Atlanta Drug Crime Lawyer

Are you accused of possessing or selling drugs? If so, you’re likely very concerned about your future, as Georgia does not take drug-related offenses lightly. In fact, while much of the country has legalized recreational marijuana use, even a simple marijuana possession charge can constitute jail time and high fines. For this reason, it’s paramount that you retain the services of a knowledgeable and skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyer, regardless of the drug crime you’ve been charged with. Contact Williamson Legal for comprehensive representation today.

Penalties for Marijuana-Related Charges in Georgia

Despite growing national trends toward decriminalization, Georgia maintains strict laws concerning marijuana possession, distribution, and cultivation. Even minor marijuana-related offenses can lead to lasting consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

If you are caught with less than one ounce of marijuana in Georgia, the offense is classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. While some first-time offenders may be eligible for conditional discharge or diversion programs, these options are not guaranteed and depend on the discretion of the court.

Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is treated as a felony, carrying much harsher penalties. A conviction can result in one to 10 years in prison, and prosecutors are often aggressive in pursuing felony charges, even in borderline cases.

Those accused of intent to distribute, trafficking, or cultivation face even steeper penalties. For example, trafficking charges can be triggered by possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana and may result in mandatory minimum prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years, along with fines that can reach $200,000 or more, depending on the quantity involved.

It’s also important to understand that Georgia does not have recreational marijuana laws, and medical marijuana is only permitted in limited circumstances, involving low-THC oil for qualified patients. Even legal possession of medical marijuana from another state is not recognized here and can lead to arrest.

In short, if you’ve been charged with any marijuana-related offense in Georgia, it’s critical that you take your situation seriously. The penalties are real, and so are the long-term consequences. Williamson Legal is here to stand between you and the power of the state, fighting to protect your future at every turn.

Controlled Substance Offenses

Georgia law divides controlled substances into five schedules, with Schedule I substances considered the most dangerous and carrying the harshest penalties. Whether you’ve been charged with unlawful possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances, the consequences you face can be life-altering.

Schedule I substances include drugs like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, compounds deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Possession of any Schedule I drug is classified as a felony, punishable by two to 15 years in prison for a first offense and up to 30 years for subsequent convictions.

Schedule II substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain prescription medications like Oxycodone and Adderall, are also heavily penalized. Even possessing a small amount can lead to felony charges with similar sentencing ranges as Schedule I violations.

Georgia law is particularly tough on trafficking offenses. For instance, trafficking in cocaine involving 28 grams or more results in a minimum 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $200,000. Trafficking methamphetamine or heroin can lead to mandatory minimums starting at 5 years and escalating rapidly with higher quantities.

Other offenses include the manufacture, delivery, and sale of controlled substances, each treated as a felony. Even unauthorized possession of prescription drugs can lead to arrest if you lack a valid prescription.

Beyond incarceration and fines, a felony drug conviction in Georgia can severely impact your ability to find housing, secure employment, or obtain professional licensing.

Potential Defenses Against Drug Charges

Every drug case is different, and at Williamson Legal, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, we tailor your defense to the facts of your case, the evidence presented, and the tactics used by law enforcement. Depending on the circumstances, several defenses may be available to fight your charges and potentially have them reduced or dismissed altogether.

One of the most powerful defenses in drug cases involves challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the alleged drugs. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, for example, by conducting an illegal traffic stop or searching your property without a valid warrant, we may be able to suppress the evidence and weaken the prosecution’s case dramatically.

In some situations, we may argue lack of possession or knowledge. If you were unknowingly in the vicinity of drugs, such as in a shared vehicle or residence, you may have a viable defense based on the prosecution’s inability to prove you knowingly possessed the substance.

Entrapment can also be a defense in cases where law enforcement used coercion or undue pressure to induce an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise engaged in. This is especially relevant in undercover sting operations and drug sale scenarios.

Additionally, lab analysis and chain-of-custody issues can create opportunities for a strong defense. The prosecution must prove not only that the substance in question was illegal, but also that it was properly handled and preserved as evidence. Any gap in documentation or improper testing procedures can cast doubt on the reliability of the state’s case.

Finally, for eligible individuals, we may pursue alternative sentencing options, such as pretrial diversion programs, drug court, or conditional discharge, especially for first-time offenders. These avenues can allow you to avoid a criminal conviction and, in some cases, even have your record expunged.

Contact a Drug Crime in Cobb County Lawyer

Don’t face drug charges without a dedicated legal team in your corner. Here at Williamson Legal, we stand ready to put over a decade of legal experience to work for you. Contact an Atlanta drug crime lawyer from our firm for a free consultation today so we can begin building a strong defense on your behalf.