Criminal Defense

Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers

Drug Crimes in Cincinnati: Why Choose Ernst & Associates for Your Defense

More than 1.5 million people were arrested in 2019 for drug offenses. This is more than any other criminal category and accounts for one in 10 arrests. Drug abuse costs the nation more than $120 billion annually in lost productivity, reduced labor participation, incarceration, premature mortality, and hospitalization, according to verywellmind.com.

The manufacturing and distribution of drugs are hazardous to the masses because of the harmful chemicals involved in the production process. The people in charge of drug operations typically face lengthy prison terms.

The State of Ohio takes drug crimes very seriously, with penalties ranging from fines to long-term imprisonment. Whether you are facing charges for possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, the consequences can be life-altering. In such critical times, choosing the right Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer for your representation is paramount. This article aims to shed light on the landscape of drug crimes in Ohio and why Ernst Firm is your best choice for defense against drug charges.

Navigating the complexities of drug-related offenses requires specialized knowledge and experience. Ernst Firm, with its proven track record, offers precisely that. Here, we hope to help you understand the intricacies of drug crimes in Cincinnati and how Ernst Firm can help you secure the best possible outcome.

There are five common types of drug charges, including:

  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute
  • Illegal manufacturing of a controlled substance
  • Drug trafficking

What is a controlled substance?

A drug or other substance that is controlled by the government and federal law because it might be abused or cause addiction is a controlled substance. The government controls how substances are made, for what application, and how they are handled, stored, and distributed.

Controlled substances include stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogens. A licensed medical professional may only prescribe certain substances for medical use and pain management.

There are five schedules of controlled substances known as schedules I, II, III, IV, and V. The schedules determine the abuse potential of the illegal substances.

Nearly 75 percent of drug overdose deaths in 2020 stemmed from opioids. If you sold illegal drugs to someone and they died from taking them, you could be held legally responsible. Not only will this result in possible jail time, but it’s also something you must live with for the rest of your life.

The possession or distribution of controlled substances can lead to serious drug crime convictions. Get the legal representation you need after an arrest or drug offense charge and book a free consultation with Ernst & Associates and our criminal defense attorneys.

If I get caught with prescription drugs that are not mine, will i go to jail?

Possession of prescription drugs is a common offense in Ohio. It’s an epidemic all its own, as the number one cause of crime in Ohio is opioid addiction. According to sources, an estimated 200,000 people in Ohio suffer from addiction, nearly double the national average. Our state has the highest rates of overdose deaths in the industry.

There are many common examples of prescription drugs many individuals get caught in the Cincinnati area.

The state must ensure dangerous prescription drugs stay out of the hands and homes of the wrong people as they can cause severe adverse reactions. These adverse reactions can lead to harmful events, and some may be life-threatening.

It’s best to avoid handling anyone else’s prescription drugs or dealing with them, as your life is on the line if someone gets hurt.

In Ohio, you can be charged with possession if caught with a prescription drug that is not yours. The severity of charges depends on the drug’s addictiveness and how much was in your control at the time of the arrest. A previous conviction on drug charges will also result in a more severe charge order.

We can help you fight the charges against you, whether your first offense or third. By putting our experience and knowledge to work for you, we will fight to reduce the costs or possibly get the drug charges dropped altogether. Contact our law firm to discuss your charges.

Can I Pick any attorney to help with my drug charges?

There’s a relationship between illegal drug abuse and drug crimes in Ohio and many other states. Drug use and possession result in nearly one million arrests every year. Almost two-thirds of DWI offenders have previously abused drugs as another example of this unfortunate connection.

Possession of prescription drugs falls under the Ohio Revised Code statute of possession of controlled substances (ORC 2925.11), which prohibits anyone from knowingly obtaining, possessing, or using a controlled substance.

It’s a dangerous game to possess, distribute and manufacture drugs, and the prosecution will not hold back in sentencing you to the maximum penalties because of the significant safety risks involved.

