Gahanna, Ohio Drug Defense Attorney

Drug Defense Attorney – Gahanna, Ohio

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Gahanna, Ohio, it is important that you hire legal counsel. Contact Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192 to review your case and discuss with you how to proceed. As an experienced and dedicated drug defense attorney, Attorney Johnson will be with you at your first court appearance (called an “arraignment”) and attempt to have the case dismissed. In the event that the drug charges are not dropped, a pretrial hearing will be scheduled.

Depending upon what the particular drug charge is, and where it is heard, negotiations will begin with the prosecutor and evidence will be gathered to support your defense. If negotiations fail to produce a favorable plea agreement, your case will be set for trial. At trial, Attorney Johnson will vigorously defend you. However, if you are found guilty, Attorney Johnson will seek all avenues available that will allow you to avoid prison or jail.

Gahanna, Ohio – Where Will Your Case Be Heard?

Depending upon the location, type and level of drug-related offense that you are charged with, your case will be heard in Gahanna Mayor’s Court, Franklin County Municipal Court, or Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Misdemeanor drug offenses, such as marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia, will be heard in Gahanna Mayor’s Court or Franklin County Municipal Court. Felony drug offenses, such as drug trafficking and illegal drug manufacture, will be heard in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

Franklin County, Ohio Diversion Programs

The Franklin County Common Pleas Court created the “Treatment is Essential for Success” (TIES) program for individuals whose crimes involved alcohol and/or drug use. The TIES program began in 2004 and offenders must meet the following requirements:

  • 4th or 5th Degree Felony Offenders
  • Non-violent charges and non-gun-related charges
  • No significant history of violent crimes or drug trafficking
  • Sufficient motivation for treatment
  • Diagnosis of chemical dependency
  • Defendant meets the criteria under sentencing guidelines for “presumption of probation”

The TIES program consists of three 12-week phases and a final 6-month period of probation. Each phases requires the completion of several tasks before the next phase is reached. Upon the successful completion of the program, the offender will be released from the program. This program was designed as an alternative to prison sentences, with the goal of rehabilitating individuals and reducing recidivism rates.

What Types of Cases Does Gahanna Mayor’s Court Handle?

Gahanna, Ohio has its own set of codified ordinances that describe certain drug offenses and the penalties upon conviction. Below are several examples of drug offenses under Gahanna’s Codified Ordinances:

Where is the Gahanna, Ohio Mayor’s Court Located?

Gahanna Mayor’s Court is located at 200 South Hamilton, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Consult the map below for further directions.

When are Gahanna Mayor’s Court Hearings Held?

Gahanna Mayor’s Court is in session every Thursday at 9:00 AM.

How do Mayor’s Courts Differ from Municipal Courts?

Mayor’s courts are unique in that they not permitted to conduct jury trials. Additionally, cases are heard by either the mayor or a magistrate appointed by the mayor. If a defendant wishes to have a jury trial, or simply does not want the mayor’s court to hear his or her case, the defendant can have the case transferred to the applicable county municipal court. In addition, if a defendant is convicted in a mayor’s court, he or she may appeal the conviction to the appropriate county municipal court.

There are advantages to having your case heard in a mayor’s court. For instance, mayor’s courts are more informal than municipal courts. Moreover, mayor’s courts are more conveniently located than a county municipal court and many provide evening hours for the hearing of cases.

Gahanna, Ohio Drug Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Gahanna, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your case.

Helpful links for Gahanna: City of Gahanna, Gahanna Planning & Development, Gahanna Human Resources Department, Gahanna Parks & Recreation Department, Gahanna Department of Public Safety, Gahanna Emergency Management  

 Gahanna City Attorney

200 South Hamilton

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

(614) 342-4090

Gahanna Division of Police

460 Rocky Fork Blvd.

Gahanna, Ohio 43230

(614) 342-4240 (non-emergency)

911 (emergency)