An arrest for simple possession or a more severe drug crime like trafficking calls for an experienced legal professional in your corner. Prosecutors in this state take the enforcement of drug-related offenses seriously. If convicted, you face severe criminal penalties. Preparing for your case with a trained criminal defense attorney is best when facing charges.
When you are charged with a drug crime, you might be overwhelmed thinking about what to do next. Depending on the charge, you could face a significant amount of time in jail. A Lithia Springs drug lawyer could advise you of your rights throughout the criminal process and help develop a defense strategy to avoid a conviction. Call us today to schedule a case evaluation.
Common Drug Crimes in Georgia
Some statutes prohibit the possession, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal drugs. Controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and LSD are divided into categories based on the drug’s severity, medicinal use, and addictive qualities. The penalties are more severe for Schedule I substances, such as heroin or LSD, which have a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical use. Drug crimes fall into the following categories:
Possession
If someone is found with drugs on their person for personal use, they could be charged with possession.
Possession With the Intent to Sell or Deliver
Prosecutors distinguish charges for someone who is found with drugs but intended to sell or deliver the substance. The state must prove the accused had the intent to distribute or traffic the drug.
Manufacturing
The production of a controlled substance is a crime whether the drug is cultivated or made chemically. There are swift penalties for those engaged in drug manufacturing operations.
Trafficking
Likewise, drug trafficking is among the most serious drug crimes one can commit and carries the harshest penalties. Depending on the drug involved and the level of sophistication, someone accused of drug trafficking could spend decades in prison.
The potential penalties for a drug crime depend on the type of substance and the nature of the offense, so discussing the specifics of your case with a Lithia Springs attorney is beneficial.
Defense Strategies in Drug Crime Cases
Prosecutors on the state and federal levels are concerned with the large-scale producers in the illegal drug industry. This means that low-level offenders may be able to avoid serious charges if they cooperate. When someone is charged with a drug offense, their attorney will review the facts and circumstances of their case to explore potential defenses. Depending on what happened, there may be an argument to have the charges reduced or dropped entirely. Some effective defense strategies in drug crime cases might include:
- No proof of intent
- Lack of evidence to prove guilt
- Illegal search or seizure of evidence
- Suppression of illegally obtained evidence
The United States Constitution guarantees certain protections in criminal cases, when the police violate these well-established rights, the defendant can move to dismiss unlawfully obtained evidence. Likewise, a drug conviction in Lithia Springs requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of guilt so if the prosecutor cannot meet their heavy burden, the charges must be dropped.
Speak With a Lithia Springs Drug Attorney
If you were charged with a drug crime or believe you may be under investigation, contact a Lithia Springs drug lawyer immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to protecting your liberty. We could adequately advise you, develop a defense strategy at the outset, and advocate for the charges to be reduced or dropped. The criminal consequences for the possession, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances are steep. In drug cases, there are many defenses available.
A conviction for a drug crime will have a significant impact on your life, limiting your opportunities and damaging your reputation. Even convictions for minor drug offenses can permanently alter your future. We could help you defend against the charges and reduce the impact of the accusation. Reach out to us today if you are charged with a drug crime.
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