Cobb County Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crimes

Cobb County Drug Crime Attorney

Facing drug charges can be scary and overwhelming. Georgia’s complex drug laws can be difficult to navigate, which is why it’s important to have a Cobb County drug crime lawyer on your side to help you understand every step in the legal process.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman provides robust defense strategies for those accused of drug-related crimes. Our goal is to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected.

Drug Classifications

Drug trafficking is the illegal production, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. A more severe charge than simple possession, trafficking charges involve the movement and sale of drugs, which can include crossing state or national borders.

Georgia defines substances by classification level, and these classifications greatly impact the severity of drug crime charges.

• Schedule I: Drugs that have no medical use and a high potential for addiction and abuse, such as heroin and LSD
• Schedule II: High potential for abuse and addiction, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, with some medical uses
• Schedule III: Lower potential for abuse and addiction, more often used in medical settings
• Schedule IV: Drugs like Xanax and Valium that have a low potential for abuse and are common medical prescriptions
• Schedule V: Lowest potential for abuse and involves over-the-counter drugs, such as cough syrups containing codeine

Georgia imposes serious penalties for drug offenses based on the drug’s schedule, the amount involved, and the nature of the offense. Tracking offenses could lead to a decade in jail with a hefty fine. The severe penalties make it imperative to seek legal representation to have a better chance of lessened sentencing.

Effective Defense Strategies for Drug Charges

In order to have a successful defense strategy against drug charges, you need a thorough understanding of the drug law and the ability to meticulously examine case details.

Potential defense strategies include:

• Challenging the Legality of the Search and Seizure: If evidence was obtained unlawfully, violating your constitutional rights, it could lead to a case dismissal. Law enforcement must have probable cause or a valid warrant to conduct searches. Any deviation from legal procedures can be grounds for excluding the evidence.
• Questioning the Chain of Custody: A skilled Cobb County drug crime lawyer can evaluate whether the evidence was properly handled and documented throughout the investigative process. Any breaks or inconsistencies in the chain of custody can cast doubt over the reliability of the prosecution’s presented evidence and case.
• Disputing Possession: This defense strategy involves arguing that the accused didn’t have actual or constructive possession of the controlled substance. If it can be demonstrated that the accused was unduly influenced or pressured by authorities, the case could be dismissed.
• Entrapment: Law enforcement is not permitted to coerce or entrap the accused into committing a crime they would not have otherwise engaged in.
• Lack of Intent or Knowledge: In some cases in Cobb County, the defendant may not have been aware that they were in possession of an illegal substance. Demonstrating a lack of intent or knowledge can be a strong defense, particularly in instances where the defendant shares a space with another individual. An example could include the defendant borrowing their roommate’s car.

The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman employs criminal defense strategies tailored to your circumstances, building a strong defense that gives clients the most favorable outcome possible in their case.

Drug Crime FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in Georgia?

A: The cost of hiring a drug crime lawyer in Georgia varies depending on the lawyer’s experience, location, and the complexity of your legal case. Fee structures also play a role in how much an attorney may charge for their services. Simple cases, such as misdemeanor charges, come with a smaller fee, while serious felony cases may cost more due to the need for extensive litigation, expert witnesses, and appeals.

Q: How Do You Beat a Drug Charge in Georgia?

A: Beating a drug charge in Georgia requires a strong defense and skilled legal representation. One way to have charges dropped is to prove that law enforcement violated your rights during the arrest. A Cobb County drug crime lawyer may also use certain defense strategies, such as questioning the accuracy of drug testing or proving lack of possession. A skilled lawyer can also negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution to lessen charges or sentencing.

Q: What Are the Most Common Drug Crimes in Georgia?

A: Common drug crimes in Georgia include the distribution, possession, trafficking, and manufacturing of controlled substances. Common possession charges involve marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids without a valid prescription.

It’s also common to see charges for drug paraphernalia, such as syringes and scales. Penalties depend on the classification of the drug and the amount involved, with harsher sentences served to defenders accused of dealing with Schedule I or II substances.

Q: Can You Get Probation for a Felony Drug Charge in Georgia?

A: Probation is possible for a felony drug charge in Georgia, but it depends on many factors. This could include prior criminal history, the type and amount of drug, and specific circumstances of the case. First-time offenders are more likely to be eligible for probation under Georgia’s conditional discharge statutes or drug court programs more focused on rehabilitating the accused rather than punishment through incarceration.

Q: What Has To Be Proven To Be Convicted of Possessing a Schedule I Drug in Georgia?

A: To be convicted of possessing a Schedule I drug in Georgia, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. They must prove the substance is a Schedule I drug, the defendant knowingly possessed the drug, and the possession was unlawful, meaning they had no prescription or legal justification for having it. The prosecution may obtain evidence using law enforcement testimony, forensic drug analysis, and circumstantial evidence.

Contact a Cobb County Drug Crime Lawyer Today

If you’re facing a drug-related charge, you need a knowledgeable Cobb County drug crime lawyer to give you a better chance of a successful outcome. The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman offers experienced representation to navigate the legal complexities of Georgia’s drug laws. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation so we can begin building a strong case against your drug charges.