Savannah Drug Crimes Lawyer 

Facing a drug charge in Georgia is everyone's worst nightmare. Whether it's a possession, trafficking, or distribution accusation, the stakes are high, and the consequences change your life forever. 

Georgia's Controlled Substances Act sets strict rules around illegal drugs, and a violation—commonly referred to as VGCSA—brings the risk of heavy fines, the possibility of losing years to prison, and a shadow cast over your future.

But it’s important to know this isn’t the end of the road. Every case has its own story; with the right legal approach, there may be options to fight back. The type of drug, the amount involved, and the specific circumstances of your situation can all play a role in building a defense. 

Having an experienced Savannah drug crimes attorney by your side is a game-changer. They’ll help you understand your rights, explore defense strategies, and work to protect your future. You don’t have to face this alone.

Understanding Savannah Drug Crimes

Taking on the criminal justice system in Savannah, Georgia, is scary, nerve-wracking, and, most of all, confusing.

Learning about how it unfolds can make it a little less daunting, especially with competent legal support.

It typically starts with a law enforcement investigation. If officers gather enough evidence, it leads to an arrest. Once you’re arrested, formal charges are filed against you, and the case is presented to a grand jury. 

This group of local citizens reviews the evidence and decides if there’s enough to indict you formally, meaning you’ll be charged, and the case will proceed.

If the grand jury issues an indictment, the next step is trial. Here, a judge or jury will hear your case and determine whether you’re guilty or not guilty of the charges.

This process is complex and full of opportunities to defend your rights. That’s why having a skilled criminal defense attorney is so important at every stage. 

The Atlantic Firm is here to guide you through each legal step, protect your rights, and develop a defense strategy for the best possible outcome. You don’t have to face this alone.

Why Choose The Atlantic Firm as Your Savannah Drug Crimes Lawyer

Choosing the right attorney is serious business when facing criminal drug charges in Savannah, GA. At The Atlantic Firm, we bring over a decade of experience and a proven track record of successfully defending individuals and businesses against a wide range of Georgia criminal cases.

Here’s why we stand apart:

A former prosecutor fighting for you
Stacey M. Goad, the founder of The Atlantic Firm, once built cases for the State of Georgia as a prosecutor. Today, that insider knowledge is her tool to tear those cases apart for her clients. 

With a direct understanding of how the state crafts its arguments, Stacey strategically dismantles the prosecution’s case to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome.

Dedicated defense with proven results
Facing the complexities of Georgia’s criminal justice system alone can feel like too much to handle. That’s why we’re here. Stacey M. Goad has helped countless clients avoid decades of imprisonment and steep financial penalties. Whether it’s preventing charges or reducing sentencing, our firm is enthusiastic about defending your future.

Our mission is to defend your constitutional rights at every stage of the legal process. From investigating the details of your case to challenging the evidence brought against you, we provide a bold and aggressive defense tailored to your unique situation.

When you hire The Atlantic Firm, you're not just getting legal representation — you're gaining a tenacious and experienced advocate who will stand by your side. 

Don’t face Georgia’s criminal justice system without a powerful ally. Call today for a free and confidential case assessment. Together, we will fight for justice and help you rebuild your life.

What is a Controlled Substance Schedule in Savannah, GA?

In Georgia, drugs and related products are categorized into several different schedules. Different levels of drug charges can lead to various criminal offense charges.

Possession of Schedule I Drug:

Drugs that are classified as Schedule I drugs in Georgia include ecstasy, heroin, and LSD. They are considered highly addictive drugs. Possession of a Schedule I drug will be treated as a felony under O.C.G.A. 16-13-25.

Facing a criminal case for possession of a Schedule I drug requires a strong legal defense.

Possession of Schedule II Drug:

Schedule II drugs in Georgia include cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, amphetamines, barbiturates, oxycodone, and codeine.

These drugs are not as highly abused as Schedule I drugs, but many people become physically dependent upon these drugs. See O.C.G.A. 16-13-26.

Possession of Schedule III Drug:

Steroids are the most common schedule III drugs used. Some Schedule III drugs have limited medical use.

They are not as abused as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs. See O.C.G.A. 16-13-27.

Possession of Schedule IV Drug:

Xanax, Soma, Ambien, Ativan, Darvocet, and Valium are examples of schedule IV drugs in Georgia.

Abuse of schedule IV drugs can lead to psychological or physical dependence. The penalty for possessing a schedule IV drug will also be a felony. See O.C.G.A. 16-13-28.

Possession of Schedule V Drug:

Criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in defending against Schedule V drug charges. Most Schedule V drugs have accepted medical uses, and people rarely become dependent on these drugs. 

Examples include cough syrup with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters, such as Robitussin AC, Lomotil, and Lyrica.

Although these drugs rarely lead to dependency, possession of these drugs will still be treated as a felony. See O.C.G.A. 16-13-29.

