Why Choose Us?

When your freedom and reputation are at stake, experience and strategy matter. At Houston Washburn Law, we defend individuals across Georgia against all types of drug charges with precision, compassion, and persistence.

Why clients trust our team:

  • Former prosecutor with insider knowledge of state tactics
  • Hundreds of successful criminal cases handled statewide
  • Free consultations and personalized defense strategies
  • Proven record of dismissals, reductions, and alternative outcomes
  • Dedicated support throughout every stage of your case

Defending Against Drug Charges in Georgia

A drug crime in Georgia can result in jail or prison time, costly fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even simple possession can carry serious penalties.

Our attorneys represent clients charged with offenses involving illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and unlawfully obtained prescription drugs. We handle cases from initial investigation to trial, working to protect your rights and minimize long-term consequences.

Understanding Georgia Drug Laws

Georgia drug laws are governed by the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, which classifies drugs into five “schedules” based on potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

Schedule I and II drugs—including heroin, LSD, cocaine, and methamphetamine—carry the harshest penalties. Schedules III through V cover substances with lower abuse potential, such as certain prescription medications. The type and quantity of the drug determine whether an offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?

Drug crimes in Georgia can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and license suspension.

Common penalties include:

  • Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz): Misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
  • Possession of marijuana (more than 1 oz): Felony, 1–10 years in prison.
  • Possession of controlled substances (Schedules I or II): Felony, 2–15 years in prison.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: Felony, 5–30 years depending on substance and quantity.
  • Manufacturing or trafficking: Felony, with mandatory minimum sentences.

Convictions can also result in probation terms, community service, drug counseling, and long-term impacts on employment, education, and housing.

Common Defenses Against Drug Charges

A strong defense can challenge the legality of evidence or the actions of law enforcement. Each case is unique, but our firm uses proven defense strategies to protect our clients.

Possible defenses include:

  • Illegal search and seizure: Evidence obtained without a valid warrant or probable cause can be suppressed.
  • Lack of possession: Proving the substance did not belong to the accused.
  • Entrapment: When law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not have.
  • Insufficient evidence: Challenging lab results, chain of custody, or witness credibility.
  • Violation of rights: Any breach of Miranda rights or due process protections.

We examine every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and leverage them in your favor.

How the Georgia Drug Crime Process Works

The criminal process for drug offenses in Georgia follows several key stages, each requiring careful navigation.

The 5 steps typically include:

  1. Arrest and Booking: Law enforcement charges you and takes you into custody.
  2. Bond Hearing: The court determines whether you can be released pending trial.
  3. Preliminary Hearing: A judge reviews whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
  4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions: Both sides exchange evidence and file motions to exclude unlawful evidence.
  5. Trial or Negotiated Resolution: The case proceeds to trial or may end in dismissal, plea agreement, or reduced charges.

Having an experienced attorney during each step ensures your rights remain protected.

Drug Crime Charges We Defend

At Houston Washburn Law, we defend against all categories of Georgia drug charges, including:

We also assist eligible clients with expungement or record restriction to clear past offenses whenever possible.

Contact Our Georgia Drug Crime Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a drug offense anywhere in Georgia, including Alpharetta or North Fulton, contact Houston Washburn Law today. Attorney Houston Washburn, a third-generation lawyer and former prosecutor, has earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.

We are committed to protecting your freedom and helping you move forward. Call now for your free consultation and take the first step toward your defense.

FAQs

What should I do after being arrested for a drug charge in Georgia?

Remain calm and do not answer police questions without a lawyer present. Contact a defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin building your case.

Can I be charged for prescription drugs in Georgia?

Yes. Possessing prescription medication without a valid prescription or distributing it unlawfully can result in felony charges under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

Can a drug charge be expunged from my record?

In some cases, yes. Charges that did not lead to a conviction may be eligible for record restriction. However, felony convictions for drug trafficking or manufacturing are not typically eligible.

Drug Crimes

Why Choose Us?

