Category Archives: Drug Crimes
How Prosecutors Try to Prove Intent to Distribute Without Evidence of an Actual Sale
A drug arrest in Atlanta does not need to include a hand-to-hand transaction for prosecutors to pursue possession with intent to distribute. Officers may never identify a buyer, witness drugs change hands, or recover evidence of a completed sale. The accusation can instead grow out of what police find with the drugs and what… Read More »
When Drug Possession Becomes Drug Trafficking Under Georgia Law
A drug trafficking charge in Georgia does not necessarily begin with an alleged sale. Police may recover drugs during a traffic stop, the execution of a search warrant, or another investigation without identifying a buyer, documenting a transaction, or claiming that money changed hands. For certain controlled substances, possessing enough of the drug can… Read More »
Opioid DUI Allegations in Georgia and the Difference Between Use and Impairment
An opioid DUI arrest can begin with a familiar situation: a driver has taken medication for pain, and a blood test later shows an opioid. Police may treat that result as evidence the driver was unsafe behind the wheel. The scientific and legal picture can be considerably more complicated. Opioids can affect alertness, judgment,… Read More »
Can Police Search Your Car for Drugs Without a Warrant?
Being pulled over by the police can be stressful, and it often becomes even more intimidating when an officer begins asking questions or looking inside your vehicle. Many drivers are unsure of their rights and wonder whether police can legally search their car for drugs without a warrant. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta… Read More »
How Do Drug Charges Affect Professional Licenses?
Facing drug charges can be stressful and overwhelming, but for many professionals, the stakes extend beyond potential fines or jail time. A criminal conviction for drug possession, distribution, or other drug-related offenses can have serious consequences for professional licenses in Georgia. At The Spizman Firm in Atlanta, we work with clients to understand the… Read More »
Top 4 Things You Need to Know About Federal vs. State Drug Charges in Georgia
Drug charges in Georgia can arise under both state and federal law, and the distinction between the two can have major consequences for defendants. Understanding whether a case will be prosecuted in state or federal court is critical, as each system has different procedures, penalties, and long-term implications. At The Spizman Firm in Atlanta,… Read More »
Everything You Need to Know About Constructive Possession in Georgia Drug Cases
In Georgia, drug charges do not always require that a person be caught physically holding a controlled substance. The legal concept of constructive possession allows prosecutors to pursue charges even when the drugs are not directly on a defendant’s person. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta Drug Defense Attorneys help clients understand what constructive… Read More »
Drugs and the Law: How Substance Use Impacts the Criminal Justice System in Georgia
Substance use plays a major role in many criminal cases, both as a direct offense and as a contributing factor in other crimes. From drug possession and DUI to theft or assault committed under the influence, substance-related issues often bring people into contact with the criminal justice system, sometimes for the first time. At… Read More »
Georgia’s Marijuana Laws: What You Need to Know in 2025
As public opinion continues to shift nationwide, marijuana laws are evolving rapidly, but Georgia remains one of the more conservative states when it comes to cannabis regulation. While there have been some changes over the years, particularly around medical marijuana, recreational use is still illegal and can lead to serious criminal consequences. At The… Read More »
Can Prescription Pills Lead to a Felony in Georgia?
Many people assume that if a drug is prescribed by a doctor, possessing or using it cannot lead to criminal charges. However, in Georgia, prescription medications can result in serious legal consequences, including felony charges, if not used or possessed lawfully. At The Spizman Firm, our Atlanta drug crime lawyers can help clients understand… Read More »