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Atlanta Drug Crimes Lawyers

According to FBI arrest data, more people are arrested for Drug Crimes than any other crime in the United States. Despite recent calls to reform our misguided war on drugs, the number of people arrested for Drug Crimes has only increased in recent years.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia

Georgia’s drug laws are some of the harshest in the country, with possession of less than an ounce of marijuana for personal use being the basis for a potential prison sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to $1,000, despite it being a misdemeanor. The penalties for possessing amounts greater than one ounce, or with evidence of intent to distribute are much harsher. Other drugs and controlled substances are divided into five categories based on a schedule that weighs their potential for abuse along with whether the substances have any currently accepted medical uses.

Schedule V drugs are the least serious of these drugs and Schedule I are the most serious. Schedule V drugs include things like cough syrup, while schedule I drugs include cannabis, LSD, and ecstacy. Possession of a Schedule I substance can result in a prison sentence of 1 to 15 years, while a subsequent conviction can result in up to a 30-year prison sentence. The same sentence can be given for Schedule II narcotics, whereas possession of Schedule III, IV, and V substances can result in a 1-to-5-year prison sentence, with subsequent charges warranting up to 10 years of incarceration.

Clearly, these are serious consequences that should not be taken lightly. When even a misdemeanor drug charge can derail your life by landing you in jail for a year, it is critical to take any Georgia drug charge seriously and do your best to defend against it.

The Truth About Georgia Drug Arrests

In Georgia, law enforcement officers will often arrest anyone in connection with illegal drugs, regardless of their actual guilt or innocence. This creates situations where people are arrested for possession of drugs simply because they are in mere proximity to illegal drugs (such as a passenger in a car), regardless of their actual knowledge or possession of these drugs. In addition, law enforcement officers are notorious for conducting illegal searches in violation of the Fourth Amendment. To put it another way, you CAN be arrested for a Drug Crime on the basis of “guilt by association.”

Defenses to Drug Crimes in Georgia

Just because you have been charged with a drug crime does not mean that you will be convicted. Many people feel like once they have handcuffs on and have been read their rights, the end of their story has already been written, but that does not have to be the case. There are a number of defenses available to possession charges that may make it possible to overcome the charges against you. Defenses may include things like procedural issues, constructive possession, and issues in the chain of custody. The best defense will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Schedule a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys to learn what defenses may be available to you.

Georgia Police Do Not Care About Your Addiction

Another common misconception that the public often has about prosecutions for drug crimes is that law enforcement places a priority on treating drug addiction. This is false. Law enforcement has zero interest in providing rehabilitation services for addicts – their only interest is in arresting as many people as possible to show the public that they are “winning” the war on drugs. If you want help treating your addiction, you will not find it by getting arrested. It is important to fight for your best interests and do your best to stay out of prison so that you can get the help you need.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A criminal defense attorney will fight to get the charges against you dropped. Your lawyer can begin working on your case immediately by looking for possible causes for dismissal, exclusion of evidence, and available defenses. They may be able to get the charges against you dropped or reduced to a less serious offense. They may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecution so that you can avoid a trial as well as more serious penalties or charges. The best way to find out how a criminal defense lawyer can help you is by scheduling a consultation with one.

Contact Our Experienced Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys

Don’t be a statistic. If you have been arrested for a Drug Crime, you need an experienced attorney who will fight for your rights. Only an experienced Drug Crimes Lawyer can make sure that you have explored all of your available legal defenses to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. At Ghanayem & Rayasam, LLC, we possess the experience, knowledge, successful history, and passion to help our clients successfully resolve their drug charges. Call Ghanayem & Rayasam, LLC, for your free consultation today.