If you’re convicted in Ohio for being in possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, it’s likely going to come with some serious penalties. This may include time spent in jail and hefty fines. It’s an offense that’s treated seriously because of the potential far-reaching repercussions that come with intending to sell, manufacture or deliver illegal substances to others.
When deciding on a conviction, there are lots of factors the court will take into consideration. They will use these factors to determine the seriousness of the offense and the appropriate sentence. The most significant consideration will be the type of drug that was involved and how much.
What is possession with intent to distribute?
Ohio law describes a person as being in possession with intent to supply if they sell or offer to sell a controlled substance. The offense can also be proven if it is shown that an individual prepared the drug for shipment or transported/delivered it and has reasonable cause to believe the controlled substance is intended for sale by another person.
Penalties depend on how much drugs you have on you
The more drugs in your possession when you’re arrested, the harsher the penalties are likely to be.
Penalties range from anywhere between five to ten years in prison and fines in the region of $10,000 to $20,000. You may also lose your driving license among other personal consequences such as losing your job.
It’s important to seek early legal help if you’ve been arrested for a drug crime. This gives you the best chance at successfully fighting the charges against you and negotiating a lower sentence.