taken. We went to trail and I stood on the stand with all my friends and Dr.'s. Patrick worked so hard for me and we won and here I am 15 years later . I found his web site and had to tell my story. Anyone who needs his help he will work as hard as he can for anyone he believs in. I'm so gald to see he is still in Cinti helping people. Thank you Patrick. I will talk to you soon.- Stacy
-
"I would recommend him to anybody."Patrick Mulligan is one of the few attorney's in Dayton that takes no bullshit I would recommend him to anybody- Justin
-
"Help in the Middle of the Night"Mr. Mulligan made all the difference in my case. Through his yellow page ad, I was able to reach him in the middle of the night, after my ex-wife had me falsely arrested for Domestic Violence Verbal. He was prompt in coming to my assistance. He went out of his way to help reach my family so that they could get me released from holding. He answered all my questions and walked me through the entire process. He was able to get the results I was hoping for at the pre-trial, so that we did not actually have to go through an actual trial. Mr. Mulligan exceeded all my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in a similar unfortunate situation. He was a Godsend for me.- Mark