Georgia Drug Possession
Georgia drug possession is a crime with severe and wide-ranging penalties. The State of Georgia is intensifying its efforts to crack down on drug-related offenses, so having an experienced defense attorney to serve as your field general during this time is crucial in order to fight the charges against you.
An individual can be arrested and charged with drug possession if a police officer discovers illegal drugs or prescription medication that was not prescribed to him or her. A drug possession arrest can be made if someone has drugs on their person or is in control of the substances. This means that if drugs are found in a person’s home or vehicle, the owner can be charged, even if the drugs belong to someone else and the owner had no knowledge of them.
Even possessing drug paraphernalia can lead to a drug possession charge. For example, if someone possesses a pipe that can be used to smoke crack cocaine or marijuana, a person could be charged with drug possession.
If a person is found with more than a minimal quantity of drugs, they could even be charged with intent to distribute – even if the drugs were for personal consumption. The penalties for distribution are far more severe than for simple drug possession. Law enforcement may also charge a person with distribution if the individual has an item such as a scale that can be used to weigh drugs. Having large amounts of cash, whether related to drugs or not could also lead to a possession with intent to distribute charge.
Penalties for Drug Possession
The penalties for drug possession are based on a number of factors, such as the type of drug, the amount of the substance and whether a person has prior criminal convictions. Possessing or selling drugs inside a school zone could also lead to enhanced consequences. Potential penalties for possessing drugs include incarceration, probation, community service, and fines.
In addition to a criminal sentence, an offender will also be saddled with a criminal record that could haunt the individual when applying for jobs, schooling, and professional licenses.
If you are currently facing Georgia drug possession charges, you need to speak to a skilled drug defense attorney at HTW&W today in order to learn about your options.
