Dedicated, Experienced, and Aggressive Representation for Drug Convictions
Drug crime defense attorneys handle drug cases filed against people accused of drug-related crimes, such as possession, manufacturing, or drug trafficking. We understand the relevant laws and regulations and protect our clients' rights, especially if they are violated during an illegal search and seizure.
At Atlantic Law Firm, your legal representation comes directly from experienced attorney Stacey M. Goad. She offers a free consultation to understand your case's facts and develop the right legal services.
With her skills and commitment to justice, she is a Savannah drug crime lawyer who works diligently to get the best possible outcome for your drug-related charges.
What Is a Controlled Substance?
A controlled substance refers to chemicals or drugs that are manufactured, sold, and possessed according to the regulations and guidelines set by the government to protect the health and safety of citizens.
These substances include legal and illegal drugs categorized in the following numbered schedules:
- Hallucinogenic Schedule I drug
- Narcotic Schedule II drug
- Stimulant Schedule II drug
- Depressant Schedule III drug
- Anabolic Schedule III drug
- Depressant Schedule IV drug
- Stimulant Schedule IV drug
- Narcotic Schedule V drug
Drug Scheduling and Classifications
Drug classification started in the 1970s when the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) was passed into law by President Nixon. The Act requires food and drug manufacturers to label their products and include the risk of any dangerous substance use.
Hallucinogenic Schedule I drug:
These are drugs that do not have any medical value and pose a high threat of abuse and addiction.
Stimulant and Narcotic Schedule II drug:
This category includes medically accepted drugs obtained through a doctor's prescription. However, they have the potential for abuse by the public.
Schedule III, IV, and V drug:
This group includes medically sound substances with low to moderate chances for abuse and addiction. They are generally considered to be less dangerous as compared to Schedule I and Schedule II drugs.
How Do Georgia Drug Possession Laws Work?
Possession of any illegal drug is a severe offense in Georgia, and you will be subject to harsh penalties if convicted. The type of controlled substance and the amount in your possession will determine the severity of the drug charge against you.
For instance, you will be charged with a misdemeanor punishable charge if caught having less than one ounce of marijuana. However, if caught with a large amount of cocaine or heroin, you could face felony drug charges.
This is why you should work with a Savannah drug attorney. At Atlantic Law Firm, Attorney Goad provides personalized legal services to each client. In fact, she used to build cases as a prosecutor for the State of Georgia; now, she tears them apart.
Common Types of Drug Offenses
More often than not, clients face offenses relating to alcohol and drugs. Attorney Stacey Goad defends alleged drug offenders against these offenses.
As an individual practitioner, Attorney Goad has more than 15 years of experience in criminal law, focusing on DUI and criminal defense cases. She takes pride in ensuring each client receives dedicated, personalized legal counsel. Below are some examples of common types of drug offenses she handles.
Possession of Marijuana
The most well-known drug offense is simple possession of marijuana. While some states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana possession to some extent, it remains illegal in many jurisdictions. The potential penalties for marijuana possession vary depending on the amount of marijuana involved and the individual's prior criminal history.
In states where marijuana possession is still criminalized, small amounts may be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, probation, or short jail sentences.
However, possession of larger quantities or repeat offenses can lead to felony charges, resulting in more severe consequences, such as longer prison terms and higher fines.
Unauthorized Possession of a Dangerous Drug
Unauthorized possession of a dangerous drug, also known as possession of a controlled substance, occurs when someone is found to have illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription medications without a valid prescription. The penalties for this offense can be severe, including jail time and substantial fines.
To convict someone of unauthorized possession of a dangerous drug, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:
- The defendant had actual or constructive possession of the illegal substance.
- The substance is classified as a controlled substance under state or federal law.
- The defendant was aware of the presence and illegal nature of the substance.
Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific drug involved, unauthorized possession of a dangerous drug can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Sale of a Controlled Substance
Selling controlled substances is a serious crime. Trading without a valid prescription is a felony offense in most states that can lead to prison time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
The severity of the penalties for selling controlled substances depends on factors such as the type and amount of the drug involved, the defendant's criminal history, and whether the sale occurred near a school or other protected area.
Transporting a Controlled Substance
Transporting a controlled substance involves the movement of illegal drugs from one location to another, often with the intent to distribute or sell the substance. In Georgia, transporting controlled substances is a serious offense that can result in hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences.
If you are facing charges related to transporting a controlled substance, the guidance of a skilled Savannah drug crime lawyer can help protect your rights.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is a more severe offense than simple possession or sale of controlled substances. It involves the large-scale distribution, transportation, or importation of illegal drugs. Trafficking offenses often involve organized crime networks and substantial quantities of drugs.
The penalties for drug trafficking are among the harshest in the criminal justice system. Convictions can result in decades-long prison sentences, massive fines, and even life imprisonment or the death penalty in some cases.
What Are the Penalties for Different Drug Crimes in Georgia?
In Savannah, Georgia, if you are arrested for unauthorized drug possession, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony crime and can lead to the following consequences:
- Having less than one ounce of marijuana is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine not exceeding $1,000, or both.
- Marijuana possession with the intent to distribute, sell, or deliver is a felony punishable by a jail term of 1 to 30 years and a fine of $100,000 to $1,000,000.
- The possession of Schedule I drugs, Schedule II non-narcotic drugs, and narcotic Schedule II drugs is punishable by a jail sentence of 2 to 30 years, depending on the offender's criminal history.
- Unlawful possession of drugs classified as Schedule III, IV, or V is a felony with a sentence ranging from 1 to 5 years in prison.
How Can a Savannah Drug Crime Lawyer Help You?
Drug crime charges can be complicated, and a drug crime attorney can assist you in understanding your rights and the potential repercussions.
The consequences of drug offenses are serious. When you work with Atlantic Law Firm, you're not just a case number. You're working one-on-one with Attorney Stacey Goad. She can work to discredit the prosecution's evidence if you face drug possession charges.
Your Life Matters: Schedule Your Consultation with Attorney Stacey M. Goad Today
Attorney Goad is here to assist you with your drug possession accusations. She is a fighter and an aggressive Savannah drug crime lawyer who will go to bat for you and protect your freedom.
Contact Atlantic Law Firm to begin your defense and learn more about your charges today.