Drug Offenses Attorney

Under Georgia law, simple possession of a controlled substance can carry severe penalties. Even a first offense for possession of a Schedule I or II substance can result in imprisonment of 2 to 15 years. Possession of marijuana in amounts of one ounce or less is treated as a misdemeanor with up to 12 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, amounts exceeding one ounce can be charged as a felony. Our attorneys fight to get charges reduced or dismissed, exploring options such as conditional discharge, drug court, and first offender treatment.

Possession with intent to distribute is one of the most serious drug charges in Georgia. Prosecutors often rely on the quantity of drugs, packaging materials, scales, large amounts of cash, and other circumstantial evidence to establish intent. For Schedule I and II substances, penalties can range from 5 to 30 years for a first offense, with potential life imprisonment for repeat offenders. Our defense strategies challenge the prosecution's evidence of intent and seek to reduce charges to simple possession whenever possible.

Drug trafficking charges in Georgia carry mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot reduce. These charges are triggered by possessing specific quantities of controlled substances, regardless of whether there is evidence of actual distribution. The thresholds are surprisingly low, and many individuals are charged with trafficking based on quantity alone. The mandatory minimums make it critical to have an experienced defense attorney who can challenge the evidence, suppress illegally obtained evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors.