Drug Charges

How can a lawyer help me with drug charges?

At Akamine Law, we defend the constitutional rights of individuals who face drug charges in Columbus and surrounding counties. Whether accused of drug possession, trafficking, or drug manufacturing, defense attorney Nathan Akamine is ready to aggressively defend your rights and challenge any evidence against you. Our goal is to have your case dismissed or, at the very least, significantly reduced in severity.

Contact us as soon as possible. Waiting could compromise your strategic position to preserve and challenge vital evidence.

Attorney Nathan Akamine is a former Prosecutor and highly successful criminal defense attorney. He possesses an in-depth understanding of the laws surrounding your case and the tactics employed against you by the State. You can be confident that he will utilize and exhaust every resource in the fight to reach the best outcome for you.

Our Columbus Criminal Defense law firm is equipped to handle a wide array of drug charges, ranging from minor offenses to extremely serious federal conspiracy allegations.

Types of drug-related criminal cases we handle include;

• Drug Possession and Production
• Drug Trafficking
• Marijuana Cultivation/Growing
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession with Intent to Distribute
• Prescription Fraud
• Drug Distribution to Minors

If I plan to plead guilty to a drug charge, do I still need a lawyer?

Even if you plan on pleading guilty to drug charges, getting the advice of an attorney is paramount. Obtaining experienced counsel offers you the best chance at minimizing your sentence. Criminal defense attorneys equalize the balance of power between the defendant and the prosecution by ensuring that your constitutional rights are protected.

What are controlled substances “Schedules”?

Drugs are classified into five categories, or “Schedules,” based on their potential for dependency and abuse beginning with Schedule I controlled substances having the highest potential for dependency with no accepted medical use, to Schedule V drugs having a low potential for dependency and are widely accepted for medical use. The most severe penalties involve those listed in Schedule I.

What are the sentencing guidelines?

Sentencing guidelines are standards used by the court to determine the punishment for someone convicted of a crime. The length of a sentence is primarily based on two factors:

• the severity of the crime;
• and the defendant’s prior criminal history

The guidelines specify a minimum and maximum sentence the court can order.

What is the role of a grand jury in a drug case?

You may already be aware that a grand jury is a group of people called together by the prosecutor to review information and testimony about suspected criminal activity. Afterward, they decide whether there is enough evidence to issue an indictment charging the defendant with a drug crime.

What are the penalties for a drug crime conviction?

The penalties for drug charges vary depending on certain factors including the type of substance involved, quantity, and nature of the alleged offense. Some drug crimes are filed as misdemeanors and are subject to fines and minimal jail time. Other drug charges are indicted as felonies and carry the potential for lengthy mandatory prison terms.

Additional penalties that can result from a drug-related conviction include community control (or probation), fines, and loss of your driver’s license. A drug conviction can cause problems when applying for jobs, student loan programs, citizenship, and housing.

The potential consequences are severe. That’s why you need an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side, with proven results fighting against drug charges in Ohio.