If law enforcement discovers that you have drugs in your possession or prescription drugs without a valid prescription, you could face severe penalties depending on how addictive the drugs or sedatives are. When you sell drugs and someone gets hurt, you could face serious charges.

When you need a strong defense against drug crime convictions, consider the experience of our criminal defense attorneys with Ernst & Associates. If you are facing drug charges, choose a skilled and dedicated legal team to defend you. Call our Cincinnati office at 513-579-9500 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation today.

Navigating The Ohio Court System

One of the most important attributes your attorney should have is familiarity with these courts. Your lawyer should know each judge and each prosecutor and know what to expect from each. Our attorneys have been practicing in these courts for over 30 years and have in depth knowledge of the intricacies of each.

Client Testimonials

See what our clients say about us.

Jagdeep was professional and definitely explained the process to me.These are the guys you want to watch your 6. Absolutely a go to firm!

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Chevelle Starr

Cincinnati, OH

Received a more than favorable outcome. Experience and contacts of Ernst & Associates definitely paid off with results. I would recommend them if you find yourself in a jam.

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Michael Smith

Cincinnati, OH

Ernst & Associates are they best around in my opinion. Matt guided me through the whole process with ease. It was my first time being in trouble and he helped me keep calm and reassured me that everything will be fine. And that it was. Thank you so much for the help! Highly recommend!

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Dylan Durden

Cincinnati, OH

These guys were awesome! They were available when I needed them, even in the middle of the night, and they stayed in constant communication with me while they worked behind the scenes. Jagdeep stepped me through everything I needed to do effortlessly, and even got me out of needing to go to court for some of my cases. He looked like a million bucks and I felt safe putting my future in their hands. Overall, they provided professional service that I would seek out again in a heartbeat if and when I ever get myself into serious trouble again. Amazing team!

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Taylor L

Cincinnati, OH

Matt and his team are literally the best at what they do. This man went beyond the call of duty to help me out in dire need. And he doesn’t stop until your case is settled. I can’t thank them enough for what they got me through! I highly recommend Ernst & Associates for your legal troubles.

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Jus Tree

Cincinnati, OH

Words cannot express how thankful I am for the representation we received from Connor. He insured that our family would no longer suffer and kept us all together. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart ❤️

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Ayesha Cooke

Cincinnati, OH

Ernst and Associates are a top notch aggressive criminal defense legal team. I wouldn’t trust any other firm in Cincinnati than them for my legal matters. Keep up the great work 👍 …

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James Drew II

Cincinnati, OH

Matt and his team assisted me with a court case in Hamilton County. Because of his hard work and diligence regarding my case, I was able to obtain a reduced sentence and avoid higher driving and insurance fees. If you are in need of a talented professional lawyer, my advice is to contact Matt Ernst right away.

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Scott Penny

Cincinnati, OH

My mother was in a car accident on her way to work. We didn’t know how to go about dealing with the insurance claim with the other driver being at fault. Jagdeep took care of it all. Kept us updated with every step. He gave her advice on how to approach the situation, and that helped ease the stress of it all. Definitely recommend.

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Alfred Vargas

Cincinnati, OH

Jessica Ernst was appointed for me for my civil stalking protection order and she was very helpful throughout and very professional 10/10 would highly recommend

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Dartagnan Lawsongatch

Cincinnati, OH

I initially spoke with Adam from The Firm .He did a great job letting me know what to expect. Matthew took care of of my case. The results that I received and the time and attention were excellent. I couldn't of asked for anything better. I highly recommend you to use them if you're ever in need of a great firm.

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Matt Sweeney

Cincinnati, OH

Great people to work with and got the job done with flying colors. Couldn't ask for a better outcome thanks to Matt and his team.

