September 16, 2020 | Drug Crimes

Police conducted a search that resulted in seizing 12 firearms, cash, and drugs and arresting two individuals. Law enforcement officials seized fentanyl, cocaine, and $37,000 along with the firearms.

The two people arrested were 23-year-old Kelsey Klopp and 34-year-old Yancy White. White is in jail on a $100,000 bond at the Hamilton County Jail. Klopp is in jail on a $10,000 bond.

According to Cincinnati Assistant Chief Paul Neudigate, both defendants were legally barred from possessing any firearms. The Gang Unit assisted in the arrests. 

The criminal charges against White are having weapons while under disability and drug trafficking. The criminal charges against Klopp are having weapons while under disability and carrying concealed weapons. Both defendants have prior drug-related convictions. 

Penalties for Weapons and Drug Charges

The penalties for weapons and drug charges vary. Some offenses are misdemeanors, while other offenses are felonies. The circumstances of a car can increase the level of the charges.

It is crucial to understand the charges against you and the potential penalties that you might face for a conviction. You need this information before you can decide how to proceed with your case. 

Below are a few examples of how a prosecutor might charge some drug and weapon crimes. 

Both defendants are charged with having weapons while under disability. According to the code section, this weapons charge applies when the person:

  • Has a violent felony offense conviction
  • Has a felony drug offense conviction
  • Is a chronic alcoholic 
  • Is a drug addict
  • Has been judged mentally ill or incompetent

In most cases, having a weapon while under disability is charged as a third-degree felony. Therefore, both individuals could be facing between one and five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 for that charge.

The female defendant is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon. It is illegal to carry a concealed weapon in Ohio unless you have a valid CCW permit. 

If someone is carrying a concealed weapon with a CCW, the person must tell the police officer that he has a CCW and a firearm. The person must comply will the police officer’s lawful orders and keep their hands visible and away from the firearm.

Carrying a concealed weapon is typically a first-degree misdemeanor. However, if the person has a prior conviction for this crime or the gun is loaded, the charge increases to a fourth-degree felony.

For this charge, the female defendant faces up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if the charge is a misdemeanor. If the charge is a fourth-degree felony, she could spend up to 18 months in prison and have a fine of up to $5,000.

The male defendant also faces a drug trafficking charge. According to Ohio drug laws, it is illegal to sell or offer to sell a controlled substance or deliver, ship, distribute, or transport controlled substances. 

The charge for drug trafficking is typically a fourth-degree felony. However, the charge increases to a third-degree felony if the crime took place near a school or the charges involve a large quantity of drugs. For a third-degree felony, the defendant could serve up to five years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine.

Defending Yourself Against Drug Crimes and Weapons Charges

If you are facing charges for drug crimes or weapons charges, you are facing serious prison time, fines, and other penalties. Do not take the charges against you lightly. You need a criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. 

Representing yourself may result in substantial penalties. Before you agree to a plea deal or proceed with a hearing, invoke your right to have legal counsel.

When you are arrested, do not talk to the police. Talking to the police without a lawyer is rarely in a person’s best interest. You must give your name and address, but you are not required to answer any other questions. 

It is best to remain silent except for asking for a criminal lawyer. 

Your criminal lawyer reviews the charges against you and analyzes whether your legal rights were violated. If the officers did not have probable cause for an arrest, the court could dismiss the charges against you. If the offers conducted an illegal search and seizure, the court could throw out any evidence against you that the police discovered because of the illegal search.

The police officers nor the prosecution are going to tell you whether your legal rights were violated. They have one goal — to obtain a guilty verdict and put you in jail. You need someone who is on your side fighting to protect you.

Contact the Cincinnati Drug Crimes Attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC For Help Today

For more information, contact the drug crimes attorneys at Suhre & Associates, LLC give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati Law Office.

Suhre & Associates, LLC – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
United States