Drug Trafficking Attorney In Troy
Serious Charges Demand Focused Legal Help
If you or someone you care about is facing drug trafficking charges in Troy, your freedom and future are on the line. These cases can bring the possibility of prison, a permanent felony record, and life-changing consequences. You do not have to face that situation alone.
At Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co., we represent people accused of serious drug offenses. Our attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to each case, and our team includes former prosecutors and public defenders. We draw on that background to guide clients through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We are a hometown firm, and our office is here in Troy, yet we offer the resources and reputation you might expect from a larger practice.
If you need a drug trafficking attorney Troy residents turn to when everything is at stake, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to discuss your situation confidentially. Call (937) 400-3170 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more. Our attorneys are ready to help.
Why Choose Our Troy Defense Team
When the state accuses you of trafficking, it is usually building a felony case that can involve law enforcement officers, investigators, and prosecutors who handle drug charges every day. You deserve a defense team that understands how those cases are put together and how to challenge them in court.
Our attorneys include former prosecutors and public defenders who have spent years on both sides of the criminal courtroom. We have seen how police reports are prepared, how evidence is presented, and how prosecutors approach plea negotiations. We use that insight to evaluate the strength of the case against you and to look for weaknesses that may not be obvious at first glance.
Clients choose our firm because we offer personalized service with substantial depth of experience. Collectively, we have more than a century of legal practice, including extensive work in criminal defense. We have also been repeatedly voted the best law firm in Troy since 2010, which reflects the trust our neighbors place in us when they are facing serious legal problems. Our credentials are supported by an AV peer review rating, which recognizes strong legal ability and high ethical standards, as well as recognitions such as Super Lawyers. For you, these are not just labels. They mean that other lawyers and the local community know our work and our commitment to doing things the right way. We strive to combine that level of professionalism with the accessibility and compassion you expect from a hometown team.
What Happens After A Drug Trafficking Arrest
The hours and days after an arrest often feel confusing and rushed. Understanding what usually happens next in Ohio can help you and your family regain some sense of control. In many felony drug cases that arise here, the matter is handled in the Miami County Court of Common Pleas in Troy.
After an arrest, a person is typically booked and may have an initial appearance where bond is addressed. Arraignment usually follows, and that is where the formal charges are presented, and a plea of not guilty is often entered. Court dates are then scheduled, and there may be pretrial hearings, motion practice, and discussions about potential resolutions.
During this time, law enforcement officers or investigators may want to talk with you about where the substances came from or who else was involved. You have the right to remain silent and to have counsel with you during any questioning. Using that right is often critical in a drug trafficking case.
Right after an arrest, it can help to focus on a few key steps:
- Contact a criminal defense lawyer as early as possible so your rights are protected from the start.
- Keep paperwork, such as charging documents, bond information, and court notices, in one place.
- Avoid discussing details of the case on recorded jail calls, social media, or with anyone other than your attorney.
- Let us know if you are being held in the Miami County Jail so we can discuss options for arranging a meeting.
We know that many people who reach out to us are calling from home while a loved one is in custody. Our attorneys can arrange jail visits when needed, and we also offer home or hospital visits in some situations. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get legal guidance quickly, even when travel is difficult or impossible.
Potential Penalties & Consequences
Ohio treats drug trafficking allegations seriously, and many of these cases are filed as felonies. The potential penalties depend on several factors, including the type of controlled substance, the amount involved, where the conduct is alleged to have occurred, and whether there is a prior criminal record.
Different felony levels can involve different ranges of possible prison terms and fines. The more serious the level, the greater the potential punishment if there is a conviction. In some situations, issues like alleged trafficking near a school or involving juveniles can also affect how a case is charged and what penalties may be on the table.
Beyond any sentence that a court might impose, a felony drug conviction can have long-term effects on your life. People commonly worry about losing current employment, having difficulty finding future jobs, facing challenges with housing applications, or seeing professional licenses placed at risk. Immigration status can also be affected in some circumstances. With more than 100 years of combined practice, our attorneys have seen how judges in this area approach sentencing in a range of cases. Although no lawyer can promise a particular outcome, we can explain the potential range of consequences that might apply in your situation. Understanding those possibilities is often the first step in planning how to work toward a better result.
