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Drug Defense Attorney in Greene County

At The Kollin Firm, Attorney Tom Kollin has witnessed how Ohio’s harsh drug laws—including mandatory minimum sentences, Major Drug Offender specifications, and career-ending consequences—can destroy lives even for first-time offenders. Since 1996, Attorney Kollin has defended clients against the full spectrum of drug charges as a drug crime attorney in Greene County, from simple possession to major trafficking allegations.

How Attorney Tom Kollin Protects Your Rights After Drug Charges

Ohio drug laws operate under a complex system where the type and amount of substance determines whether you face misdemeanor charges or mandatory prison terms as a Major Drug Offender. As an experienced felony drug lawyer in Dayton, Ohio, Attorney Kollin understands that drug investigations often begin months before arrests, with sophisticated surveillance, controlled buys, and confidential informants building cases designed to maximize charges and penalties.

Time is critical in drug cases because law enforcement has up to two years to file misdemeanor drug charges and up to six years for felony charges. During this period, ongoing investigations can expand, additional charges can be filed, and new evidence can be gathered. Attorney Kollin’s immediate intervention can help limit the scope of investigations and protect your constitutional rights during this crucial period.

Drug charges also trigger numerous collateral consequences beyond jail time, including driver’s license suspension, professional license revocation, loss of federal student aid, housing restrictions, and immigration consequences. Attorney Kollin’s comprehensive approach addresses not only the immediate criminal charges but also these life-altering collateral consequences.

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Why Residents Trust Us as Their Drug Defense Lawyer in Dayton

When facing drug charges in Dayton, Greene County, or surrounding areas, your choice of attorney determines whether you successfully navigate Ohio’s harsh sentencing structure. Attorney Tom Kollin’s experience with both state and federal drug prosecutions provides unmatched capabilities.

As a trusted drug defense lawyer in Dayton and drug possession attorney Greene County, Attorney Kollin has represented clients in both state and federal courts throughout Greene County and the surrounding communities of Xenia, Fairborn, Beavercreek, and Yellow Springs. Attorney Kollin understands how prosecutors build drug cases and where constitutional vulnerabilities exist. His experience with complex drug investigations enables him to identify Fourth Amendment violations, improper searches, and procedural errors that other attorneys might overlook.

Attorney Kollin’s knowledge of Ohio’s sentencing structure, including the Reagan Tokes Law’s indefinite sentencing for first and second-degree felonies, enables him to negotiate strategically to avoid the most severe consequences.

Critical Advice for Those Charged With Drug Crimes

Drug investigations involve sophisticated law enforcement techniques designed to build the strongest possible cases against defendants. Attorney Kollin provides crucial guidance to protect your rights:

  • Understand Surveillance and Investigation Techniques: Drug cases often involve months of surveillance, controlled purchases, confidential informants, and electronic monitoring before arrests occur. Prosecutors use this extended investigation period to build cases involving multiple charges and defendants.
  • Know Your Rights During Search and Seizure: Many drug cases hinge on Fourth Amendment challenges to vehicle searches, home searches, and personal searches. Police often exceed constitutional boundaries during drug investigations, creating opportunities for evidence suppression.
  • Be Aware of Federal vs. State Prosecution: Drug cases can be prosecuted in either state or federal court. Federal cases typically involve larger quantities, multiple defendants, or interstate activity, and carry much harsher penalties than state cases.
  • Understand Plea Bargain Implications: Ohio’s mandatory minimum sentences and Major Drug Offender specifications mean that plea negotiations often determine whether you serve months or decades in prison. Early legal intervention can significantly impact these negotiations.
  • Protect Against Conspiracy Charges: Drug cases frequently involve conspiracy charges that allow prosecution of everyone involved in drug operations, even if they never handled drugs directly. These charges can result in sentences as severe as those for the underlying drug offenses.

