Decatur, GA Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crimes

Decatur, GA Drug Crime Attorney

Under Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act, you may be charged for a variety of drug-related crimes that can affect your freedom. If you or a loved one are facing charges for any drug-related crimes, contact a Decatur, GA drug crime lawyer who has successfully resolved drug arrests and cases right away. If you’re under criminal investigation or have already been arrested, a knowledgeable local attorney can tailor their criminal defense to the specifics of your case.

The Scope of Offenses in Decatur, Georgia

Locally, drug charges can vary from minor to severe felonies. Also, the sentences imposed for such crimes can range in scope from fines to several years of incarceration following a conviction. Additionally, the penalties for drug-related charges can compound if multiple charges are involved and sought.

The Georgia Controlled Substances Act concerns illicit drugs and other controlled substances, which include prescription medications. The charges and penalties that typically are brought in a specific instance depend on various factors, including:

• The types of involved drugs
• The drug amounts involved
• Other factors

A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can answer any questions you might have about the full scope of criminal offenses outlined in the Controlled Substances Act.

Georgia Drug Crimes

Individuals can face many different types of drug-related offenses in Georgia that result in a variety of penalties. Drug charges may include:

• Drug manufacture, farming, or cultivation
• Possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Dispensing or distribution
• Drug fraud
• This is often a federal crime that’s handled exclusively by a drug trafficking defense attorney licensed in federal court.

An attorney familiar with handling various drug-related offenses can address additional types of drug crimes.

Georgia Drug-Related Laws and Classifications

Generally, controlled substances are drugs you possess without a valid medical prescription or possession of any unlawful, illicit drugs. Illicit substances in Georgia are classified by their risk for addiction, potential abuse likelihood, and any medicinal value they might have. As a result, the state of Georgia has established the following schedules:

• Schedule I drugs – drugs typically considered to have a high likelihood of abuse and don’t have any medicinal value or use. Plus, they are not typically safe for use, even with medical supervision.
• Schedule II drugs and substances – these are dangerous with a high risk for abuse, although some have medicinal use, or they are strictly regulated and could have physical dependence or severe psychological issues.
• Schedule III drugs and substances – these have a lower likelihood of abuse than the other classifications.
• Schedule IV drugs and substances – these generally have a lower possibility for abuse than the other categories and are currently known to have medicinal value. Plus, they usually result in very limited issues with physical dependence or psychological issues.
• Schedule V substances – these are substances with the lowest risk for abuse than other categories, are generally accepted for medical treatment, and only have extremely limited issues with physical dependence or psychological issues.

An attorney familiar with illicit drug charges can also discuss laws related to drug classifications and the classification’s effect on criminal penalties.

Every Georgia Drug Charge Is Serious

Regardless of the substance or the specific amount of drugs involved, every drug charge is serious. Any drug charge can impact your record, which could certainly jeopardize your future and freedom.

As a result, every drug-related charge in Georgia is worth defending against, with the most zealous legal defense advocate available. It’s important to find someone with experience successfully resolving cases just like yours and to hire the right Georgia attorney to represent you.

FAQs

How Do You Beat a Drug Charge in Decatur, Georgia?

It can be complicated to get drug charges dismissed in Decatur, Georgia. Depending upon the case circumstances, your attorney might:

• Challenge evidence admissibility
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea deal
• Argue lack of intent or lack of knowledge
• State you’d instead benefit from a Georgia diversion or drug treatment program rather than jail

Each case is different, and an experienced criminal attorney can discuss all available options to develop a defense strategy to beat the charges filed in your case.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost in Georgia?

The cost to hire a criminal defense attorney depends on several factors, including the severity of the drug charges, the experience level of the attorney, and the case location. While it’s impractical to get a final legal fee total before the case concludes, an attorney you’re considering hiring can discuss their estimated case costs during your initial consultation.

Is Probation an Option for a First-Time Felony Drug Charge in Decatur, Georgia?

First-time drug offenders in Georgia who don’t qualify for a conditional discharge or a diversion program may still pursue alternative options for sentencing, which can include:

• Probation
• Drug education programs
• Fines
• Community service
• Or some combination of these options

If you’re facing charges, a skilled local defense attorney can help discuss your drug-related charges and answer any questions you have.

Should I Agree to Probation in Georgia?

While you might want to avoid jail time, it can be hard to satisfy probation requirements, which usually include:

• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding questionable places and people
• Reporting to your probation officer as specified
• Refraining from violating any laws and general good behavior
• Maintaining acceptable employment
• Remaining in your current residence
• Avoiding specific harmful habits

Since probation can be strict, it’s important to discuss your legal options with a Georgia attorney before you make any decisions with long-term effects.

Contact a Georgia Defense Attorney Who Successfully Resolves Cases for Clients Facing Drug Charges

Following an arrest, it’s important to hire an attorney with a proven track record of positively resolving criminal cases for clients facing drug charges. With The Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman by your side, you can have confidence in your case. We handle all client inquiries with an appropriate level of confidentiality.

We can answer any questions you might have about your individual situation and can give compassionate legal counsel in your case. Contact our office right away to set up an initial consultation. We can help you decide how to proceed to get past your drug charges and start getting your life back on track.