Drug Possession

Youngstown Drug Possession Lawyer

Have You Been Arrested for Drug Possession?

Drug possession charges are very serious and can carry severe consequences. In Ohio, drug possession is a crime that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor depending on the type and amount of the drug. If you have been arrested for drug possession, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away.

The penalties for drug possession can be severe and can include fines, probation, and even jail or prison time. It is important to have a legal advocate on your side to protect your rights and defend you against the charges. At Hartwig Law LLC, we understand that people make mistakes and that good people sometimes find themselves in bad situations. We are dedicated to helping people who have been charged with drug possession and other crimes. We will work with you to build a strong defense and help you get your life back on track. If you have been arrested for drug possession, we are here for you. today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Youngstown drug possession lawyer.

To speak with an experienced Youngstown drug possession attorney, give us a call at (330) 899-4446 or contact us online.

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is the crime of having illegal drugs in your possession or under your control. You can be charged with drug possession even if you do not own the drugs, and they are not found on your person. The prosecution only needs to prove that you knew the drugs were present and that you had control over them.

This means that you can still be charged with drug possession if the drugs are found in your home or car. The penalties for drug possession can be severe, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on your life. If you have been arrested for drug possession, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the better your chances will be of beating the charges.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession?

The penalties for drug possession depend on the type and amount of the drug. Drug possession is a crime that can be charged as a felony or misdemeanor in Ohio. Felony drug possession is a more serious offense and carries more severe penalties. The penalties for drug possession can include fines, probation, and even jail or prison time. If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away.

An experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine the best way to defend you against the charges. In some cases, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed. In other cases, the best strategy may be to fight the charges at trial. At Hartwig Law LLC, we are dedicated to helping people who have been charged with drug possession and other crimes. We will work with you to build a strong defense and help you get your life back on track.

Defenses Against Drug Possession

There are a number of defenses that can be used to fight drug possession charges. The best defense will depend on the specific facts of your case. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine the best way to defend you against the charges. Some of the most common defenses against drug possession include:

  • Illegal search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that the police must have a valid search warrant or probable cause to search you or your property. If the police find drugs during an illegal search, the drugs cannot be used as evidence against you in court. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine whether the police conducted an illegal search.
  • Lack of possession. The prosecution must prove that you had possession of the drugs in order to convict you of drug possession. If the drugs were not found on your person, it can be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you had control over them. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine whether the prosecution has enough evidence to prove possession.
  • Entrapment. If the police used entrapment to get you to commit a crime, you may be able to use this as a defense against the charges. Entrapment occurs when the police induce you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine whether entrapment is a viable defense.

What Are Your Rights if Drugs Are Found in a Shared Car or Residence?

If drugs are found in a shared space, such as a car or residence, the question of ownership and awareness of the substances becomes crucial. In these situations, law enforcement must prove that you knowingly possessed the drugs for you to face a possession charge. Merely being present in a shared space where drugs are discovered is generally not enough for a conviction.

In shared cars or homes, the legal concept of "constructive possession" may come into play. Constructive possession means that even if the drugs weren’t physically on your person, you might still be charged if it can be shown that you had knowledge of and control over the drugs. For example, if drugs are found in a communal area within a residence or in a shared vehicle, proving who actually "possessed" the drugs can be challenging. Factors like the location of the drugs, any direct or indirect access, and statements made to police officers during the search can all influence the case.

It's important to remember that as a defendant, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Anything said to law enforcement can potentially be used as evidence. An attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and can work to challenge any assertions of constructive possession if there is a lack of evidence linking you to the drugs. 

How Can a Drug Possession Lawyer Help?

If you have been arrested for drug possession, an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help. A lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case and determine the best way to defend you against the charges. In some cases, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed. In other cases, the best strategy may be to fight the charges at trial.

A lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you make informed decisions every step of the way. At Hartwig Law LLC, we are dedicated to helping people who have been charged with drug possession and other crimes. We understand that people make mistakes and that good people sometimes find themselves in bad situations. We also know that the criminal justice system is not perfect and that innocent people are sometimes wrongfully accused of crimes. We will work with you to build a strong defense and help you get your life back on track. If you have been arrested for drug possession, we are here for you. today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled drug possession lawyer.

To speak with an experienced Youngstown drug possession attorney, give us a call at (330) 899-4446 or contact us online.

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