Can a Drug/Marijuana Trafficking Conviction Be Expunged?

YES, most Drug Trafficking and Marijuana Trafficking records can be sealed under Ohio’s Record Sealing and Expungement Law. Ohio has a broad definition of drug trafficking, including selling, intent to sell, offering for sale, transporting, shipping, delivery, cultivating, manufacturing, or distributing marijuana or drugs. As a result, many people are caught up in arrest for these trafficking offenses and are left with a criminal record. A drug trafficking conviction leaves a permanent criminal record available to employers and the public, but an expungement can clear the record and offer a fresh start to life. Certain high-level Aggravated Drug Trafficking convictions are not eligible for expungement depending on the degree of felony offense or conduct involved.

Long Term Consequences of a Trafficking Record

Following a conviction, the sentence of the court may have been painful, expensive, and the community control a real hassle. It does not stop there; the drug trafficking conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life. You will lose your driver’s license, and if you have a professional license, it is typically suspended or revoked. Many people don’t know the long-term impact of their charges until later. A drug trafficking record can destroy your reputation and limit many opportunities. The impact of these convictions can make it very hard to find employment, being admitted to colleges or universities, renting an apartment, getting a bank to approve a loan, or even getting a professional license. There are other everyday consequences to a drug trafficking conviction, such as its negative impact on child custody matters, adoption, immigration, or receiving government benefits.

Drug Trafficking Penalties Based Drug Type and Conduct

Most drug trafficking charges are serious Felony offenses ranging from the most serious charges of Felony 1^st Degree which can include a sentence of 11 years in prison and $20,000 fine. The lowest degree Felony Trafficking is a 5^th Degree Felony, which can have a sentence of up to 12 months in prison and $2,500 fine. Trafficking is charged as a Felony of the 5^th, 4^th, 3^rd, 2^nd, or 1^st degree based in part on what type of drug is involved in the trafficking offense. Ohio drug schedules rate the danger of drugs with the most dangerous drugs rated as Schedule I Drugs, such as LSD and GJB. The Schedule of the danger decreases in descending order.

Schedule II Drugs include cocaine, opium, methadone, and amphetamines.
Schedule III Drugs include codeine, hydrocodone, ketamine, testosterone, and steroids.
Schedule IV Drugs in include sedatives, tranquilizers, and similar drugs.
Schedule V Drugs can include prescription and over-the-counter medication, such as codeine.

Recent Victories in Expungement of Drug Trafficking Convictions

We have been representing people in expungement cases for over 30 years, and we have successfully helped many people have their drug trafficking convictions sealed and expunged. Some of these cases have been simple cases while others are more complex and involve multiple trafficking convictions.

Here are a few examples:

A girl in a bad relationship helped her boyfriend deliver drugs to his friends.
A client flies his private plane from California to Cincinnati agrees to deliver a package to Ohio for a fee.
A college student agreed to help his friend sell marijuana and molly to help make extra money.
A client agreed to provide a party with some pills and weed.
A student turned undercover informant, asked his friend/our client if he could help locate someone he could buy drugs from.
A client joins a friend to help make meth and is charged as part of a larger drug bust.
A person became addicted and began selling marijuana and drugs to support their habit.

All these people were good people that learned their lessons and wanted to move on with their lives, but their trafficking record kept holding them back. They were convicted earlier in their lives when they were younger and were still suffering the effects of their record. When they had background checks for job applications, schools, or applying to rent an apartment, they were denied because their old drug trafficking conviction was still showing up. If they could get a job, it was only a low-paying or seasonal work. Some had good work experience or a college degree, but they were stuck. They realized they needed a fresh start and contacted our law firm about an expungement.

What Our Expungement Clients Say

The decision to choose Greg Mathews as attorney in my expungement process was the best I could have made. I felt supported, encouraged, and confident throughout the process. Mr. Mathews and team were always available and happy to answer questions for me throughout the case, and beyond. I am grateful for their dedication and work with me! – S.C.

Experienced Ohio Expungement and Record Sealing Attorney

Our firm has over 30 years of success stories in obtaining expungements for our clients. Put the past behind you and close a chapter on an old mistake by expunging and sealing your old drug trafficking record. Our Ohio law firm has been in business since 1988 and we handle expungement cases in all Ohio Counties. For a confidential free expungement consultation, contact us today.