Possession of Heroin
Drug charges under Ohio law can be very serious. Often the sentencing for a drug conviction is reliant on how abusive the drug is. Heroin is considered a high-risk controlled substance under Ohio’s Revised Code. A person, even with a very minimal amount, in possession of heroin may face harsh penalties.
A heroin possession conviction can change a person’s everyday life. Those who are charged with possession of heroin may face felony charges. Any kind of felony conviction entails hefty fines and possible prison time. It is important to be aware of what comes next if you are charged.
If you or someone you love has been arrested with possession of heroin, it is in your best interest to seek an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Cincinnati Heroin Possession Attorneys in Ohio
All states prohibit the transfer, distribution, and possession of heroin. Ohio is no exception. Simply holding a small amount of heroin can result in possible incarceration and the label as a felon. There is not a lot of time to idle. It is best you stay silent with law enforcement and obtain legal representation.
Find that representation with Joslyn Law Firm. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm are experienced at handling all types of drug crime cases in the Ohio courts system. We strive to attain superior results for your case to the best of our ability. At Joslyn Law Firm, we have the resources and the talent to combat your charges in court. Find a partner with an attorney who cares for you, by calling.
Joslyn Law Firm accepts clients for drug crimes throughout the greater Hamilton County area including Cincinnati, Reading, Harrison, Blue Ash, Springdale, Symmes, Delhi, and Montgomery.
Overview for Heroin Possession Charges in Ohio
Ohio Penalties for Possession of Heroin in Cincinnati
Heroin is considered a recreational drug with a very high rate of abuse. Since there is no medical purpose for heroin and it has a long history of addiction, Ohio is very strict on heroin possession. It must be noted that even the smallest amount of heroin can result in a felony.
|
Amount of Heroin |
Level of Offense |
Maximum Fine |
Maximum Prison Time |
| Less than 1 Gram | 5th Degree Felony | $2,500 Fine | Up to 12 Months in Prison |
| 1 to 5 Grams | 4th Degree Felony | $5,500 Fine | Up to 18 Months in Prison |
| 5 to 10 Grams | 3rd Degree Felony | $10,000 Fine | Up to 5 Years in Prison |
| 10 to 50 Grams | 2nd Degree Felony | $15,000 Fine | Up to 8 Years in Prison |
| 50 to 250 Grams | 1st Degree Felony | $20,00 Fine | Up to 10 Years in Prison |
| Greater than 250 Grams | 1st Degree Felony | $20,000 Fine | Up to 10 Years in Prison |
Something to note, a felony conviction also ends up labeling the alleged offender as a “felon.” Once the alleged offender is released they may find difficulty in retaining the lifestyle they want. This includes taking loans from the federal government, limiting job opportunities, difficulty in obtaining housing, and the inability to vote in elections.
Ohio Drug Courts
In some cases, there is an alternative to prison when it comes to drug crimes. Ohio drug courts are offered to rehabilitate the alleged offender and treat their drug dependency. Participation in and completion of a drug court program may result in either a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
Drug courts are particular and a person must meet the following requirements to participate. These requirements include:
- The alleged offender has sufficient motivation for treatment or to change;
- The alleged offender is diagnosed with having a chemical dependency;
- The alleged offender meets Ohio’s sentencing guidelines for a presumption for probation; and
- The crime must be a felony offense of the 4th or 5th degree.
However, some factors can stop a person from participating in drug courts. The elements that will disqualify a person from presenting a case to Ohio drug courts include:
- The alleged charges are sexually oriented or violent;
- The alleged offense is gun-related;
- The alleged offender has multiple prior felonies;
- The alleged offender has prior convictions for drug trafficking; and
- The alleged offender has prior convictions for violent crimes.
Additional Resources
Drug Courts – Visit the official website for the Supreme Court of Ohio. Here you can access the Supreme Court specialized docket certification procedures, the principles for the treatment used in the drug courts, and the contact information on how to contact Ohio’s drug courts.
Drugs of Abuse – Gain access to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Resource Guide provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. This document is used by the DEA to classify and learn more about drugs and how they are penalized in the United States. Learn about the Controlled Substances Act, the different Schedules for drugs, and more information about certain drugs in particular.
Lawyer for Possession of Heroin in Cincinnati, Ohio
If you are convicted of heroin possession in Ohio, you may face felony charges. A felony charge can follow you around in your personal and professional life. Your opportunities may be limited and reputation destroyed, all because of a small amount of heroin.
You must stay informed and start your defense to fight these charges today. Pick up the phone and call (513) 399-6289 for a talented attorney at Joslyn Law Firm. The attorneys at Joslyn Law Firm are experienced in criminal defense and have handled many drug crime cases in the past. We strive to obtain the best possible result for our clients. Let us be your partner in these murky legal waters.
Have some peace of mind and start your plan today. Joslyn Law Firm represents those accused of drug crimes throughout the Southern Ohio region including Cincinnati, Springdale, Harrison, Montgomery, Cheviot, and Harrison.
Call us now at (513) 399-6289, and schedule a free consultation surrounding your case today.
This article was last updated on August 20, 2018.
