Georgia drug possession laws are complex, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney fighting for you. Violating these laws can have serious consequences that can negatively affect your life for years to come.
Depending on the substance, penalties for possession vary. Schedule I and II drugs carry the highest penalties.
Marijuana
While several states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, Georgia still treats possession of the drug as a criminal offense. However, there are some cities that have embraced decriminalization laws, which treat small amounts of cannabis as civil infractions instead of crimes.
Despite this, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana or the sale or cultivation of cannabis concentrates can result in serious penalties. If you’re arrested for marijuana, it’s important to hire an experienced Athens criminal defense attorney to fight the charges against you.
In Georgia, the possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor or felony depending on the quantity and location of the marijuana. In addition, if the marijuana was found within 1,000 feet of a school or in a drug-free zone, the charges can be enhanced.
Cocaine
Cocaine is considered a schedule II drug in Georgia. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and does not have an accepted medical use.
The drugs are organized into schedules based on their potential for abuse and their ability to cause physical or psychological dependence. Each schedule has its own set of sentencing guidelines.
Possession with intent to distribute – This is the most serious charge that an officer can bring against you in Georgia. Even if you didn’t know you were doing it, police may charge you with this offense if they find large amounts of cocaine in your possession or if you have other items that could indicate drug distribution (such as scales and bags).
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug and is a controlled substance under Georgia law. It is illegal to possess, distribute, manufacture, or traffic methamphetamine.
Possession of methamphetamine is a serious crime and can lead to a jail sentence. The sentencing range for a first offense is 2 to 15 years in prison, with the potential for longer sentences on subsequent convictions.
Methamphetamine can cause severe physical damage and psychological problems. Users may experience irritability, sleeplessness, confusion, mood swings, violent behavior, cravings for more meth, and hallucinations. They can also experience homicidal or suicidal thoughts.
Opiates
Whether you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime in Georgia, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. In addition to jail time, a conviction can impact your future employment and housing opportunities.
In Georgia, the state divides drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse and medical use. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous and have no accepted medical benefit.
Schedule II drugs are considered to have a high risk of abuse or dependence, but may also have some accepted medical use. They include heroin, cocaine, opium, and methamphetamine.
Heroin
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that comes from the opium poppy, which grows in Mexico, Asia, and South America. It is commonly injected into the veins of users, although it can also be smoked or snorted.
It reaches the brain quickly and interacts with the opioid receptors that deal with pain and pleasure. It can have very powerful psychoactive effects that last for hours.
Georgia law penalizes heroin possession heavily due to its extremely dangerous properties. If you have been accused of possession of this drug, you need a skilled Georgia criminal defense lawyer by your side to fight for your rights.
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