Meth Crime Lawyers in Cleveland

Dedicated Lawyers Aggressively Fighting State and Federal Charges

Often referred to as “glass,” “ice,” or “crystal,” crystal meth is a drug that affects the user’s central nervous system. After injection, the user generally experiences a long-lasting, euphoric high. Because crystal meth has a high potential for abuse and a substantial risk of causing severe psychological or physical dependency, state and federal laws classify it as a Schedule II controlled substance, a category that contains what are considered some of the most dangerous drugs.

Because the use and distribution of crystal meth endangers individual and public safety, several state and federal statutes prohibit conduct involving the drug. If you have been accused of such a crime, it’s vital you speak with an experienced Cleveland crystal meth defense attorney about your case to get started on your defense right away.

At HMW Law, we recognize the detrimental effects a crystal meth-related drug crime conviction can have on your life. That is why we will thoroughly prepare for your case and build a solid defense on your behalf. Whether you’ve been charged with a state or federal offense, you can be confident that our team, with over decades of combined experience, will be on your side, fighting aggressively for you.

To speak with our Cleveland crystal meth defense lawyers about your case, call us at 216-369-1352 or contact us online today.

Ohio State Laws Concerning Crystal Meth

Several Ohio statutes prohibit specific conduct involving crystal meth.

A few of the laws include the following:

ORC 2925.11 – Possession of Controlled Substances

Under this statute, it’s illegal to obtain, possess, or use any controlled substance. When the offense involves crystal meth, it’s considered aggravated possession of drugs.

The charges and potential penalties include:

Fifth-degree felony when the quantity is less than the bulk amount:

• Up to 12 months in prison and/or
• Up to $2,500 in fines

Third-degree felony when the quantity of the drug equals but is less than 5 times the bulk amount:

• Up to 36 months in prison and/or
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Second-degree felony when the quantity is more than 5 times but less than 50 times the bulk amount:

• Up to 12 years in prison and/or
• Up to $15,000 in fines

First-degree felony when the quantity is more than 50 times but less than 100 times the bulk amount:

• Up to 16.5 years in prison
• Up to $20,000 in fines

If the quantity is more than 100 times the bulk amount, the offense is also a first-degree felony, but upon conviction, the defendant would be designated a major drug offender.

ORC 2925.03 – Trafficking in Drugs

The law provides that any person who sells, offers to sell, or prepares for transport or shipment a controlled substance is guilty of an offense. If the drug being sold or packaged is crystal meth, the crime is referred to as aggravated trafficking in drugs.

The charges and conviction penalties are as follows:

Fourth-degree felony when the quantity is less than the bulk amount:

• Up to 18 months in prison and/or
• Up to $5,000 in fines

Third-degree felony when the quantity is equal to but less than 5 times the bulk amount or the offense occurred near a school or juvenile:

• Up to 36 months in prison and/or
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Second-degree felony when the quantity involves 5 times but less than 50 times the bulk amount:

• Up to 12 years in prison and/or
• Up to $15,000 in fines

First-degree felony when the quantity involves 50 times but less than 100 times the bulk amount:

• Up to 16.5 years in prison and/or
• Up to $20,000 in fines

It’s also a first-degree felony when the quantity involves 100 or more times the bulk amount. But in this instance, the defendant is designated a major drug offender.

ORC 2925.04 – Manufacture of Methamphetamine

Anyone who illegally manufactures methamphetamine may be punished as follows:

Second-degree felony:

• Up to 12 years in prison and/or
• Up to $15,000 in fines

First-degree felony when the offense occurs near a child, school, or public place:

• Up to 16.5 years in prison and/or
• Up to $20,000 in fines

Federal Laws Prohibiting Conduct with Crystal Meth

Under 21 U.S.C. § 841, it’s unlawful for any person to create, manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. It’s also illegal to possess drugs to engage in any of the previously listed conduct.

If the offense involves 50 grams or more of meth or 500 grams or more of a mixture containing meth, it’s punishable as follows:

• Between 10 years and life in prison
• Between 20 years and life in prison if death or bodily injury occurs because of the substance’s use
• Up to $10,000,000 in fines if the defendant is an individual or $50,000,000 in fines if the defendant is not an individual

If the offense involves 5 grams or more of meth or 50 grams or more of a mixture containing meth, the penalties include:

• Between 5 and 40 years in prison
• Between 20 years and life in prison if death or bodily injury occurred because of the substance’s use
• Up to $5,000,000 in fines if the defendant is an individual or $25,000,000 in fines if the defendant is other than an individual

The punishments listed above are for defendants convicted of their first offense. A second conviction results in enhanced penalties.

We Can Deliver the Effective Counsel You Need

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime involving crystal meth, our team in Cleveland can help challenge the accusation. We approach every case with tenacity and vigor and can zealously advocate on your behalf.

Speak with our Cleveland crystal meth defense attorneys by calling HMW Law at 216-369-1352 or submitting an online contact form.