Gwinnett County Drug Crimes Attorney

Defending Clients Who Are Facing Drug Charges in Georgia

In the United States, one of the most common crimes involves drugs. Georgia courts often hear cases involving those found in possession of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and more, as well as prescription drugs unlawfully obtained. Drug arrests cross all socio-economic groups, age groups, and sexes. Unfortunately, even mere possession for one’s own personal use is punished severely by the criminal justice system.

Because of the harsh criminal penalties involved in any drug offense, you need a skilled and committed criminal defense attorney after getting arrested. In Gwinnett County, you can turn to Houston Washburn Law for the help you need. At our firm, your case will be handled by a skilled trial lawyer who brings knowledge, experience, and compassion to clients.

Attorney Houston Washburn will always be accessible to you throughout your ordeal, is there to answer your questions, provide the legal guidance you need, and ultimately to fight for your freedom and future.

Have you been arrested for a drug offense? Call Houston Washburn Law today at (770) 766-8966 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our drug crimes lawyer in Gwinnett County.

Georgia Controlled Substance Act

The Georgia Controlled Substance Act states that any possession of a controlled substance is a felony or misdemeanor. The severity of a Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act depends on the type of drugs a person allegedly possesses and the amount.

Georgia has established a Controlled Substances Act that classifies drugs and their component parts into “schedules” based on the addictiveness of the substance as well as its medical value. The most dangerous and likely to be abused drugs fall into Schedule I and II, including heroin, LSD, cocaine, Ecstasy, and methamphetamine.

Penalties For Drug Possession in Georgia

Possession of any illegal drug (except for marijuana) is charged as a felony in Georgia with the following guidelines:

• Possession of Schedule I and II narcotics carry penalties of two up to 15 years in prison; repeat offenses are punishable by up to 30 years in prison

• Possession of non-narcotic Schedule II drugs carry penalties as above, except that repeat offenses are punishable by five to 30 years in prison

• Possession of Schedule III, IV, and V carry penalties of one to five years of imprisonment; repeat offenses carry penalties of one to 10 years

Drug convictions alone do not carry an automatic license suspension. However, if you are also convicted of any crime that carries a license suspension, such as Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol, or you are operating a vehicle during the commission of a felony, such as transporting illegal drugs or trafficking, then there may be license suspension consequences.

Drug possession means that the drugs were under your control, which can include drugs found in your home, car, or in some other location that you controlled. However, many people in the state have been arrested for drug possession through “mere proximity.”

Your penalties will depend on the type of drug found in your possession as well as its quantity and your previous convictions. Additional drug crimes beyond simple possession include possession with intent to sell or distribute, sales, manufacture, and trafficking, which carry stiffer penalties.

A felony charge is a very serious matter, as a conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record that can make it difficult to obtain future employment, housing, or professional licenses. Such a conviction can also have immigration consequences for noncitizens.

Penalties For Marijuana Possession in Georgia

Unlike other states, marijuana is illegal in Georgia. Marijuana carries its own penalties separate from other illegal drugs. Possession of one ounce or less is charged as a misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to a year in jail and/or fines of up to $1,000.

Possession of quantities more than one ounce is charged as a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, of which one year is mandatory, and fines of up to $5,000.

Contact Our Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

Many defenses are possible in any drug offense charge, from entrapment to illegal search and seizure and more. Our Gwinnett County drug crime attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of your case to determine the best possible strategy. We will do everything possible to help you keep your record clean through a dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing where applicable.

Contact Houston Washburn Law today to get started on your defense with our Gwinnett County drug crimes attorney.