Drug Defense Attorney – Shawnee Hills, Ohio

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Shawnee Hills, 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.

Shawnee Hills, 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 Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court, Delaware County Municipal Court or Delaware County Common Pleas Court. Misdemeanor drug offenses, such as marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia, will be heard in Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court or Municipal Court. Felony drug offenses, such as drug trafficking and illegal drug manufacture, will be heard in Common Pleas Court.

Delaware County, Ohio Diversion Programs

In Delaware County, a pre-trial diversion program is available for certain drug-related offenses. The program is available to first-time offenders with minor misdemeanor violations for possession of marijuana and 4th degree misdemeanor use or possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition to having a qualifying offense, the prosecutor must confirm that the defendant is eligible and recommend that the defendant participate in the program. If the defendant is recommended for the program, the offender must do the following:

• Waive, in writing, the right to a trial and, if not represented by counsel, the right to be represented by an attorney;
• Agree, in writing, to pay a $150 fee for supervision services as well as other court costs; and
• Enter a guilty plea to the charge.

The defendant will have 90 days to complete the following:

• Complete a drug-education class and attend a drug dependency treatment program;
• Complete 20 hours of community service;
• Refrain from committing any other criminal offense;
• Submit to drug testing whenever directed to do so by the Diversion Manager, and agree that failure to submit or any positive test will result in the defendant’s removal from the program; and
• Pay the $150 supervision fee.

Following the 90-day period, the court will either approve the defendant’s request to withdraw the guilty plea and dismiss the case against the defendant, or enter the previously suspended sentence if the defendant has not complied with the requirements of the program.

What Types of Cases Does Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court Handle?

Shawnee Hills, 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 Shawnee Hills’ Codified Ordinances:

• Possessing Drug Abuse Instruments
• Illegal Cultivation of Marijuana (less than 200 grams)
• Possession of Marijuana (under 200 grams)

Where is the Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court Located?

Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court is located at 9484 Dublin Road, Shawnee Hills, Ohio 43065. Refer to the map below for further directions.

When are Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court Hearings Held?

Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court holds hearings twice a month on alternating Wednesdays at 4:30 PM.

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.

Shawnee Hills, Ohio Drug Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Shawnee Hills, Ohio, contact Attorney David Johnson at Johnson Legal, LLC to discuss your case. An experienced and knowledgeable drug defense lawyer in Columbus and Delaware, Ohio can help you fight the charge and achieve the best possible outcome. Call Johnson Legal, LLC at (614) 987-0192) or send an email to schedule a consultation with Attorney David Johnson.

Helpful Links for Shawnee Hills, Ohio: Chamber of Commerce, Parks, City

Shawnee Hills Police Department

Non-Emergency Dispatch (740) 833-2800

911 (emergency)

Delaware City Prosecutor

Mark Corroto – Prosecutor
Justice Center
70 North Union Street
Delaware 43015
740 203-1175