Call The Atlantic Firm Today 912-209-9000 

Common Drug Crimes in Savannah, Georgia

Note: Laws may change. For the most up-to-date information, consult with The Atlantic Firm.

Marijuana

Possessing marijuana in Georgia results in serious legal consequences. State laws enforce strict rules, so knowing the potential penalties is crucial if you face charges. 

Whether the case involves a misdemeanor or felony, you must understand the stakes and act quickly to protect your rights.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Georgia:

• Possessing Less Than One Ounce (Misdemeanor)
  • Authorities may sentence you to up to 12 months in jail.
  • Courts can impose a fine of up to $1,000.
  • You might face both jail time and a fine.
• Possessing More Than One Ounce (Felony)
  • Courts require a minimum prison sentence of one year.
• Possessing Marijuana Extracts or Concentrates (Felony)
  • Possession of any amount automatically triggers felony charges.

Georgia’s marijuana possession laws remain some of the toughest in the country. Convictions can affect your freedom, finances, and future.

If law enforcement accuses you of marijuana possession, act immediately by seeking a skilled drug crime defense attorney. Attorney Stacey M. Goad dedicates her practice to guiding you through the legal process, defending your rights, and pursuing the best possible outcome for your case. 

Cocaine

Possessing or selling significant amounts of cocaine in Georgia results in severe penalties. State laws strictly enforce cocaine trafficking charges when the quantities handled exceed specific thresholds. 

Understanding the penalties and seeking immediate legal counsel can help protect your rights and future.

Penalties for Cocaine Trafficking in Georgia:

• Trafficking 28 to 199 Grams
  • Courts enforce a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
  • You must also pay a fine of $200,000.
• Trafficking 200 to 399 Grams
  • Courts impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison.
  • A fine of $300,000 accompanies the sentence.
• Trafficking 400 Grams or More
  • Courts require a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
  • You must pay a $1 million fine.

Low purity mixtures

For mixtures containing less than 10% cocaine, the law calculates the total weight by multiplying it by the cocaine's purity percentage. If this adjusted amount meets or exceeds the abovementioned quantities, the case is prosecuted as trafficking, with the same mandatory penalties.

Cocaine trafficking charges can have life-altering consequences, making a strong legal defense critical. Attorney Stacey M. Goad is prepared to challenge these charges, protect your rights, and pursue the most favorable outcome for your case. 

Contact The Atlantic Firm today for knowledgeable guidance and a defense focused on your best interests.

MDMA/Ecstasy

MDMA, commonly known as Ecstasy, is classified as a Schedule I substance in Georgia. Possession of any amount leads to felony charges.

Penalties based on weight

The severity of penalties for MDMA-related offenses in Georgia depends on the weight of the substance, including any mixture. The law considers solid, liquid, and substances placed on a secondary medium.

1. Less than 1 gram/milliliter

• Solid: < 1 gram
• Liquid: < 1 milliliter
• On secondary medium: combined weight < 1 gram
• Penalty: 1-3 years imprisonment

2. 1 gram to less than 4 grams/milliliters

• Solid: 1 to < 4 grams
• Liquid: 1 to < 4 milliliters
• On secondary medium: combined weight 1 to < 4 grams
• Penalty: 1-8 years imprisonment

3. 4 grams to less than 28 grams/milliliters

• Solid: 4 to < 28 grams
• Liquid: 4 to < 28 milliliters
• On secondary medium: combined weight 4 to < 28 grams
• Penalty: 1-8 years imprisonment

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II substance in Georgia. Possession, sales, trafficking, and distribution of methamphetamine are all serious offenses under Georgia law.

Penalties based on weight

The severity of penalties for methamphetamine-related offenses in Georgia depends on the weight of the substance, including any mixture. 

The law considers solid substances, liquid substances, and substances placed on a secondary medium.

1. Less than 1 gram/milliliter

• Solid: < 1 gram
• Liquid: < 1 milliliter
• On secondary medium: combined weight < 1 gram
• Penalty: 1-3 years imprisonment

2. 1 gram to less than 4 grams/milliliters

• Solid: 1 to < 4 grams
• Liquid: 1 to < 4 milliliters
• On secondary medium: combined weight 1 to < 4 grams
• Penalty: 1-8 years imprisonment

3. 4 grams to less than 28 grams/milliliters

• Solid: 4 to < 28 grams
• Liquid: 4 to < 28 milliliters
• On secondary medium: combined weight 4 to < 28 grams
• Penalty: 1-8 years imprisonment

Dangerous Drug Crimes in Savannah, GA

Talk to Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney Stacey Goad of The Atlantic Firm Today

Experienced defense attorneys in Savannah are a force to be reckoned with, and Attorney Stacey Goad is one of them. As the sole practitioner at The Atlantic Law Firm, she brings over 15 years of experience and tenacity to your case.

Do not face these charges alone. Call Attorney Goad for an honest assessment of your case, including any mistakes law enforcement may have made in your apprehension, detention, and search or seizure of your home or property.

All calls are free and confidential.