Defending a First Time Offender Drug Trafficking GA
A first-time drug offender can be sentenced to prison. The sentence depends on the severity of the crime. Check out how we can help!
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What Is Drug Trafficking in Georgia?
Drug trafficking in Georgia is a serious offense. Possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or selling any illegal drug or controlled substance without a prescription is illegal. The law applies to all illegal drugs, including acid, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Possession of any amount of these substances can result in fines and imprisonment.
A marijuana possession lawyer in Georgia can provide additional information, advice, and advocacy. They could represent you in court if necessary.
What Amount of Drugs Is Considered Trafficking in Georgia?
In Georgia, drug limits vary based on the category, and they are not always the same for each schedule. The amount of drugs considered for drug trafficking in Georgia depends on the type and quantity of drugs involved.
For example, for cocaine, as little as 28 grams or a mixture of at least ten percent cocaine can result in severe consequences. Heroin, morphine, and opium can be harshly penalized for a mere four grams. On the other hand, the most strict penalties for trafficking marijuana are measured in pounds.
If you have been accused of drug trafficking in Georgia, a GA drug crimes attorney might help get your charges reduced or dismissed.
What Drugs Are Considered When Trafficking?
Based on their abuse and addiction potential, controlled substances are categorized into five schedules:
- Schedule I drugs don’t have any medical value and are highly addictive, such as heroin and LSD.
- Schedule II drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, also have a high abuse potential, but they are sometimes used in medical settings.
- Schedule III drugs are less addictive but still have a low risk of dependency or addiction, like anabolic steroids and some prescription opioids.
- Schedule IV drugs have a low dependence potential like Benzodiazepines and Antipsychotics.
- Schedule V drugs include painkillers, sedatives, and sleep aids.
With recent changes to its legal status in many states, it’s wise to discuss marijuana trafficking penalties with a respected attorney with whom you have developed an attorney-client relationship.
Penalties for First-Time Drug Offenders in Georgia
Georgia has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug offenses, including trafficking. Drug trafficking charges in Georgia are a felony. The penalties for drug trafficking vary depending on the type of drug, the weight of the drugs, and whether it was a first or repeated offense.
Georgia drug trafficking laws punish those who break the law and keep society safe. Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Georgia because it is one of the top five states for illegal drug use.
All drug offenses in Georgia are felonies. As a result, drug offense convictions carry mandatory minimum sentences of one year. For a first offense, a person found guilty of manufacturing, delivering, distributing, selling, or possessing with intent to distribute a Schedule I or Schedule II drug may be sentenced to 5 to 30 years in prison. A second or subsequent offense carries prison sentences of 10 to 40 years.
A conviction for Schedule III, IV, or V drug possession carries imprisonment of 1 to 5 years. In contrast, a conviction for trafficking drugs in any of these schedules results in minimum sentences of 1 year and a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.
In addition to incarceration, drug crimes convictions carry high fines. For instance, if a person is found guilty of trafficking, they may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $100,000.
In the event you have been charged with involvement in a drug operation, a drug crimes attorney can provide advocacy and representation to help you understand your options.
The Waltman Firm to Your Defense
Established in 2015, The Waltman Firm has diligently provided bold defenses to countless clients. As your legal representation, we will:
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Investigate the charges against you
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Scrutinize the officers’ conduct
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ensure your rights are protected
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Develop a theory of defense and representing you at trial
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Helping you make the big decisions required of a criminal defendant. …
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Communicating with your family.
Hiring a Lawyer for Drug Trafficking Charges in GA
If you are facing a first-time drug trafficking offense in Georgia, you may need an attorney’s professional advice and support. There are many situations where you might seek to hire an attorney for a first-time drug trafficking offense in Georgia, such as if:
- You have been charged with other crimes as well and need legal representation
- You are looking for advice on how to plea bargain or negotiate with prosecutors
- You have been charged with other crimes that could affect your case’s outcome
- You want information about the sentencing guidelines and possible punishments
A qualified felony lawyer in Marietta, GA, can help you navigate the complex criminal justice system. Call The Waltman Firm for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get a Bond for Trafficking in Georgia?
Bonds are the most common way of securing the release of a defendant until their trial. The bond amount is set by a judge and is determined by the crime and the defendant’s criminal history.
Due to the severity of drug trafficking and the potential for a defendant to become a flight risk, many defendants are initially held without bond. Bonds are usually so high that meeting them is almost impossible. It is not uncommon for bonds of $100,000 to a million dollars to be set in cases like these.
Can You Get Probation for Drug Trafficking in Georgia?
A person convicted of drug trafficking may be eligible for probation in Georgia if they are not sentenced to prison. This is because probation is considered an alternative sentence that does not involve incarceration.
Probation sentences may include supervised release with conditions such as attending counseling sessions or paying a fine.
What Is the Highest Sentence for Drug Trafficking?
The highest sentence for drug trafficking in Georgia is life in prison without parole.
