Have you been arrested for possession of marijuana or another marijuana-related offense in Cincinnati, OH? Don’t underestimate the seriousness of a conviction. The only way to protect yourself is by defending yourself at every turn. The experienced Cincinnati marijuana defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you fight to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
We offer a free initial case evaluation, so don’t hesitate to connect with us online or pick up the phone to give us a call today at (513) 333-0014.
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How Our Defense Lawyers Can Help You Fight Back Against Your Criminal Charge
If you take a stroll through the heart of cities like Denver or Seattle, you can pop into a store and buy a jar of cannabis without fear of legal reprisal. In Cincinnati, and throughout Ohio, law enforcement officers continue to arrest people for marijuana offenses every day.
Were you recently charged with a crime of this nature? If so, please reach out to a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer from the law firm of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, as soon as possible. We may be able to help you get your charge dropped or reduced.
Our team is committed to providing the residents of Cincinnati with a tenacious legal defense whenever they may need it. If you ask us to assist you with your marijuana case, we will:
Work to Get You Out of Jail
Being held in custody after a marijuana arrest is never a pleasant experience. Between the uncomfortable mattresses, bright lights, and cold floors, jails and police stations are the last place you want to spend the night.
When you hire the legal team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, to defend you against your marijuana charge, our first priority will be to get you out of jail and home to your friends and family. We will first move to have you released on your own recognizance. If the court denies this request, we will then seek a reasonable bond.
Protect Your Constitutional Rights
As a citizen or resident of the United States, you are granted several rights by the U.S. Constitution. When investigating and arresting you on marijuana charges, the state of Ohio and its representatives must not violate those rights. Unfortunately, they sometimes do.
Having spent many years assisting the residents of Cincinnati with their legal issues, our lawyers have become highly adept at spotting constitutional rights violations. If a prosecutor or law enforcement officer steps over the line during your case, we will intervene as quickly as possible.
Negotiate with the Prosecuting Attorney
The vast majority of marijuana cases in the state of Ohio never make it to trial. Instead, they are resolved when the prosecution and the defendant agree to a plea bargain deal. Of course, these deals do not come together overnight – they typically require several days of negotiation.
If the prosecutor assigned to your case offers you a plea bargain deal, our attorneys will sit down with them and try to negotiate fair and reasonable terms. We have been hammering out agreements of this nature for years, so you can be confident that you will be well represented throughout the process.
Represent You at Trial
If the prosecutor is unwilling to agree to an equitable plea bargain deal, your case will almost certainly go to trial. There, a judge and a jury of your peers will determine your fate.
Given the impact the outcome of your court case is likely to have on the rest of your life, you will no doubt be keen to put your best foot forward through the proceedings. The best way to do just that is with the help of an experienced trial lawyer – which is exactly what you will get when you hire our Ohio law firm.
Would you like to hire a criminal defense attorney from the law firm of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, to help you fight back against your drug charge? If so, please give us a call or send us a message online as soon as possible. We would love to arrange a free consultation at our headquarters in Cincinnati to learn more about your case.
Commonly Charged Marijuana Offenses in Ohio
In July 2019, the City of Cincinnati decriminalized the possession of marijuana. Nevertheless, the Cincinnati Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to arrest people for cannabis-related offenses, such as:
Possession of Marijuana
Section 2925.11 of the Ohio Revised Code makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly obtain, possess, or use marijuana. Individuals who violate this law may be charged with drug possession.
The severity of this offense depends on the amount of marijuana the offender was carrying at the time of their arrest:
- Less Than 100g: Minor misdemeanor (decriminalized in Cincinnati)
- 100g to 200g: Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- 201g to 999g: Fifth-degree felony
- 1,000g to 19,999g: Third-degree felony
- More Than 20,000g: Second-degree felony
The state of Ohio has the authority to upgrade these felony and misdemeanor levels for repeat offenders.
Trafficking in Marijuana
Section 2925.03 of the Ohio Revised Code states that it is illegal for a person to sell or offer to sell marijuana. This statute also makes it unlawful to ship, transport, or deliver marijuana while having cause to believe that it will be re-sold by the recipient.
People who violate this law can be arrested on marijuana trafficking charges.
Again, the severity of this offense depends on the amount of drugs the offender is attempting to move:
- Less Than 200g: Fifth-degree felony
- 201g to 999g: Fourth-degree felony
- 1,000g to 19,999g: Third-degree felony
- More Than 20,000g: Second-degree felony
Prosecutors can upgrade the felony level of this offense if it takes place in the vicinity of a school or a juvenile.
Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana
Section 2925.04 of the Ohio Revised Code states that it is unlawful to knowingly cultivate marijuana. Individuals who violate this law can be charged with the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
As with most drug offenses in the Buckeye State, the seriousness of this offense depends on the weight of the marijuana in question:
- Less Than 100g: Minor misdemeanor
- 100g to 200g: Fourth-degree misdemeanor
- 201g to 999g: Fifth-degree felony
- 1,000g to 19,999g: Third-degree felony
- More Than 20,000g: Second-degree felony
The felony or misdemeanor level of this crime can be upgraded if it takes place in the vicinity of a school or a juvenile.
Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia
Section 2925.141 of the Ohio Revised Code explains that it is illegal to use or possess with the purpose of using any equipment that is designed to store, contain, inject, ingest, or inhale marijuana. Any individuals who violate this statute may face a charge for possession of marijuana paraphernalia.
In Ohio, offenses of this nature are almost always classified as minor misdemeanors.
The legal team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, is well-versed in all areas of Ohio criminal law. If you need a criminal defense attorney to help you fight back against your marijuana charge, please reach out to us. We are ready, willing, and able to assist you with your case.
Criminal Penalties for Ohio Marijuana Convictions
When Cincinnati residents are found guilty of a marijuana offense, they are typically punished in accordance with the following sentencing guidelines:
- Felonies of the Second Degree: At least 8 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $15,000.
- Felonies of the Third Degree: Up to 5 years in state prison and a fine of as much as $10,000.
- Felonies of the Fourth Degree: Up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of as much as $5,000.
- Felonies of the Fifth Degree: Up to 12 months in state prison and a fine of as much as $2,500.
- Misdemeanors of the Fourth Degree: Up to 30 days in county jail and a fine of as much as $250.
- Minor Misdemeanors: A fine of as much as $150.
Do you need a defense lawyer in Cincinnati to help you battle to avoid the negative consequences of a marijuana conviction? Then please contact the team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, at your earliest convenience. We have been working on criminal cases like these for years, and we are ready to assist you with yours.
Defenses Against Ohio Drug Charges
In most cases, the best way to prevent a marijuana charge from becoming a marijuana conviction is with the help of an effective defense strategy, such as:
Fourth Amendment Violation
If the offender’s marijuana was found during an illegal search, their lawyer should have no trouble getting their charge dismissed.
Lack of Evidence
If the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an offender is guilty, their attorney can most likely get their case thrown out.
Entrapment
Law enforcement officers cannot coerce people to commit crimes. If a lawyer can show that their client was forced to carry or sell the marijuana in question, they should be able to get their charge dropped.
If you would like to have some of the top lawyers in the United States devise an effective defense strategy for your marijuana case, please reach out to the law firm of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, today.
Your Skilled Marijuana Defense Lawyer in Cincinnati, Ohio
The legal team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, has spent years providing drug crime, domestic violence, and DUI defense services to the people of Ohio. During that time, we have helped countless clients get their charges dismissed and reduced. If you would like to have us assist you with your marijuana case, just give us a call and set up a free consultation at our law offices in Cincinnati.