Felony Possession
Possession of a controlled substance offenses involving smaller amounts of marijuana usually result in misdemeanor charges, but cases involving larger amounts can often be felony offenses. A felony cannabis crime in Ohio carries much steeper consequences than those associated with misdemeanors.
In addition to longer prison sentences and bigger fines, alleged offenders can also see many other rights dramatically altered. When the quantity of marijuana involved in certain offenses exceeds legal limits, a person may be charged with drug trafficking that can result in mandatory maximum prison sentences.
Attorney for Felony Marijuana Possession Arrests in Cincinnati, OH
If you were arrested anywhere in Hamilton County for an alleged felony possession of marijuana offense, it is in your best interest to immediately retain legal counsel. Joslyn Law Firm defends clients accused of marijuana offenses (including possession of marijuana with intent to sell) in communities throughout southwest Ohio, including Delhi, Green, Harrison, Miamitown, Norwood, Springdale, Sycamore, Anderson, Bridgetown, and many others.
Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer Brian Joslyn can identify any weaknesses in a prosecutor’s evidence or any law enforcement errors that could lead to your charges possibly being reduced or dismissed. Call (513) 399-6289 today to have our attorney provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.
Ohio Felony Possession of Marijuana Information Center
- How are degrees of felony offenses determined in these cases?
- When do convictions result in mandatory prison sentences?
- Where can I find more information about felony possession in Cincinnati?
Felony Marijuana Possession Charges in Hamilton County
Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11(C)(3) establishes that possession of controlled substance offenses involving marijuana (referred to in state law as “marihuana”) or a compound, mixture, preparation, or substance containing marijuana other than hashish result in the following charges, depending on the amount of cannabis involved in the alleged offense:
- 200 grams or more but less than 1,000 grams — Fifth-degree felony;
- 1,000 grams or more but less than 5,000 grams — Third-degree felony;
- 5,000 grams or more but less than 20,000 grams — Third-degree felony;
- 20,000 grams or more but less than 40,000 grams — Second-degree felony; or
- 40,000 grams or more — Second-degree felony.
Felony Possession of Marijuana Penalties in Cincinnati
An alleged offender convicted of fifth-degree felony possession of marijuana charges can be sentenced to up to 12 months in prison and/or ordered to pay a fine of up to $2,500. Ohio Revised Code § 2929.13(B) applies in determining whether to impose a prison term on the alleged offender.
A third-degree felony possession of marijuana offense involving 1,000 grams or more but less than 5,000 grams of cannabis is punishable by up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000. In these cases, Ohio Revised Code § 2929.13(C) applies in determining whether to impose prison terms. An alleged offender facing third-degree felony possession of marijuana charges involving 5,000 grams or more but less than 20,000 grams of cannabis are subject to the same maximum sentences, but there is also a presumption that a prison term shall be imposed for the offense.
If an alleged offender is convicted of the second-degree felony possession of marijuana offense relating to 20,000 grams or more but less than 40,000 grams of cannabis, a conviction is punishable by a mandatory prison term of five, six, seven, or eight years and/or fine of up to $15,000. Alleged offenses involving 40,000 grams or more of marijuana are punishable by a mandatory maximum term of eight years in prison as well as a possible fine of $15,000.
Ohio Felony Marijuana Possession Resources
Drug Abuse Reduction Taskforce (DART) — The Northeast Hamilton County DART is comprised of police departments from Cheviot, Colerain, Delhi Township, Evendale, Fairfax, Forest Park, Green Township, Greenhills, Harrison, Lockland, Loveland, Maderia, Mariemont, Montgomery, Mt. Healthy, North College Hill, Norwood, Springdale and Springfield Township. Under the drug activity tab on this website, you can learn more about some of the investigations and arrests in Hamilton County. A March 2016 arrest involved an alleged marijuana distributor selling multi-pound quantities in the Tri-State area who was charged with trafficking and possession of marijuana in Hamilton County as well as felony drug offense charges in Kenton County, Kentucky.
The War on Marijuana in Black and White in Ohio | American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) — The ACLU is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that identifies itself as “our nation’s guardian of liberty.” View a fact sheet produced by the ACLU of Ohio that examines the racial disparities in marijuana possession arrest rates in Ohio. The ACLU estimates that Ohio spent more than $120 million enforcing marijuana possession laws in 2010.
Joslyn Law Firm | Cincinnati Felony Marijuana Possession Defense Lawyer
Were you recently arrested for an alleged felony possession of marijuana offense anywhere in southwest Ohio? Do not say anything to authorities without legal representation. Contact Joslyn Law Firm right now.
Brian Joslyn is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Cincinnati who represents individuals in Forest Park, Miami, Montgomery, Reading, Springfield, Symmes, Blue Ash, Colerain, and several other nearby communities in and around Hamilton County. He can review your case and help you understand your legal options when you call (513) 399-6289 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.
