Over the years of medical advancement, prescription drugs have become a staple in the medical industry. There are a vast number of illnesses that carry with them debilitating symptoms, and there are a plethora of prescription medications that can help people live better lives in spite of their sicknesses. However, these pills are unfortunately a commonly abused substance amongst individuals who indulge in recreational drugs without understanding the aftereffects.

Ohio and the United States as a whole has a growing number of citizens becoming dependent on prescription drugs, and this led to countless individuals being arrested for and charged with unlawful possession of these chemical compounds.

Columbus Prescription Drug Attorney

If you are arrested for or charged with prescription drug charges in Columbus, Ohio, you must ensure you have a criminal defense lawyer on your side from the beginning. Acquiring quality legal representation early on in the process will help the rest of your criminal process go easier. A defense attorney has the knowledge and experience necessary to examine any and all relevant factors and build a strong defense that can withstand attacks from the prosecution.

Sabol Mallory LLC is a law firm in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in criminal defense. Our experienced lawyers and their team of legal specialists, administrators, and researchers are here to provide our clients with top-level representation. Prescription drug charges may seem daunting, but the burden of proof remains until prosecution. If you’re currently facing charges, don’t hesitate to call us at 614-300-5088 or fill out our online contact form. Protecting citizens in counties such as Franklin County, Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County, and Fairfield County, we are wholly committed to making sure the citizens of Ohio have what they needed to fight criminal defense charges.

Columbus OH Prescription Drug Charges Information Center

• Ohio Prescription Drug Laws and Penalties
• Types of Prescription Drugs
• Resources for Prescription Drug Charges in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio Prescription Drug Laws

Chapter 2925 of the ORC states the following in regards to criminal drug offenses: except those properly licensed to prescribe and dispense permitted controlled substances under the law, the law prohibits individuals from engaging in the illegal trafficking, manufacture (either by chemical compounding or cultivation), possession, theft, counterfeiting or distribution of controlled substances.

§2925.11 states that no individual has the right to knowingly possess, acquire, or “use” a controlled substance.

Possession of prescription drugs penalties generally classify as a first-degree misdemeanor. If the alleged offender has a previous drug crime conviction on their record, the charge will be upgraded to a fifth-degree felony. A first-degree misdemeanor charge carries comes along penalties such as six months of jail time in addition to fines up to $1,000. Fifth-degree felonies come with potential year-long jail sentences in addition to a number of fines not to exceed $2,500.

If the amount of the drug involved equals or exceeds the bulk amount but is less than five times the bulk amount, aggravated possession of drugs is a felony of the third degree. This would come with a presumptive sentence of no more than five years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000.

Charges can also differ based on the amount of drug that was found at the location of the alleged offense. If the amount of drug found equals or exceeds five times the bulk amount, the charge is aggravated possession, is considered a second-degree felony. Second-degree felonies contain jail sentences up to 8 eights in addition to fines not to exceed $15,000.  If the drug is equal to or greater than fifty times the bulk amount, it is considered a first-degree felony. First-degree felonies carry penalties such as a maximum ten-year jail sentence, and fines up to $20,000. (up to ten years and / or $20,000).

Types of Prescription Drugs

There are many types of prescription drugs in Columbus, Ohio, but some of the most common include:

• Oxycontin
• Hydrocodone
• Xanax
• Percocet
• Morphine
• Vicodin

Resources for Prescription Drug Charges in Columbus, Ohio

DEA: Drug Scheduling - Follow this link to take a visit to the official website of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Here, you can learn more about drug scheduling, the five drug schedules, and commonly trafficked controlled substances.

Opiate Crisis Information - This link takes you to the official Columbus, Ohio website where you can learn more about the opiate crisis in Ohio.

Ohio STOP Act - Click this link to learn more about the Ohio STOP Act. Recently enacted in hopes of decreasing drug trafficking activity, citizens who use Medicaid will now be limited to one doctor while being treated with select prescription drugs.

Prescription Drug Lawyer | Sabol Mallory

If you or someone you know is fighting prescription drug charges in Columbus, Ohio, it is important to know exactly what you are up against. If convicted of this crime, you may have to spend precious time of your life behind bars, pay hefty court-mandated fines, and live the rest of your life with a stained criminal record.

You need to handle these charges with the care they require, and the first step of this process is to hire a defense lawyer. It is important to work with an elite criminal defense attorney who has the experience and knowledge required to represent you in a way that puts you in a position to receive a favorable outcome in a court of law.

A criminal conviction will likely bring unfortunate effects to your life, be it socially, professionally or financially. This can ruin relationships, degrade earning potential and may even make you ineligible for jobs in certain professional industries. With all there is to lose, nothing should be left to chance.

At Sabol Mallory LLC, we have a proven track record of helping our clients receive favorable outcomes for their cases. Whether it’s a charge reduction or a complete dismissal, citizens need to know that not every charge has to end in up in a conviction. If you have quality lawyers who will fight hard on your behalf, there’s a chance at hope.

Dan Sabol and Chase Mallory are proud to serve individuals of Franklin County, Pickard County, Licking County, Fairfield County, and other counties surrounding Columbus, Ohio. You are innocent until proven guilty, and we are here to protect your rights. If you’re ready to work with us to build your defense case, contact us by phone at 614-300-5088 or fill out our online contact form. We’ll have one of our in-house legal experts reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation.