The Waltman Firm: Your Drug Trafficking Attorney Marietta GA
If you have been charged with drug trafficking you need a good drug trafficking attorney in Marietta, GA. The Waltman Firm can help you. Call us now.
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Need a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Marietta, GA?
Drug trafficking is a serious drug offense. It’s often prosecuted as a federal crime because it usually crosses state borders. If convicted, you could face a minimum prison term of five to twenty years and a fine of up to $1 million.
Defending drug trafficking can be challenging, especially without adequate representation. If you believe you are a suspect in a drug trafficking case, don’t wait to be arrested and charged. Contact our drug crimes attorney as soon as possible to get the defense you deserve.
Experienced and bold lawyers at the Waltman Firm have been defending clients in Marietta against drug crimes for years. We have a successful track record in winning and dismissing drug cases.
What Constitutes a Drug Trafficking Offense in Georgia?
Drug trafficking laws in Georgia define this offense as possessing, selling, distributing, manufacturing, or bringing certain types and amounts of illegal drugs into the state.
That is to say, even possession of a certain quantity of an illegal substance will lead to charges of drug trafficking rather than possession.
According to O.C.G.A. 16-13-31, dealing with any of the following illegal substances, among others, constitutes a drug trafficking crime:
Cocaine
Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance. Selling, producing, delivering, or possessing 28 grams or more of cocaine or any mixture with a purity of 10% is a drug trafficking crime.
If convicted, you can face penalties ranging from a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 to 25 years and fines of $200,000 to $1 million. The exact penalties depend on the amount involved.
Morphine, Opium, Heroin
Anyone involved in the selling, producing, delivering, and possessing of four grams or more of morphine, opium, or heroin commits the felony of drug trafficking.
Minimum mandatory penalties for a drug trafficking offense involving these substances range from five to twenty years in prison and $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the amount.
Marijuana
Selling, manufacturing, and growing marijuana in Georgia will result in a conviction for drug trafficking. Bringing this Schedule I substance into the state leads to a similar charge.
If you are arrested with more than ten pounds of marijuana in your possession, you can face at least five to 15 years of imprisonment. On top of that, you’ll be fined at least $100,000.
You can avoid these severe penalties with the help of a marijuana possession lawyer in Georgia.
Methaqualone
Selling, manufacturing, possessing, or delivering at least 200 grams of methaqualone is a drug trafficking crime in Georgia.
If the amount is less than 400 grams, you can face five years in prison and a fine of $50,000. However, any amount higher than 400 grams can get you a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a fine of $250,000.00
Methamphetamine and Amphetamine
The possession, delivery, or sale of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture that contains either is a drug trafficking offense, according to Georgia law.
Upon conviction, you can face at least 10 to 25 years in prison and a $200,000 to $1 million fine.
However, manufacturing these Schedule II controlled substances is considered drug trafficking regardless of the amount involved.
Drug Trafficking Defenses
Defending drug trafficking charges can be challenging but not impossible. Your criminal defense attorney can use the following defenses to establish your innocence or argue for lesser charges:
Illegal Search And Seizure
In most cases, the police must obtain a warrant before searching or seizing your property. They must also get a warrant to arrest you. Any evidence the police acquire in an unlawful search or seizure may be inadmissible.
Ignorance
21 U.S. Code § 841 defines drug trafficking as knowingly and intentionally possessing, selling, distributing, or manufacturing a controlled substance.
Your defense lawyer can argue that you had no knowledge of the drugs in your possession or you were transporting. However, you must be able to provide proof to demonstrate this. This defense is usually made to disprove constructive possession.
Lack of Probable Cause For The Arrest
Law enforcement must have reason to believe a person is involved in criminal activity to be able to stop, search, or arrest them. If traffic officers stopped or searched your car without probable cause, such as visibly impaired driving, the obtained evidence can be found inadmissible.
No Intent to Sell or Distribute
Your defense attorney may be able to argue that you had no intent to distribute or sell the drugs. This is possible even if you were aware that you were in possession of them.
If your defense succeeds, you will be charged with drug possession rather than trafficking. Penalties for drug possession crimes are usually less severe.
Note that you would still get a criminal record.
The Waltman Firm Can Defend You Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking is a serious offense and is pursued vigorously by prosecutors. Usually, bail bonds are set at very high amounts, and the punishments are strict.
If you are suspected or charged with drug trafficking, you need our experienced drug trafficking lawyers on your side. Never opt for self-representation or settle for anything less than a passionate, driven, skillful attorney.
Holly Waltman has a successful track record as a drug crime lawyer and prosecutor. She has handled thousands of cases in many jurisdictions across Georgia. These range from serious criminal cases to traffic tickets.
She is admitted to practice law in all 159 Georgia counties at the State and Superior Court levels. She is also admitted to practice law at the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
Our attorneys can do all in their power to secure a favorable outcome for your drug trafficking case and prevent a criminal conviction.
Contact The Waltman Firm to schedule a consultation today.
