No matter the severity of a crime, if an individual is convicted, he or she is likely to endure life-impacting penalties. Many do not realize the consequences of a conviction on drug charges. They may be under the impression that only violent crimes carry heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. However, when it comes to drug charges, the severity varies depending on a number of factors, including the amount of controlled substance the accused was allegedly found with and the number of times someone has been convicted of a crime before.
According to recent reports, an Ohio man faces drug distribution charges in connection to his alleged connection to a large drug trafficking ring.If convicted, he could face up to life in prison. One of the reasons for this is that this is not his first run-in with the law. Reports indicate that he was previously sentenced to six years in prison for an unrelated crime.
Authorities claim the 39-year-old man was arrested after the Drug Enforcement Agency put a GPS tracking device on his vehicle so they could stop him when he was allegedly in possession of controlled substances. There is also an attempt to connect him to a previous case where crystal meth was seized during a traffic stop. In an affidavit outlining the accused’s background, a number of accusations were levied against him, in an attempt to bolster the claim that he was part of a drug distribution ring.
He is currently facing charges of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of meth, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and possession of a firearm as a felon. The gun charge is punishable with up to five years in prison, and the other two counts carry minimum sentences of 10 years in prison, up to life.
Mounting a strong defense against criminal charges is very important. Once someone is convicted of committing a crime, law enforcement is always quick to assume their guilt in other offenses, and the associated penalties are always more severe. However, not all defenses work for everyone. While some may benefit from going to court, others may find different arrangements suit them. An experienced attorney may be able to help the accused protect their rights.