My Ohio Defense Lawyer

Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyers

Free Consultation

(888) 205-9314

  • Home
  • Ohio Criminal Charges
  • Criminal Court Procedures
  • About Us
    • Disclaimer / Privacy Policy
  • Criminal Blog

Drug Possession – Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and drugs of this nature are treated as very serious matters in the Ohio criminal justice system. If you are charged with possessing even a little bit of heroin, you can face felony penalties and a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, you have options and you may be able to avoid the worst of these penalties.

Classified as a Schedule I drug, heroin is considered one of the most dangerous. Obviously, this means it will be treated as a more serious matter by the police and the courts. You are facing prison time, fines, and the designation as a convicted felon and you’re no doubt under a significant amount of stress.

Contrary to what many people think, you don’t have to have drugs on you to be charged with possession. Instead, the drugs merely have to be within your control. In other words, if the drugs are found on your property or even close to you, they can be considered legally yours.

Ohio Heroin Possession – Laws & Penalties

As with other drugs, the more you are accused of possessing, the greater your potential penalty. The table below represents the maximum potential penalty you can face for possessing specific amounts of heroin.

Amount of Heroin Charge Penalty
Up to 1 gram 5th degree felony 6-12 months in prison and $2,500 in fines
1 to < 5 grams 4th degree felony 6- 18 months in prison and $5,000 in fines
5 to < 10 grams 3rd degree felony 1-5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
10 to < 50 grams 2nd degree felony 2-8 years in prison and $15,000 in fines
50 to <250 grams 1st degree felony 3-10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines
250 grams or more 1st degree felony 3-10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines

If you are accused of possessing a large amount of heroin, you could be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence. This means the sentence cannot be suspended and you cannot serve probation or parole for a portion of it.

Ohio Heroin Possession – Sentencing Alternatives

Not all heroin possession cases result in a prison term. This is partially because most cases end in a plea agreement. Oftentimes, you can avoid the most serious of penalties by admitting guilt and bargaining with the prosecution for a lenient sentence. You may end up serving a shorter sentence in the county jail, or probation instead.

The state of Ohio also has drug courts that serve as an alternative to the traditional criminal courts. These courts require defendants to go through a period of intense supervision, much like a very intense probation under the watchful eye of the court. Participants are required to take part in treatment and other rehabilitative programs in order to succeed.

Consulting with a local defense attorney about the facts of your case may open up additional alternatives and options. Call  today for a free legal consultation on your case.

Please Share.Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on Reddit
Reddit
0Email this to someone
email

Free Legal Consultation

Contact our attorneys for a free legal case evaluation on any criminal charge by calling:


(888) 205-9314


Receive our free legal defense consultation and case evaluation. We'll explain what you are facing in plain language, and tell you how we can help.

Criminal Charges

  • Assault
  • Bad Checks / Credit Card Fraud
  • Burglary
  • Criminal Damage & Vandalism
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Domestic Assault
  • Driving on a Suspended License
  • Drug Possession
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Drug Possession – Cocaine
  • Drug Possession – Heroin
  • Drug Possession Methamphetamine
  • Drug Trafficking
  • DWI/OVI First Offense
  • Embezzlement
  • Failure to Appear/ Bail Jumping
  • Failure to Stop (Hit and Run)
  • Menacing/Stalking
  • OVI/DUI Second and Subsequent Offenses
  • Protection Order Violations
  • Reckless Driving Laws
  • Robbery
  • Sex Offenses
    • Gross Sexual Imposition
    • Public Indecency
  • Shoplifting / Theft
  • Weapons Offenses

Free Consultation

Arrested? Call for a case evaluation on any Ohio criminal charge. No obligation.

(888) 205-9314

Copyright © 2021 Get Lawyer Leads, Inc.
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. This is not a law firm or referral service and does not provide legal advice. This is a free matching service only, claim reviews will be performed by a third party attorney. An attorney-client relationship is not formed when you submit the form and you are under no obligation to retain a lawyer who contacts you through this service. Services are not available in all states.