Drug Possession Penalties in Ohio

If you’ve been arrested for drug possession in Ohio, the penalties you face can vary widely depending on the type and amount of the substance, your criminal history, and whether the offense occurred near a school or involved other aggravating factors. As a Toledo criminal defense attorney with years of experience defending clients in Lucas County and Northwest Ohio, I help people understand the real consequences of a drug conviction—and how to avoid them.

In this post, I’ll break down the potential criminal penalties, driver’s license issues, and long-term impacts of a drug possession conviction in Ohio.

🚫 Collateral Consequences of a Drug Possession Conviction

In addition to jail or prison time, fines, and probation, drug convictions carry serious long-term consequences in Ohio. These include:

🔹 Driver’s License Suspension

• Mandatory license suspensions range from 6 months to 5 years, even for misdemeanor offenses.
• Applies even if the offense wasn’t committed while driving.
• Hardship license may be available, but you must request it.

🔹 Criminal Record and Background Checks

A conviction—whether for a misdemeanor or felony—will appear on background checks and can limit:

• Job opportunities
• Professional licenses (nurses, teachers, CDL drivers)
• College admissions and financial aid
• Public housing and private rental approval

🔹 Ineligibility for Expungement

While some drug convictions can be sealed under Ohio law, felony drug convictions with specifications or repeat offenses may disqualify you from expungement. This can make it difficult to move on from a single mistake.

⚖️ Alternative Sentencing Options in Toledo and Lucas County

If this is your first offense, or the facts of your case support a non-prison resolution, we may be able to pursue:

• Intervention in Lieu of Conviction (ILC) – A diversion program for eligible defendants that focuses on treatment instead of punishment. If completed successfully, the charge is dismissed.
• Drug Court – A specialized court in Lucas County for those with substance abuse issues. Participation may reduce or eliminate jail time.
• Pre-Trial Diversion or Probation – In some cases, especially for young or first-time offenders, we can negotiate an agreement that avoids a conviction entirely.

As a Toledo drug possession lawyer, I will explore every available option to keep you out of jail and your record clean.

👨‍⚖️ Charged with Drug Possession in Ohio? Know Your Rights.

Every drug case is different—and so are the consequences. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor marijuana charge or a serious felony drug offense in Toledo, it’s critical to have a defense lawyer who knows the law, understands the local courts, and fights aggressively on your behalf.

At Brian C. Morrissey, Attorney at Law, I’ve successfully defended clients in:

• Toledo Municipal Court
• Lucas County Common Pleas Court
• Wood, Fulton, and Ottawa County courts

My focus is on results: dismissed charges, reduced penalties, and protecting your future.

📞 Call Today for a Free Consultation with a Toledo Drug Crime Lawyer

If you're facing drug possession charges in Toledo or Lucas County, don't wait. The sooner you act, the more options we have to build a strong defense.

✅ Call: 419-830-7441

✅ Visit: www.brianmorrisseylaw.com

✅ Email: brian@brianmorrisseylaw.com

Serving clients in Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee, Oregon, and all of Northwest Ohio.