These investigation and prosecution tactics require sophisticated legal responses. Attorney Kollin’s experience with these techniques enables him to identify constitutional violations and develop effective defense strategies.

quote

“Drug cases are rarely just about the substances themselves—they’re about protecting constitutional rights, challenging government overreach, and ensuring that the punishment fits the actual crime, not the prosecutor’s worst-case narrative.“

–Attorney Tom Kollin

Our Proven Drug Defense Strategies

Attorney Kollin’s representation addresses both criminal charges and collateral consequences through a comprehensive approach:

1.
Constitutional Challenges: Challenging Fourth Amendment violations in vehicle stops, home searches, and seizure of evidence. Many drug cases involve illegal searches that can result in complete dismissal of charges.
2.
Quantity and Classification Disputes: Challenging the weight, purity, and classification of substances to avoid more serious charges. Small differences in weight can mean the difference between probation and mandatory prison terms.
3.
Major Drug Offender (MDO) Defense: Working to avoid MDO specifications that carry mandatory 11-year sentences. This includes challenging weight calculations, purity tests, and the aggregation of different substances.
4.
Alternative Sentencing: Pursuing treatment programs, community control, and other alternatives to incarceration, particularly for first-time offenders and those struggling with addiction.
5.
Federal vs. State Strategy: When cases can be prosecuted in either federal or state court, working to ensure prosecution occurs in the venue with more favorable sentencing options.

Case Results: Attorney Kollin has secured charge reductions from felonies to misdemeanors, avoided Major Drug Offender specifications, and obtained dismissals based on constitutional violations. His strategic approach has helped clients avoid mandatory prison terms, protect professional licenses, and maintain their freedom.

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Understanding Ohio's Drug Classification System and Penalties

Ohio classifies controlled substances into five schedules, mirroring federal law, with penalties escalating dramatically based on both the schedule and quantity involved. Attorney Kollin’s thorough knowledge of these classifications enables him to identify opportunities for charge reduction and alternative sentencing.

Schedule I and II Drugs (most serious): Include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and fentanyl-related compounds. Possession of these substances results in charges ranging from fifth-degree felonies to first-degree felonies with Major Drug Offender specifications.

Schedule III, IV, and V Drugs (less serious): Include anabolic steroids, prescription medications, and certain depressants. These charges range from first-degree misdemeanors to second-degree felonies depending on the quantity.

Bulk Amount Thresholds: Ohio uses “bulk amounts” specific to each substance to distinguish between personal use and trafficking. For example, possessing five times the bulk amount suggests intent to distribute rather than personal use, dramatically increasing penalties.

Trafficking vs. Possession: Drug trafficking doesn’t require proof of sales—simply possessing substances with intent to distribute, or amounts suggesting distribution, can result in trafficking charges carrying mandatory prison terms.

Major Drug Offender (MDO) Specifications: When drug amounts reach certain thresholds (such as 100 grams of cocaine or heroin, or 1,000 unit doses of fentanyl), defendants face automatic first-degree felony charges with mandatory 11-year prison sentences.

Aggravating Factors That Increase Drug Penalties

Ohio law includes numerous aggravating factors that can dramatically increase penalties for drug offenses. Understanding these factors is crucial to avoiding enhanced sentences:

  • School Zone Violations: Committing drug offenses within 1,000 feet of schools or involving minors automatically elevates charges. For example, simple trafficking becomes aggravated trafficking (F3), while bulk amount trafficking near schools becomes F2 with mandatory prison terms.
  • Firearm Specifications: Possessing firearms during drug offenses adds mandatory prison time under Ohio Revised Code § 2941.141, even if weapons aren’t used. This can add 1-5 years of consecutive prison time to underlying drug sentences.
  • Repeat Offender Enhancements: Prior drug convictions result in enhanced sentences and eliminate eligibility for alternative sentencing options like probation or community control.
  • Quantity Thresholds: Specific quantity thresholds trigger enhanced penalties. For example, 50-100 times the bulk amount results in F1 charges, while exceeding 100 times the bulk amount triggers Major Drug Offender specifications with mandatory 11-year sentences.
  • Federal Prosecutions: Cases involving interstate activity, large quantities, or organized operations may be prosecuted federally, resulting in much harsher sentences under federal guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Assault Charges

