|
|
Last Modified on Nov 06, 2025
When an otherwise good college student makes a bad choice, one single mistake can result in a life-altering disciplinary action. When an impulsive decision occurs on school property, the situation can have even worse consequences. It quickly becomes a moment of fear for the student and one of crisis for parents. It’s important to know exactly what charges they received because the implications for drug possession vs. distribution are significantly different.
Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer Who Is Experienced in College Student Drug Cases
The first and foremost thing you should do when you get a call that your college student has received a drug charge is to hire a drug crime lawyer. It is recommended that you seek legal advice from a drug crime attorney who has experience representing college students in drug crime cases. Fortress Law Group, LLC, has successfully handled these types of cases and has a comprehensive knowledge of Ohio drug crime laws that can help students fight drug charges.
Penalties for Ohio Drug Possession vs. Distribution
If your student was charged with the distribution of drugs, it is imperative that you work to get these charges reduced or potentially dismissed altogether. The difference between drug possession and distribution lies in the penalties. One will result in a difficult but likely temporary setback, versus a sentence that could potentially throw your student’s life completely off track. This is why it is so important that you speak with a drug crime attorney as soon as you possibly can.
Drug possession charges in Ohio are more common than distribution charges. The penalties for possession vary depending on the substance. For example, if a student is caught with 100 to 200 grams of marijuana, they will likely be charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor possession. A conviction would result in up to 30 days in jail and fines.
If the amount of marijuana exceeds that amount, the charge becomes a felony punishable by months to years in jail and large fines. Therefore, a possession charge can potentially be a very serious offense.
To compare, a distribution charge involving amounts of marijuana less than 20 grams is a misdemeanor. Anything above 20 grams is a felony. If the amount is between 21 grams and 200 grams, it is considered a fifth-degree felony, and a prison term is determined based on other circumstances of the case, such as if the crime occurred within the vicinity of a school, which can cause problems in these cases if a defense strategy isn’t carefully planned with an attorney.
School-Imposed Punishment
State-imposed penalties for Ohio drug crimes are foreboding, to say the least. However, there are additional penalties your student’s school may also impose, especially if the crime occurred on school property. School policies could require immediate suspension, expulsion, or loss of sports or honors privileges. Some schools require mandatory drug counseling and have programs in place for students. If convicted, the student’s criminal record could cause challenges in the future as well.
Connect With a College Student Drug Crime Case Lawyer
The sooner you seek counsel from a legal professional in Ohio, the better your chances are of minimizing the consequences of the charges. Evidence that could be used to gain a more favorable outcome in your case can be difficult to find the longer you wait. For instance, eyewitnesses have a tendency to disappear soon after an arrest is made, especially on a college campus. It cannot be stressed enough that your student needs a lawyer. Contact Fortress Law Group, LLC, before it’s too late for your student.
Ohio Drug Crime Resources:
