Possessing or distributing controlled substances in the state of Ohio is an illegal act that could result in criminal charges. Many employers, courts, and law enforcement officials require drug testing to ensure that people do not have illegal drugs in their system. However, many Ohio residents struggle with drug addiction, as the number of drug overdose deaths in the state reached 4,854 in 2017. Some drug addicts do whatever they can to beat the test, from using synthetic urine to using additives to defraud the screening test.
A new Ohio Senate Bill could make selling, creating, or possessing synthetic urine a crime in the state of Ohio. The bill would also prohibit using someone else’s urine or using additives to beat the test. There is concern that by cheating a drug test, an employee could put their own lives and the lives of others at risk, particularly if they are operating machinery or operating a vehicle.
First-time offenders would face second-degree misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders would face first-degree misdemeanor charges. Generally, a second-degree misdemeanor could result in up to 90 days in jail, while a first-degree misdemeanor could result in up to 180 days.
Drug crimes could result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances. To avoid a conviction, it may be in your best interest to seek guidance from a criminal defense attorney in your area. Your attorney may develop a strategy to have your charges dropped altogether. If this is not possible, your attorney may negotiate a plea deal on your behalf, in which you plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.
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