How We Defend Drug Trafficking Charges
Every drug trafficking case has its own facts, and the defense strategy must be tailored to those details. We start by carefully reviewing how the investigation unfolded, from the first contact with law enforcement to the filing of charges in court in Troy or in a nearby jurisdiction.
Many trafficking cases begin with a traffic stop, a search of a home, or an encounter in a public place. We look closely at whether officers had a lawful basis for the stop or search, whether warrants were obtained when required, and how any consent to search was requested and given. Issues involving constitutional rights can sometimes affect whether evidence is allowed in court. Prosecutors often rely on the quantity of a substance, how it was packaged, the presence of cash or scales, and statements from witnesses or confidential informants to argue that a person was involved in trafficking rather than simple possession. We examine each of those elements, including how testing was done and how information was gathered.
Because our team includes former prosecutors and public defenders, we understand how the state typically builds these cases and how defense arguments are received in court. We use that understanding to identify potential motions to file, questions to raise about witness credibility, and ways to present your side of the story effectively. Some cases are best resolved through negotiations, while others may need to move toward trial. We discuss realistic options with you, taking into account your goals, prior history, and the risks involved. Throughout the process, we work to provide clear guidance so you can make informed decisions about your defense.
Working With A Local Troy Legal Team
Choosing a local firm for a drug trafficking case offers practical benefits that go beyond convenience. Our attorneys regularly appear in the Miami County Court of Common Pleas and in nearby municipal courts. That familiarity helps us anticipate typical scheduling, local procedures, and how different prosecutors tend to handle certain issues.
We are committed to being accessible to our clients. That includes offering home, hospital, and jail visits when circumstances require it. For families here in Troy, knowing that the lawyer they hired is close by and able to meet in person can provide real peace of mind during a stressful time. Communication is a central part of how we work. We explain developments in your case in plain language, return calls as promptly as we reasonably can, and keep you updated as dates and decisions approach. Our goal is to make sure you are never left wondering what is happening or why.
As a firm that has been recognized as the best law firm in Troy repeatedly since 2010, we value the trust that local clients place in us. We strive to honor that trust by working hard on each case and by treating every person who walks through our doors with respect and dignity.
If you need a drug trafficking lawyer Troy defendants can rely on during a difficult chapter of life, we invite you to reach out to our office. A conversation with our team can help you understand your options and start building a plan to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I go to prison for drug trafficking?
Yes, prison is a real possibility in many trafficking cases, because these charges are often filed as felonies in Ohio. The specific risk depends on factors like the drug type, amount, and any prior record. We can review your charges and explain the potential ranges involved.
How soon should I contact a lawyer after my arrest?
It is usually best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest. Early involvement allows us to help protect your rights, address bond issues, and advise you before any contact with law enforcement. Waiting can limit options or create complications that might have been avoided.
Can your attorneys meet with me in jail?
Our attorneys can arrange to meet clients in jail when necessary. We know many people facing drug trafficking charges are held in custody, and we work to make legal counsel accessible. Family members can contact us so we can discuss how a visit or consultation can be scheduled.
How does your experience as former prosecutors help my case?
Experience as former prosecutors helps us understand how the state evaluates evidence and prepares a case. We know what issues prosecutors may view as weaknesses and what arguments often carry weight. That perspective informs how we analyze your file and how we prepare to challenge the prosecution’s theory.
What will working with your firm look like day to day?
Working with our firm means regular communication, clear explanations, and a relationship built on respect. We review discovery with you, prepare you for hearings, and keep you informed as your case moves through the Miami County court system. Our team is here to answer questions and guide you at each stage.
If you or a loved one is facing a trafficking allegation in Troy, do not wait to get legal advice. Speaking with our team can help you understand the process and begin protecting your future. To talk with a drug trafficking attorney Troy residents trust, contact Lopez, Severt & Pratt Co. today at (937) 400-3170.
What Sets Us Apart?
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Your Case Matters to UsWe handle every case with compassion, efficiency, and a personal touch; you'll never feel like just a number.
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We Have Extensive ResourcesWe have the resources, ability, and prestige of a large law firm with the personal service of a hometown firm.
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A Well-Established Firm
With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has the skills and knowledge to help you win.