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Kyle Goertemiller

Cincinnati, OH

I just want to tell you, thank you. If you're reading this review, I would suggest you use this team. Adam talked to me whenever I needed support. He really got me past a bad day. Matt was very positive, readily available and patient with every question. I felt comfortable and supported throughout my journey. In life you may worry about the financial situation, however these are the guys to go with. Some things are worth the cost and this team is it. Thank you Matt and Adam. You made is so much better for me. The outcome you achieved was far better than I ever imagined. I will always recommend you to anyone who is ever in need of support and help.

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Nicole Ashbrook

Cincinnati, OH

Ernst & Associates is a fantastic lawfirm that I've contacted on several occasions for traffic violations. I had Jagdeep S. Sangha as my attorney in which he was quick to respond to my questions. He was always able to work with my situation to get the best possible outcome for my case each time. Hopefully I won't require this type of business in the future. But if I or anyone I know ever were to be in need of these services, I would highly recommend contacting Jagdeep. It's been a pleasure doing business. Thanks Jagdeep and all from Ernst & Associates.

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Samuel Karacia

Cincinnati, OH

Thanks Adam for your assistance. Mattand his team are amazing! Not only are they professional, but they are also very attentive and careful with any of your legal needs. Every step of the way ,Matt made me feel like a priority and displayed his vast legal knowledge towards my case. He helped me feel reassured and that he was fighting for me. He is a great Attorney and the man you NEED in your corner! I can highly recommend Ernst and Associates for your legal needs! Thank you Matt and Team for your help!

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Zap Thayorath

Cincinnati, OH

I hired Matt upon a referral of a well-respected friend. I’m ever grateful that I went with his referral. Matt helped me understand the different scenarios of my case. He talked me through any questions I had and assured me of his confidence in helping me out. He was very personable and was always sharing his outlook on my case. As far as my court case, having a highly confidential lawyer at my side put me at ease and when the Judge went in an unexpected direction, Matt stood firm on the ground and fought for my rights to prove that judge wrong! He literally went into the judge’s quarters, behind closed doors and a challenged the judge’s decision. Screaming at him for justice! Not many lawyers would have taken a stance like that. As a result, I got a reduction in my case that I was very pleased with. Its instances like this, where Matt proves knowledgeable, dependable and verse in the legal community. I also was very pleased that if Matt was not available to talk to right away I was able to talk to Adam S. who’s his colleague, Adam was very professional and attentive to my questions regarding payments.

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Gary Harsnett

Cincinnati, OH

Hired Jag for a dui charge. Dismissed!! I couldn’t be more happy with the entire process and outcome. Thank you 😊 …

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Christina Krizanic

Cincinnati, OH

Thank you Ernst & Associates! Matt has been so helpful through my entire legal process. From knowing the best towing companies, car body shops, and endless other connections in the beginning to his extreme keen eye in the ending. His attention to details, professionalism and knowledge has been repeatedly shown as we've worked together. He has been so comforting and helpful through this rough time and I am truly grateful beyond words! Thank you so much!

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Samantha Byrd

Cincinnati, OH

Attorney Jag Sangha is very profesional and good at what he does. He represented me with my case and made everything smooth along the way! Would recommend him to anyone.

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Zugeily Rosa

Cincinnati, OH

I want to say this was the best experience i've ever had retaining a lawyer.I needed felonies from my past expunged.My expectations were low at beginning due to having 4 felonies in 3 diff countys from years ago.Then came Jagdeep Sangha.He was very experienced at how this works.He was very personable & understanding.He kept me in the loop every step of the way while getting ALL my felonies expunged.I could'nt of asked for a better represenative. Thank you very much!

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Keith Bogan

Cincinnati, OH

Connor, Connor, CONNOR! Connor represented in a Civil Permanent Protection Order and was successful in getting it denied. A poised and polished, consummate professional. He is responsive, attentive and ALWAYS follow-up. I hope he never changes as he rise above ranks. I like to note he went above and beyond. He also assisted in other matters for my situation is complex. His representative was worth EVERY PENNY.

