About Drug Cultivation Charges in Columbus

Columbus Ohio Marijuana Cultivation Defense Attorney (O.R.C. 2925.04)

Indoor cultivation is a multi-billion dollar enterprise. With (currently) 15 states and D.C. having some legal use of marijuana coupled with the purported ancient positive health effects of cannabis, many otherwise law abiding folks have turned to grow operations for money. We have represented a dad who grows to pay for specialized schooling for a special needs child, college kids who pay for college tuition, as well as people who grow strictly to sell to others who are suffer intractable pain, depression, as well as cancer patients.

Whether one morally justifies this illegal activity is not relevant to the DEA and Drug Task Forces. They use clever investigative tools and surveillance to detect and raid suspected grow houses.

Ohio law has heavy penalties for the manufacture or cultivation of drugs. For marijuana (also spelled in Ohio as " marihuana") cases, As the amount increases, the penalties increase radically. Any felony cultivation charges include the suspension of your driver's license, and the charge is increased to a felony if the cultivation (such as in a house) is in the vicinity of a school or juvenile.

Growing or cultivating marijuana in Ohio weighing:

less than 100 grams is a minor misdemeanor
100-199 grams is a 4th degree misdemeanor in Ohio (up to 30 days in jail)

200-999 grams is a 5th degree felony (6-12 months in prison)
1,000 grams - 4,999 grams is a 3rd degree felony (1-5 years in prison)
5,000 grams - 19,999 grams is a 3rd degree felony with a presumption of prison (2-8 years in prison)
20,000 grams and up is a 2nd degree felony with a mandatory prison term.

Each of the above offenses is enhanced upwards one level if the offense is commited "in the vicinity of a school" or "in the vicinity of a juvenile".

RECENT CASE RESULT: our client was indicted for Marijuana Possession and Cultivation of Marijuana. He had a relatively small to medium "grow" operation. Marijuana plants were seized from his apartment when police officers showed up with an arrest warrant on unrelated charges. The officers claimed they could smell the marijuana in his apartment and held the scene while a search warrant was issued. The roommate refused to let the police in the apartment. Eventually, the search warrant was executed and the plants and paraphernalia were seized. Attorney Brad Koffel was hired by the client to represent him. On the day of trial, the county prosecutor agreed to amend the indictment to a misdemeanor. The client was sentenced to court costs and a suspended 60 day jail sentence. (Represented by Brad Koffel).

Marijuana Cultivation Defense Lawyer in Columbus Ohio

As the lawmakers of the state have enacted such severe penalties for those who cultivate marijuana, it becomes critical that you have strong legal representation from a Columbus marijuana cultivation defense lawyer who has proven experience. At The Koffel Law Firm, the criminal defense team has a vast understanding and experience with regard to these charges and the possibilities to defend the case. It is urgent that you contact the firm as quickly as possible after the arrest to avoid the pitfalls that can result when you engage in questioning or interrogations without defense counsel present.

When large amounts of marijuana that was under cultivation have been seized by law enforcement, you can be assured that you will be facing a serious felony charge. For those who have professional licenses, it is likely that your license will be cancelled and you will be unable to practice your profession. All of these penalties are harsh and it is necessary to enlist the backup of a skilled and qualified criminal defense lawyer from the firm to initiate a strategy for the defense of your case. Act quickly and contact Koffel Law Firm immediately after the arrest.

RECENT CASE RESULT: we recently represented a local college senior who was growing 12 marijuana plants. He was charged with fCultivation of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. The family hired The Koffel Law Firm to represent their son. The case was assigned to Attorney Will Nesbitt. Over a 3 month period, Mr. Nesbitt worked with the prosecutor's office to settle the case with a "Bond Forfeiture" of $500. This unique plea bargain is not a conviction. In exchange for the client posting $500 with the clerk of courts office, the prosecutors office simply closes their file. There is no disposition or adjudication. However, the client will be eligible in 1 year to have this expunged from his permanent record. (Represented by Will Nesbitt).

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Contact a Columbus Marijuana Cultivation Defense Attorney from Koffel Law Firm 614-675-4845