Drug Crimes in Warren

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Crime Charges

Whether you are arrested by local police or a federal officer, drug charges can be classified as both state and federal crimes. It’s essential to understand the distinction between state drug offenses and federal drug crimes.

Hire an Attorney if the Police Interrogates You

If you face drug crime charges in Ohio, you should immediately seek advice from an experienced Warren criminal lawyer at the Youngstown Criminal Law Group instead of speaking to the police. Our Youngstown Criminal Law Group has successfully represented over 100 clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases in state and federal courts.

Various Kinds of Drug Crime Charges

The type of drug crime charge you face depends on the circumstances of your arrest. Here are the main categories:

Drug Possession

• Definition: Possessing illegal drugs or substances without the intent to sell.
• Penalty: Generally considered a minor offense handled at the state level under the Ohio Revised Code.

Sale, Distribution, and Trafficking of Drugs

• Definition: Possessing drugs with the intent to sell, depending on the arrest conditions and intended sale location.
• Penalty: These charges can be state or federal offenses and typically carry harsher consequences.

Drug Manufacture

• Definition: Manufacturing drugs or possessing paraphernalia used in drug production.
• Penalty: Can result in state or federal charges, especially severe if combined with a sale charge.

When Does a Drug Charge Become a Federal Offense?

A drug charge becomes a federal offense under certain conditions:

• Federal Arresting Officer: When a federal officer, such as from the DEA, makes the arrest.
• Federal Partnerships: Local drug charges can be escalated to federal offenses due to partnerships between federal and state law enforcement agencies aimed at reducing drug crimes nationwide.

Federal charges often lead to more severe penalties, and there is no appeal process if a local charge is upgraded to a federal one.

Consequences of State Drug Crimes

State drug offenses generally have less severe penalties:

• Penalties: Can range from short-term imprisonment to probation, depending on the specifics of the charge.
• Ohio Revised Code: Each state’s laws, including Ohio’s, dictate the penalties and sentencing procedures for drug crimes.

Consequences of Federal Drug Offenses

Federal drug charges come with stricter penalties:

• Penalties: Federal offenses typically do not offer parole and result in longer imprisonment or higher fines, even for minor misdemeanors.

Conclusion

Understanding local and state drug laws is crucial to avoid severe penalties. The Youngstown Criminal Law Group is here to help you comprehend these laws and defend against any charges. We serve Warren, and Ohio. Contact us or call us today at (330) 992-3036 for an initial consultation.