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Joel Johnson

Cincinnati, OH

Matt delivered on his stated objectives in my case. The judge seemed a little persnickety at first, but Matt hung in there and smoothed things out. I was pleasantly surprised and very happy with the outcome. It could have been many times worse!

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John Newman

Cincinnati, OH

It's now been 9 months since the conclusion of my case but I'm able to write this as a free man. Connor is the epitome of professional he took on my case short notice and went to trial and won by showing the ludicrous nature of their evidence if and I'm praying I never have tu go to court again I will use Connor as my sword and shield. I thank you for all you have done for me🙏🏾

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Geoffery Stillwell

Cincinnati, OH

Jag was great. He cared; he never made me feel like I didn’t matter. He has a good heart and a sharp mind for the law. He listens and teaches. Highly recommended.

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Brad Rossi

Cincinnati, OH

Can't say enough about my experience with them. From beginning to end, their communication was beyond expectations. Laura Gibson is a highly skilled attorney and won my very messy case. I cannot recommend this firm enough. Thank you for restoring my sanity and quality of life.

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Matthew Belcik

Cincinnati, OH

I'm so incredibly grateful to have been recommended to use Ernst & Associates! They are incredibly knowledgable and supportive. They made my husband and mine's legal process stress-free and helped us feel confident in the face of uncertainty. Matt, Adam, and Jessica were incredibly kind and compassionate in a stressful time. Matt represented us and his professionalism and legal acumen led us to a positive and successful outcome. I will be recommending Ernst & Associates to everyone I know!

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Emily Selzer

Cincinnati, OH

Jessica and Matt were phenomenal in handling my case. Cincinnati is a very established relationship based city, they understand that and NAILED it with my case in Clermont County. So grateful to them. Worth every penny, best decision I ever made!

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Emily Back

Cincinnati, OH

I highly recommend Matt Ernst and his team. He offers a strong and knowledgeable approach that’s supported with seasoned experience which produces favorable results. Matt’s proficient level of legal expertise provided me with a high level of confidence to trust in his capacity to most effectively counsel and represent me. The peace that provides alone, was priceless. Thank you Matt.

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Josh

Cincinnati, OH

Truly the best to do ever do it! I thought my life was over and Matt came in like a superhero and saved it. Going from the scariest moment of my life and getting points on my record to now having zero points, a true blessing. If you’re looking for a good attorney who truly cares he’s your guy! 12/10 recommend hiring him if you’re in need.

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Allison Schnur

Cincinnati, OH

Jag did amazing! He was extremely thorough with my case and was never hard to reach. As a client worried about your future that’s always a huge part. He gave me very good advice and helped me reach the outcome I was hoping for. He was extremely professional but also very personable when needed. As clients we want someone who will listen and not judge but also go to the deep end and hold you up when needed. For that, Jagdeep is your person! Worth every penny!

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Joseph Benham

Cincinnati, OH

I was referred by a friend. He told me this was the best lawyer to handle my case, and it couldn't be a truer statement. He was always available when I reached out, and handled my case to perfection! I hope I never need another lawyer but if I do it will be Matt Ernst. Thanks Matt

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Al Goodman

Cincinnati, OH

Hi, originally came across this firm with the need for representation on short notice. Recommended by a few good associates of mine regarding how they “run a tight ship” over at Ernst & Associates. The gentleman I spoke with during the intake process was very professional and provided clarity when needed. Our advocate, Jag, showed up the next day and provided a action-plan, that fell nothing short of the discussion we had the day prior with the other gentleman. Overall experience & results: We were fully satisfied with Jag. Would recommend him & this firm for others, with their expertise & background with what this firm deals with day-in, day-out. From start to finish, thank you all.

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Tim Tula

Cincinnati, OH

Best attorneys in town! Exemplify professionalism and really care about helping you. I have used them many times and send all my family and friends.

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Beth Robb

Cincinnati, OH

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