Understanding F5 Felony Ohio Drug Charges

You hear a siren and see the flashing of blue and red lights. Your stomach is in knots, and not just because you’ve been caught speeding — there are drugs in your car.

Sure enough, the police search your vehicle and find everything. After they arrest you, you overhear them talking about a felony 5 charge.

What is an F5 felony in Ohio? And what will these charges mean for you and your future?

We’ll explain everything you need to know about a felony 5 drug conviction and let you know what you can do about the effects drugs may be having on you or a loved one.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Felony 5 in Ohio?
• Further Consequences of a Felony 5 Drug Conviction
• How to Deal with the Stigma of a Felony 5 Drug Conviction
• Frequently Asked Questions About Fifth-Degree Felony Charges in Ohio
• Dove Recovery Wants To Help You Get Your Life Back on Track With Drug Rehab in Columbus, Ohio

An F5 felony in Ohio refers to a fifth-degree felony offense, which is the least severe of all the felony convictions. Ohio felonies cover a variety of crimes but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on F5s as they relate to drug convictions.

You can be convicted of a fifth-degree felony if you're found in possession of:

• Less than 5g of cocaine
• 200-999 g of marijuana
• Less than 1g of heroin or fentanyl
• Fewer than 10 doses of LSD
• Less than the bulk amount of any schedule III-V drugs (those posing lower risks for addiction) with a prior conviction

Penalties for felony 5 drug offenses in Ohio can vary depending on several factors, such as the defendant's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding the offense. If convicted, you may face penalties including:

• Six to twelve months in prison
• A fine of up to $2,500
• Up to five years of probation
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Loss of the right to possess a firearm
• A permanent criminal record

Can You Be Charged With an F5 Felony for Prescription Drugs?

Possession of certain prescription drugs, such as OxyContin or Vicodin, can be charged as a felony 5 offense in Ohio if you don’t have a valid prescription for the drug.

A felony 5 drug conviction doesn’t just have legal consequences. It can also create long-lasting effects including:

• Difficulty finding employment – Many employers conduct background checks as part of their hiring process and may hesitate to hire someone with a criminal record.
• Problems securing housing – Landlords may be reluctant to rent to someone who has been convicted of a felony, especially if the offense was drug-related.
• Loss of professional licensure – Many boards suspend licenses of those convicted of felonies, even if it’s just a level 5. This creates even more problems with finding employment.
• Higher risk of future jail time – If you’re put on probation and violate your conditions, you could be imprisoned. Also, if you get arrested again in the future, your fifth-degree felony could classify you as a repeat offender and lead to an increased sentence.

A felony 5 drug conviction in Ohio can carry significant penalties, including jail time and fines. However, perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of an F5 conviction is the stigma that can come with it.

People may assume that you’re dangerous or morally corrupt just because you have a drug conviction. This stigma can make finding employment, housing, and even relationships difficult. 

Here are some steps you can take to deal with this blemish on your reputation:

• Seek support from friends and family. A strong support system can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your community. It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and having people in your life who love and support you can be incredibly helpful during this challenging time.
• Educate yourself on your rights. Under Ohio law, employers must consider several factors when making hiring decisions, including the nature and gravity of your offense and how long ago it occurred, so they can’t discriminate against you solely because of your criminal record. If you believe this has happened, you may be able to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or another relevant agency.
• Enter a good drug addiction treatment program. This can not only help you turn your life around and show you how to overcome substance use disorder, but you’ll also be in the presence of other people who have been through the same things and understand what you’re going through.

Dove Recovery offers a variety of therapy programs tailored specifically to your needs. Your options may include group therapy where you can work with others suffering from substance use disorder on how to overcome the stigma of a felony 5 drug conviction.

How Bad Is a Level 5 Felony?

Although a felony of the fifth degree is the least severe of all the felony classes, a conviction may still result in jail time, fines, and probation.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for a Felony 5 in Ohio?

An F5 felony conviction for a drug offense in Ohio may carry six to twelve months of jail time. However, because this is just one step above a misdemeanor, judges have discretion in the penalties they hand down and aren’t required to impose a mandatory minimum sentence. They may rule that you have to do community control (otherwise known as probation) instead.

How Long Does a Felony 5 Stay on Your Record in Ohio?

If you want your felony off your record, there’s a process you must follow where first the conviction is sealed and then it’s expunged. When a record is sealed, it is hidden from public view but can still be accessed by some government entities. When it is expunged, the record is physically destroyed and becomes inaccessible.

To seal a fifth-degree felony, you must wait 12 months after sealing before it can be expunged.

Can F5 Convictions Result in Court-Mandated Treatment Programs Instead of Jail Time?

Yes, this is possible through the Intervention in Lieu of Conviction program. This court-supervised program gives some offenders an opportunity to receive treatment instead of a sentence if drug/alcohol use, mental illness, or intellectual disability were factors leading to the criminal conduct.

People who may qualify for this program include those with fourth- or fifth-degree felonies who:

• Haven’t been through a similar program previously
• Haven’t been convicted of a felony for violence
• Are willing to comply with all conditions imposed by the court
• And more

This program is a great alternative to jail time because it can help rehabilitate those convicted of drug felonies and help them learn to deal with mental health issues surrounding their drug use. Dove Recovery provides quality drug addiction rehab programs to help residents of Ohio. 

If you or a loved one needs addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio, contact Dove Recovery. We provide empathetic drug addiction treatment from professionals who are interested in seeing you succeed.

Our outpatient treatment programs are tailored to your needs. We can not only help you overcome the issues you’ll face with an F5 felony in Ohio, but we’ll also give you the tools you need to free yourself of addiction with our comprehensive, compassionate approach offering medical stabilization and emotional support. Reach out to us today to get started.