When your freedom and reputation are at stake, experience and strategy matter. At Houston Washburn Law, we defend individuals across Georgia against all types of drug charges with precision, compassion, and persistence.

Why clients trust our team:

  • Former prosecutor with insider knowledge of state tactics
  • Hundreds of successful criminal cases handled statewide
  • Free consultations and personalized defense strategies
  • Proven record of dismissals, reductions, and alternative outcomes
  • Dedicated support throughout every stage of your case

Defending Against Drug Charges in Georgia

A drug crime in Georgia can result in jail or prison time, costly fines, and a permanent criminal record. Even simple possession can carry serious penalties.

Our attorneys represent clients charged with offenses involving illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and unlawfully obtained prescription drugs. We handle cases from initial investigation to trial, working to protect your rights and minimize long-term consequences.

Understanding Georgia Drug Laws

Georgia drug laws are governed by the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, which classifies drugs into five “schedules” based on potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

Schedule I and II drugs—including heroin, LSD, cocaine, and methamphetamine—carry the harshest penalties. Schedules III through V cover substances with lower abuse potential, such as certain prescription medications. The type and quantity of the drug determine whether an offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?

Drug crimes in Georgia can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and license suspension.

Common penalties include:

  • Possession of marijuana (less than 1 oz): Misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine.
  • Possession of marijuana (more than 1 oz): Felony, 1–10 years in prison.
  • Possession of controlled substances (Schedules I or II): Felony, 2–15 years in prison.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: Felony, 5–30 years depending on substance and quantity.
  • Manufacturing or trafficking: Felony, with mandatory minimum sentences.

Convictions can also result in probation terms, community service, drug counseling, and long-term impacts on employment, education, and housing.

Common Defenses Against Drug Charges

A strong defense can challenge the legality of evidence or the actions of law enforcement. Each case is unique, but our firm uses proven defense strategies to protect our clients.

Possible defenses include:

  • Illegal search and seizure: Evidence obtained without a valid warrant or probable cause can be suppressed.
  • Lack of possession: Proving the substance did not belong to the accused.
  • Entrapment: When law enforcement induces someone to commit a crime they otherwise would not have.
  • Insufficient evidence: Challenging lab results, chain of custody, or witness credibility.
  • Violation of rights: Any breach of Miranda rights or due process protections.

We examine every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument and leverage them in your favor.

How the Georgia Drug Crime Process Works

The criminal process for drug offenses in Georgia follows several key stages, each requiring careful navigation.

The 5 steps typically include:

  1. Arrest and Booking: Law enforcement charges you and takes you into custody.
  2. Bond Hearing: The court determines whether you can be released pending trial.
  3. Preliminary Hearing: A judge reviews whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed.
  4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions: Both sides exchange evidence and file motions to exclude unlawful evidence.
  5. Trial or Negotiated Resolution: The case proceeds to trial or may end in dismissal, plea agreement, or reduced charges.

Having an experienced attorney during each step ensures your rights remain protected.

Drug Crime Charges We Defend

At Houston Washburn Law, we defend against all categories of Georgia drug charges, including:

We also assist eligible clients with expungement or record restriction to clear past offenses whenever possible.

Contact Our Georgia Drug Crime Lawyers

If you’ve been charged with a drug offense anywhere in Georgia, including Alpharetta or North Fulton, contact Houston Washburn Law today. Attorney Houston Washburn, a third-generation lawyer and former prosecutor, has earned recognition as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.

We are committed to protecting your freedom and helping you move forward. Call now for your free consultation and take the first step toward your defense.

FAQs

What should I do after being arrested for a drug charge in Georgia?

Remain calm and do not answer police questions without a lawyer present. Contact a defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and begin building your case.

Can I be charged for prescription drugs in Georgia?

Yes. Possessing prescription medication without a valid prescription or distributing it unlawfully can result in felony charges under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

Can a drug charge be expunged from my record?

In some cases, yes. Charges that did not lead to a conviction may be eligible for record restriction. However, felony convictions for drug trafficking or manufacturing are not typically eligible.