St. Mary’s, GA Drug Crime Lawyer

St. Mary’s, GA Drug Crime Attorney

Being accused of a drug crime in St. Mary’s, Georgia, can have serious effects on your life. While drug offenses are not uncommon, the legal repercussions can be severe, regardless of whether you are a first-time offender or simply caught in possession of controlled substances with an otherwise clean record. If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, a St. Mary’s drug crime lawyer can help.

Understanding Georgia Drug Laws

Drugs are divided into schedules. These statutes divide medications into five schedules according to their medicinal value and potential for abuse. These schedules are categorized as such:

• Schedule I drugs (such as heroin) have a high potential for misuse and no recognized medicinal value.
• Schedule II drugs have extremely restricted medicinal usage and a high potential for misuse, such as morphine and opium.
• Schedule III drugs have an accepted medicinal usage and a lower potential for abuse than drugs listed as Schedule I or II, such as anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV drugs have accepted medical usage and have a lower potential for abuse than drugs on Schedule III, such as diazepam.
• Schedule V drugs have the fewest abuse potential with recognized medicinal use. These include some drugs in restricted dosages.

Types of Drug Offenses

There are a number of drug-related offenses that a person can be charged for. Some of these include:

• Simple possession. Being caught with a small amount of drugs for personal use.
• Possession with intent to distribute. Possessing illegal drugs in order to sell or distribute them.
• Drug trafficking. Importing, exporting, transporting, or selling large quantities of illegal substances.
• Prescription drug offenses. Unauthorized possession or distribution of prescription medications.
• Manufacturing. Producing illegal drugs, such as cultivating marijuana or manufacturing methamphetamine.
• Synthetic drug crimes. Offenses involving synthetic or designer drugs.
• Property crimes. Committing crimes like theft or burglary to support a drug habit.
• Conspiracy. Engaging in plans with others to commit drug-related offenses.
• Juvenile offenses. Charges against minors for drug possession or distribution.
• DUI involving drugs. Driving under the influence of drugs, including prescription medications.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Georgia has different punishments for drug offenses based on a number of variables, including the kind and quantity of drugs used, past criminal history, and whether the incident involved minors or happened close to a school. Typical penalties include:

• Fines. Severe monetary penalties may be applied, particularly for cases involving trafficking and distribution.
• Imprisonment. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, jail or prison terms might last anywhere from a few years to several decades.
• Probation. Probation is an alternative to jail time, involving supervised release under certain restrictions like drug testing and counseling.
• Drug treatment programs. Court-mandated treatment plans are designed to deal with addiction problems.
• License suspension. A person’s license can be suspended and cause them to have an inability to drive, particularly in situations involving driving under the influence or drug-related traffic violations.
• Federal repercussions. This can limit your access to subsidized loans and student aid, which will affect your ability to further your education.

How a St. Mary’s Drug Crime Attorney Can Help

There are complexities involved when dealing with drug offenses. This is why it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the intricacies of relevant drug laws and fight for your rights. An attorney can help you with the following:

• Negotiation. Attorneys negotiate with prosecutors to reach a plea bargain where they can reduce the severity of sentences or charges.
• Defense. You may have a defense to the charges based on an illegal or unconstitutional search and seizure or lack of substantive evidence. An attorney can explore these remedies on your behalf.
• Representation. An attorney can represent you at trial and minimize your public exposure. This means they can fight for your case against the prosecution at every stage of the process.
• Post-conviction relief. If an attorney is unable to get a complete dismissal for you, they may be able to assist you in appealing the case or in seeking probation or diversion programs in lieu of incarceration.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of a criminal lawyer varies based on factors like the complexity of your case and the method the lawyer uses to determine charges. If your case is more complex or if you are being faced with more serious charges, the attorney will likely cost more. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. Each one will charge their own price.

Q: How Do I Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge?

A: To beat a drug trafficking charge in Georgia, there are a few strategies you can use. These strategies include challenging evidence, showing a lack of intent, identifying procedural errors, challenging witness credibility, presenting alternative explanations, and using legal defenses like entrapment. An attorney can look at the evidence and circumstances of your case to determine which strategy will be the greatest course of action for you.

Q: Can You Get a Bond for Drug Trafficking?

A: Yes, you can get a bond for drug trafficking charges. This is possible depending on factors such as the severity of the charge, flight risk, and public safety concerns. However, generally speaking, a person charged with drug trafficking will be held without a bond, or if they have a bond, it will be high enough that the defendant will be unlikely to be able to pay it.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking?

A: Minimum sentences for drug trafficking in Georgia vary by drug type and quantity. For example, trafficking in cocaine or heroin can carry a minimum of five years in prison, while trafficking in methamphetamine can lead to a minimum of 10 years, all with their own fines and other penalties. An attorney can help you understand the minimum sentence for specific drugs.

Contact Jarrett Maillet, J.D., P.C., Today

Being charged with a drug crime can bring serious consequences. These consequences can be legal, social, and professional. If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug crime, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. A drug crime attorney at Jarrett Maillet, J.D., P.C., can help. Contact us today to speak with a representative.