Atlanta Drug Crime Lawyer
Drug crimes are serious offenses, and the penalties for drug crimes can be severe. If you have been charged with a drug crime, it is important that you hire an experienced Atlanta drug lawyer early on to defend your rights and protect your future.
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Drug Crimes in Georgia
Georgia has some of the strictest laws regarding drugs in the country. The state’s Controlled Substances Act (CSA) makes possession or distribution of any controlled substance illegal. Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor offense, while possession of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, or other Schedule I substances is a felony. In addition, if you sell or distribute drugs within 1,000 feet of a school, park, playground, church, or daycare center, you may face additional charges under the School Zone Offender statute.
Types of Drug Charges
There are a number of types of drug offenses in Atlanta, and these include:
Possession of Drugs
Possession of drugs is one of the most common offenses, and it is often referred to as “possession of a controlled substance.” This charge typically involves possessing less than 28 grams of marijuana, but this amount varies depending on the type of drug involved. Drug crime attorneys will need to know the facts of the case – so always be honest.
Distribution of Drugs
The distribution of drugs is also known as drug trafficking, and it is a very serious offense. Trafficking amounts of cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or MDMA (ecstasy) carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison, while distributing large quantities of marijuana is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Manufacturing Drugs
The manufacturing of drugs is another serious offense, and it carries a sentence of 10 to 30 years in prison. Manufacturing includes growing, producing, preparing, packaging, transporting, selling, or distributing drugs.
Paraphernalia
If you possess drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, scales, or baggies, you could be facing criminal charges. These items are used to prepare drugs for sale, and if they are found in your home, you face serious penalties and hefty drug convictions – it is important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you are faced with such a drug charge.
Driving Offenses and Drug Charges
In addition to the drug charges listed, there are several driving and drug related offenses that involve drugs. For example, if you drive while impaired by drugs, you could be charged with DUI/drugs. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a Class A1 misdemeanor, which means that you will receive a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. However, if you are convicted of DUI/drugs, you could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
You could also be charged with reckless driving if you cause bodily injury or property damage while operating a vehicle and there are drugs allegedly involved. You could also be charged with hit-and-run if you leave the scene of an accident involving illegal drugs. If you fail to report an accident resulting from drug use, you could be charged under the Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident Reporting law.
Your Next Steps
If you find yourself facing drug-related crimes in Atlanta, GA, it is crucial that you have access to experienced, skilled Atlanta drug crime lawyers to help you navigate through the complex court system and provide you with the best possible defense against these charges. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
