Experienced Cocaine Possession Law Firm in Dayton
Cocaine possession is almost always illegal. With a clean record, you might get probation. However, any aggravating circumstances could enhance the sentence to up to 12 months in jail. Additionally, coke possession charges are felonies that can have a significant impact on your housing, employment, and government benefits.
The criminal defense attorneys at Gounaris Abboud have handled hundreds of cases involving the possession of cocaine and other controlled substances. We have a 95% success rate in obtaining positive outcomes for people charged with criminal offenses.
We provide high-quality and non-judgmental legal representation, personalizing a defense to your goals and circumstances.
Cocaine Possession Penalties in Dayton, OH
What are the legal consequences of cocaine? The punishment for drug charges depends on the type and amount of drugs allegedly possessed as follows:
| Amount | Potential Punishment |
|---|---|
| Less than five grams | Fifth-degree felony, up to 12 months of imprisonment |
| Five or more grams but less than 10 grams | Fourth-degree felony, up to 18 months of imprisonment |
| 10 or more grams but less than 20 grams | Third-degree felony, up to 36 months of imprisonment |
| 20 grams or more up to 27 grams | Second-degree felony, up to eight years of imprisonment |
| 27 grams or more up to 100 grams | First-degree felony, up to 11 years of imprisonment |
| 100 grams or more | First-degree felony, 11 years of imprisonment if the judge finds the defendant a major drug offender (MDO) |
Judges are allowed to impose community control, also called probation, for cocaine possession charges involving less than ten grams if no weapons were found and the defendant has a clean criminal history.
Once the prosecution alleges possession of ten or more grams, Ohio drug possession laws presume imprisonment. Prison is mandatory for amounts of 20 or more grams. The maximum sentence is mandatory for possession of over 100 grams of cocaine.
Other Consequences of an Ohio Drug Conviction
A drug possession conviction involving cocaine could significantly impact your future. In addition to fines and jail time for cocaine possession, you could face the following collateral consequences:
- Denial of government benefits
- Disqualification for certain jobs
- Professional discipline and possible loss of licensure
- Deportation
Most importantly, you will have a permanent felony criminal record visible to landlords, employers, and educational institutions that conduct background checks.
