The use and abuse of heroin has become so widespread throughout the United States in the past five years that it is now referred to as an epidemic. The problems have become such a national concern that presidential candidates are being asked about their policies on how to deal with the heroin epidemic. While heroin is a growing national problem very few areas have been hit harder by the drug than the State of Ohio, and Cincinnati in particular.
The statistics illustrate just how deadly heroin use is becoming in Cincinnati. A recent study found that the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office reported 188 deaths in 2013 that had evidence of heroin contributing to the death. The number of deaths was over 50 percent more than in 2012. Shockingly, the 188 deaths where heroin was involved was a 571 percent increase from 2008. But the heroin problems in the region are not limited to Cincinnati alone. In Butler County, death by drug overdose surpassed natural causes as the leading cause of death in cases investigated by the Butler County Coroner’s Office in 2014. Over 75 percent of those drug overdose deaths were due to heroin use.
The rise in heroin use has also lead to a corresponding rise in heroin seizures. The Hamilton County Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit seized of 15 kilograms of heroin in 2013, which represented an increase of more than 90 percent over 2012.
With such a dramatic rise in heroin use and seizures of the drug, charges for possession of heroin also become a larger concern. Ohio defines heroin as a Schedule I drug, which means the penalties for possession of heroin are severe. Possession of heroin is considered a 5th Degree Felony, and the amount of heroin possessed can increase the charge all the way up to a 1st Degree Felony. You can find out more about possession of heroin charges and possession of other controlled substances here.
How a Cincinnati Drug Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are addicted to heroin and find yourself facing heroin possession charges you will want a Cincinnati attorney with the experience to help you with your legal issues and the compassion to help you focus on your recovery.
Attorney Brad Groene with the firm Luftman, Heck & Associates is a Cincinnati drug defense lawyer who has represented hundreds of clients on drug possession charges. Brad’s experience in those cases helps him to understand the difficulties of addiction and he truly believes in working to make a difference in the lives of his clients. Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates to get the help that you need. Call (513) 338-1890 to set up a free and confidential consultation.
