Marijuana Possession and Drug Paraphernalia Convictions Avoided

While on patrol, an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a vehicle for multiple marked lanes violations. Upon approaching the vehicle, the trooper noted a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked, the passenger handed the trooper a rolled blunt from the passenger side door. The trooper then asked if there was any additional marijuana and she handed him a cigarette containing marijuana from the glove compartment. She was then charged with marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia. Her case was then scheduled in Franklin County Municipal Court.

The young lady was very concerned. Having never had more than a minor traffic violation, she was worried about having a drug conviction on her record. Additionally, she desperately wanted to avoid the 6 month to 5 year license suspension if convicted of the marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia charges. A friend contacted attorney Ben Luftman on her behalf to see if the Columbus Criminal Defense team could help her. Attorney Luftman agreed to take the marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia case.

Attorneys with LHA represented the young lady on her case. After five court dates of going back and forth to court and with the prosecutor on her behalf, the prosecutor agreed to a $150 bond forfeiture resolution. This resolution essentially allowed our client to post $150 to the court and agree to forfeit it to resolve the marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia case. Our client never pled guilty and does not have a conviction on her record, nor does she have a license suspension. This accomplished her goals. Additionally, in one year, we will return to court on her behalf and file a motion to seal or expunge the case. Once that is complete, the record of the case will be completely removed from her criminal background.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Individual results may vary based on the facts, injuries, jurisdiction, venue, witnesses, parties, and other factors. The results and client testimonials provided are not necessarily representative of the results obtained by all clients or their satisfaction with the firm’s services.