Gwinnett County Drug Possession Lawyer
Although some states have experimented with drug decriminalization, Georgia is not among them. Anyone caught with even small amounts of certain controlled substances can face serious criminal charges and repercussions that last a lifetime. The Spizman Firm is prepared to help anyone facing drug charges. All you need to do is reach out to schedule a confidential meeting to discuss your arrest. A Gwinnett County drug possession lawyer will be in touch to discuss what to expect and what legal options you have.
Penalties for Drug Possession in Georgia
Georgia classifies drugs on schedules and sets penalties based on the drug and other factors, such as the quantities involved. There is no “minor” drug crime. Someone who makes a single mistake by putting a joint in their pocket can face criminal charges.
The most serious drugs are placed on Schedule I and include LSD and heroin. Being caught with even a tiny amount of these drugs can result in 1-3 years behind bars for a felony conviction. If you are caught with more, then the maximum sentence increases.
Marijuana is treated as a misdemeanor if you are caught with under an ounce. Even that offense can result in up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Defendants will face felony charges if they are caught with more than an ounce of weed.
These criminal penalties are only half the story. Once arrested, a defendant has a criminal record, which will pop up at various points in their life. For example, it will be difficult to obtain a professional license if you are convicted of drug possession.
Why Defendants Need to Hire an Attorney
A vigorous defense is necessary to ensure your rights are protected throughout the case. At The Spizman Firm, we can review:
- Whether the state has properly weighed the drugs in question. Sometimes they make mistakes which result in overcharging a defendant.
- If sufficient evidence exists to link you to the drugs. If not, you should be acquitted.
- Whether the state has proof of your knowledge that you possessed drugs. It is not enough that drugs are in your jacket or car. Someone else could have put them there without your knowledge. Absent a confession, the state faces an uphill climb proving knowledge.
Another area of concern with possession cases is whether an officer had sufficient reason to stop you. To comply with the constitution, an officer needs reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. If not, we can seek to exclude this evidence or even get the charges tossed out of court.
Our firm will also consider alternatives to incarceration. Some first-time offenders might seek drug court as an alternative. That will allow them to receive treatment for addiction and divert them from the criminal justice system. This is an exciting possibility, depending on the facts, so be sure to discuss all options with an experienced defense team.
Contact Us Today
A Gwinnett County drug possession lawyer at The Spizman Firm can analyze the evidence and determine the best path forward. Call to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
