Drug crime cases often depend on one question: Can the prosecution legally prove the drugs belonged to you or that you committed the offense? Whether police found drugs during a traffic stop, a search of your home, or another investigation, the evidence and how it was obtained can significantly influence the outcome of your case.
If you’re facing drug charges in Columbus, our drug crimes attorney at McNamee Defense can review the investigation, challenge unlawful searches or seizures, and build a defense based on the facts specific to your case.
Facing One of These Drug Charges in Columbus?
Ohio’s drug laws cover a wide range of offenses, from simple possession to felony trafficking allegations. Attorney Colin E. McNamee represents clients charged with drug offenses, including:
- Drug possession
- Aggravated possession of drugs
- Drug trafficking
- Aggravated trafficking in drugs
- Illegal manufacture of drugs
- Illegal cultivation of marijuana
- Prescription drug crimes
- Drug paraphernalia offenses
- Possession of criminal tools related to drug offenses
No two drug cases are alike. The type of drug involved, the quantity, where it was found, and how police obtained the evidence can all influence the charges filed and the defenses available.
What Should I Do If I Get Arrested for a Drug Offense in Columbus?
Resist the urge to fill in the gaps for investigators. What you tell the police can become evidence, even if you believe your explanation will clear things up. Speak with a lawyer before discussing the allegations. You should also follow any bond or release conditions, preserve documents or other information that may be relevant to your defense, and avoid posting about the case on social media.
Getting our Columbus drug crimes lawyer involved early can reveal problems with the traffic stop, search, warrant, or other steps police took to build your drug case.
What If The Drugs Were Not on Me During The Arrest?
Unfortunately, yes. A drug possession charge doesn’t necessarily require police to find drugs in a person’s pocket or directly on their body. Ohio drug cases may involve actual or constructive possession. Constructive possession allegations can arise when drugs are found in a vehicle, residence, or another location that multiple people have access to.
The prosecution must still prove the required elements of the charged offense. Evidence such as statements, photographs, surveillance footage, fingerprints, location, and other circumstances is all crucial when determining whether the prosecution can establish possession.
Can Drug Charges Be Dismissed or Reduced?
Not every drug case ends with a conviction for the original charge. Depending on the circumstances, possible outcomes may include dismissal, reduction of charges, suppression of evidence, negotiated resolution, community control, or trial.
Some defendants may also qualify for specialized programs or statutory alternatives, depending on the offense and their individual circumstances. Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) may be available in certain eligible cases, subject to Ohio law and the court’s requirements. Our drug crimes attorney can assess the facts of your case and explain which outcomes may be available to you.
Fight The Charges Against You With Our Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbus
Remember that what happened before the drugs were found matters because drug charges are not decided by an arrest alone. The evidence, the legality of the investigation, and the facts surrounding your case all play a vital role in the outcome of your case.
If you’ve been arrested for a drug offense in Columbus, reach out to McNamee Defense so our lawyer can evaluate the evidence, explain your legal options, and work to achieve the best possible result for your case. Arrange your free case evaluation by calling our office at 614-782-8889 or sending us an online message.