Drug Charges

Common Defense Areas

 

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Drug Crimes Lawyer

Common Drug Offenses

  • Misdemeanor Possession Marijuana
  • Felony Possession Marijuana
  • Controlled Substance & Prescription Drugs
  • Possession with Intent to Distribute
  • Drug Conspiracy
  • Trafficking & Volume Dealer
  • Manufacturing & Cultivation

Drug Charges Categories

Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession

Possession of small amounts of marijuana (less than one ounce) can have negative consequences, including the loss of your driver’s license, a fine and possible jail time.

However, even if the marijuana found weighs less than one ounce, any pot found in your possession but deemed to be packaged for sale, could cause you to be charged with a felony distribution charge.

Many people charged with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana are eligible for a conditional discharge outcome. If you plead guilty under the conditional discharge program, your driver’s license will not be suspended. After the successful completion of the program, the conviction will not be entered into your record. We may be able to obtain a record restriction that effectively hides your case from showing on background checks.

Felony Marijuana Possession

Marijuana related offenses that are prosecuted as a felony are possession of more than one ounce, distribution (sales), manufacturing (cultivation / growing), and trafficking (volume dealer). A marijuana felony charge can result in up to 10 years in prison, and possibly also become federal charges.

Controlled Substance Offenses

Possession of a Controlled Substance (PCS) is a felony in Georgia. Possession of any Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substance is punishable by a prison sentence of 1-5 years. The sale/distribution of any Schedule I or II controlled substance is punishable by a prison sentence of 1-5 years. This charge typically applies to people in possession of prescription drugs without a vaild prescription in their name for that particular drug.

Illegal Drugs & Narcotics Offenses

Unlike controlled substances, narcotics and illegal drugs pertains to substances such as cocaine, heroin, meth, and LSD. Felony charges for these subtances include possession, distribution, trafficking, and manufacturing. Penalties for these charges, depending on the circumstances of the case, can vary between 1-30 years in prison.

Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor crime in Georgia. Typical items which fall in this category are bongs, pipes, clips, scales, and syringes. An aggressive officer may claim other everyday items such as lighters, razor blades, small mirrors, spoons, and alligator clips are paraphernalia. As a first-time charge, this misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. A second arrest is punishable by up to one year in jail, and a fine up to $5,000.

Federal Drug Charges

Federal drug charges, by type of offense, are essentially the same as State crimes. The difference is in the circumstances and certain facts of each case. For example, drug trafficking across international borders or state lines makes an offense a federal crime. Furthermore, depending on the circumstances, a person could face State and federal charges for the same situation.

If you've been accused of a drug crime in Georga you should arrange for a consultation with an experienced drug crimes lawyer. Our law firm has extensive experience representing clients charged with misdemeanor and felony drug offenses. Call 912-502-1400 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Glynn County criminal defense lawyer.