Ohio Drug Crime Laws and Penalties (2025)

Drug crimes are aggressively pursued by law enforcement and heavily prosecuted after an arrest. Even first-time convictions can carry significant penalties that can alter the course of your life. With the partial legalization of marijuana, it is especially important that you understand the current Ohio drug crime laws and penalties to ensure compliance.

Facing Drug Crime Charges With Fortress Law Group

It is crucial that you reach the most favorable outcome possible for your case if you are facing a drug-related charge. The most efficient way to do so is to contact an experienced and trustworthy drug crime defense attorney. Fortress Law Group has a long and successful history of defending clients in the community near Lake Erie and Cleveland.

Drug-Related Crimes

Though the frequency of drug crime arrests has decreased by 24.9% since early 2020, they are still the most frequently charged crime against society. There are several Ohio laws that outline various drug crimes, with each targeting different aspects of illegal drug activity. These laws include:

• Possession of controlled substances. Ohio law dictates that knowingly possessing, obtaining, or using a controlled substance is illegal. This charge can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the schedule and amount of the involved substance.
• Illegal assembly or possession of certain chemicals. It is against the law to knowingly possess certain chemicals if your intent is to use them to manufacture a controlled substance. This is typically charged as a felony.
• Illegal manufacture or cultivation. There are parameters for legal cannabis cultivation and growth, and anything outside these limits is illegal. The manufacture of illicit substances is also illegal.
• Drug trafficking. Within Ohio, you are prohibited from distributing, selling, or offering to sell controlled substances. Included in this charge is aggravated trafficking, which usually involves larger quantities of drugs or trafficking near juveniles or schools.

Drug Crime Penalties

Since several different crimes fall under the drug crime umbrella, there is a wide range of potential criminal penalties. Less serious offenses will carry less severe penalties. Potential criminal penalties following a drug crime conviction include incarceration, fines, probation, and mandatory drug treatment programs. There are aggravating factors that can increase the severity of the criminal penalties you face. Examples include:

• Selling drugs if firearms are present
• Selling drugs near or to minors
• Major drug offender specification
• Being a repeat offender

Drug crimes can also impact other areas of your life. Having a criminal record can impact certain professional licenses, making it more challenging to secure employment. A criminal record can also impact your ability to find housing, take out loans, and receive funds for college.

First-Time Drug Offenses in Ohio

Research has shown there is no connection between the harsh charging of drug crimes and the reduction of drug issues in an area. In other words, the threat of imprisonment and a felony criminal record does not deter drug use or overdoses. Counties with high Class 4 and 5 felony rates still see high overdose rates.

In response, alternative solutions have been proposed for first-time offenders. In some instances, those who have been accused or convicted of a first-time drug charge can be sentenced with more lenient penalties.

Diversion programs allow defendants to complete community service hours and participate in a drug treatment program in exchange for an eventual dismissal of the charges. Intervention in lieu of conviction allows the defendant to plead guilty to the drug charge and then be placed into a drug or mental health treatment program, if the crime was committed as a result of their drug habit or mental health problem.

Why Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer From Fortress Law Group

Fortress Law Group is committed to protecting our community by building a team focused on:

• Allyship
• Professionalism
• Adaptability
• Growth

An online search will result in an overwhelming number of defense attorneys; however, simply being an attorney is not enough to craft a quality defense. The consequences of a drug crime conviction can be life-altering in several ways, and the right defense attorney is a crucial choice. Fortress Law Group values our community and aims to do everything in our power to be a trusted defense team.

FAQs

Q: Can Drug Charges Be Reduced in Ohio?

A: It is possible for drug charges to be reduced in Ohio. A reduction in the charges you are facing often occurs as a result of a plea negotiation between the prosecution and your criminal defense team. This is especially true if the negotiation involves drug treatment. Charges can also be reduced if the prosecution no longer believes they can prove the harsher charges.

Q: Do Drug Crimes Carry Minimum Mandatory Sentences?

A: Some drug crimes carry minimum mandatory sentences that a judge must follow when sentencing a defendant. For example, a first-degree felony and a second-degree felony both carry a mandatory minimum sentence. Some aggravated drug crimes also have minimum mandatory sentences. It is important that you retain a Mentor drug crime attorney for the greatest chance of reducing the charges you face.

Q: Can I Go to a Drug Rehab Instead of Jail?

A: Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, it is possible for you to avoid jail time and instead spend time in a drug rehab program. An experienced drug crime attorney can help you explore your options and negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf for alternative sentencing. You are most likely to receive an alternative sentence if you have a skilled defense attorney in your corner.

Q: What Are the New Drug Laws in Ohio?

A: One of the new drug laws in Ohio is the legalization of recreational cannabis for adults 21 years and older. In November 2023, Ohio became the 24th state to legalize cannabis use for adults after voting in favor of Issue 2. In August 2024, dual-purpose dispensaries began selling to recreational customers. There are limits on the amount you can possess and purchase. The law also allows for recreational consumers to grow six plants for personal use.

Protecting Your Rights in the Buckeye State

Fortress Law Group can help you overcome drug charges. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug-related crime, schedule a consultation with our team today.

See Related Posts:

• Ohio Crime Rate by City 2025
• Understanding the Severity of First Time Drug Possession Charges in Ohio