What's the difference between drug possession and trafficking?
Drug trafficking doesn't require actual sales—Ohio law defines trafficking as possessing substances with intent to distribute. The amount and circumstances determine whether you're charged with possession or trafficking. Even small amounts can result in trafficking charges if police find scales, packaging materials, or large amounts of cash. Attorney Kollin knows how to challenge these intent determinations and work for reduced charges.
What is a Major Drug Offender (MDO) specification?
An MDO specification applies when drug amounts reach certain thresholds: 100 grams of cocaine or heroin, 1,000 unit doses of fentanyl, or 100 times the bulk amount for other Schedule I/II substances. MDO convictions carry mandatory first-degree felony charges with 11-year minimum prison sentences. Attorney Kollin works aggressively to avoid these specifications through quantity challenges and charge negotiations.
What are aggravating factors in drug cases?
Aggravating factors include committing offenses within 1,000 feet of schools, involving minors, possessing firearms, and having prior drug convictions. These factors can elevate misdemeanors to felonies and add mandatory prison time. School zone violations are particularly serious—even simple possession near schools can become aggravated charges with enhanced penalties.
Can drug charges be reduced from felonies to misdemeanors?
Yes, Attorney Kollin frequently negotiates charge reductions, particularly for first-time offenders. This might involve challenging the weight or purity of substances, disputing trafficking intent, or negotiating alternative charges. Reducing felony charges to misdemeanors can eliminate prison time, preserve professional licenses, and avoid mandatory driver's license suspensions.
How do Ohio's mandatory minimums work?
Ohio has mandatory minimum sentences for many drug offenses, particularly trafficking and Major Drug Offender cases. First-degree felonies carry mandatory minimums of 3-11 years, while MDO specifications require 11-year sentences. The Reagan Tokes Law adds indefinite sentencing, meaning actual time served can exceed minimum sentences. Attorney Kollin's strategy focuses on avoiding charges that trigger these mandatory minimums.
What happens if I'm charged in federal court instead of state court?
Federal drug charges typically carry much harsher sentences than state charges. Federal cases often involve interstate activity, large quantities, or organized operations. Federal sentencing guidelines are more rigid, with fewer opportunities for alternative sentencing. Attorney Kollin's experience in both federal and state courts enables him to navigate these complex jurisdictional issues.
How can drug charges affect my professional license?
Drug convictions can result in automatic suspension or revocation of professional licenses in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and other licensed professions. Even misdemeanor convictions can trigger disciplinary proceedings. Attorney Kollin coordinates with licensing boards to minimize career impact while criminal proceedings are pending.
Attorney Credentials and Professional Recognition
Attorney Tom Kollin brings exceptional qualifications to your drug defense:
• Over 25 years of experience defending drug cases in state and federal courts
• In-depth knowledge of Ohio's drug classification system and mandatory minimum sentences
• Experience with Major Drug Offender specifications and federal prosecutions
• Proven track record negotiating charge reductions and alternative sentencing
• Understanding of constitutional search and seizure law in drug cases
• Former law enforcement investigator providing insider perspective on drug investigations
• Established relationships with prosecutors in Greene County and surrounding jurisdictions
Attorney Kollin's comprehensive approach addresses not only the immediate criminal charges but also the long-term consequences that drug convictions can have on your career, family relationships, and future opportunities.

Contact Attorney Kollin Today

When drug charges threaten to destroy everything you’ve built, waiting compounds the damage to your freedom and future. Attorney Tom Kollin stands ready to mount your defense with the urgency and sophistication these complex cases demand. Whether you need a drug trafficking lawyer in Dayton or a drug possession attorney in Greene County, Attorney Tom Kollin provides the experienced representation you need. Contact The Kollin Firm today at (937) 490-4700 for your confidential consultation. Your freedom, career, and future cannot wait—and neither will Attorney Kollin.

The Kollin Firm proudly serves clients throughout Greene County, including Xenia, Fairborn, Beavercreek, and Yellow Springs, as well as the greater Dayton area. Attorney Kollin regularly appears in both state and federal courts and has successfully defended clients against drug charges for over 25 years.

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