Drug-Related Crime Attorneys In Alpharetta
In Georgia, drug crimes cover a range of offenses involving controlled substances. These include possession (having drugs on you or in your control), distribution (selling or giving drugs to others) and trafficking (handling large amounts of drugs). The state groups drugs into five schedules based on how dangerous they are and if they have medical uses.
If you are charged with a drug crime, the penalties can be tough. Consequences vary, with severity depending on the drug type, amount involved and whether you have previous related charges.
At Samuel Johnson and Associates, we know Georgia’s drug laws inside and out. Our team, including former law enforcement officer Samuel Johnson and attorney Nasim Alizadeh, understands how drug charges affect your life, job and future.
If you are facing charges for possession, dealing or more serious offenses, we are ready to defend you. This applies to first-time offenders and those facing repeat charges alike.
Reducing Drug Crime Charges In Georgia
From misused prescription drugs to illegal substances like fentanyl, drug convictions can lead to harsh consequences, such as steep fines, jail time and a lasting criminal record. Our experienced lawyers will explore various defense strategies, including:
- Investigating your arrest and the evidence collected
- Challenging the legality of searches and seizures
- Examining the evidence chain of custody
- Questioning field drug test reliability
- Exploring potential constitutional rights violations
- Negotiating for reduced charges or alternative sentencing (drug court programs)
- Representing you aggressively in court if necessary
For first-time offenders, we can help explore options like the Georgia First Offender Act. This state law allows eligible individuals to avoid a conviction on their record by completing their sentence. It can provide a second chance and help protect your future opportunities. Our drug crimes attorneys will carefully evaluate your case to determine your eligibility.
Understanding Drug Charges In Georgia
Common types of drug-related charges include:
- Possession and paraphernalia: Possession can involve any amount of illegal drugs, from small quantities meant for personal use to larger amounts associated with distribution. Paraphernalia, such as pipes, needles or scales, can also lead to charges, as these items are used for drug consumption, manufacturing or distribution.
- Trafficking: Drug trafficking is the illegal transportation, distribution or sale of drugs. These charges can apply to drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana.
- Distribution: Distribution charges arise when you are caught selling or distributing drugs to others.
- Manufacturing: This is the process of producing illegal drugs. It can involve the creation of drugs such as methamphetamine or marijuana in unauthorized facilities.
- Conspiracy: These charges occur when two or more people agree to commit a drug-related crime. Even if the crime was not completed, planning or preparing to distribute, manufacture or traffic drugs can result in conspiracy charges.
- Prescription drugs: Illegal possession or distribution of prescription drugs can lead to serious charges. Common examples include possessing prescription medications without a valid prescription or selling prescription drugs to others.
Drugs in Georgia are classified under different schedules based on their potential for abuse and medicinal value. Schedule I drugs like heroin and LSD have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. On the other hand, schedule IV drugs like Xanax have a lower potential for abuse and are accepted for medical use.
Addiction And Dealer Liability
Under Georgia law, dealers who supply drugs to people can be held liable for the harm caused by the drugs they distribute, including injuries or deaths resulting from drug abuse.
For example, suppose someone suffers from an overdose after using drugs obtained from a dealer. In that case, they or their family may be able to sue the dealer for damages, claiming that the dealer’s actions directly contributed to the harm suffered.
The law states that a person injured by drugs may be entitled to seek damages from the person who provided the drugs. This provision applies to dealers and anyone who enables the abuse.
Drug Charges Can Change Lives. Our Attorneys Can Change Outcomes.
Our team’s unique advantage comes from attorney Samuel Johnson’s experience as a former law enforcement officer. This inside knowledge and our attorneys’ professional skills allow us to approach and analyze drug cases from both sides.
Call us today at 404-947-4974 or complete our online form for a free consultation.
From our Alpharetta office, we serve English- and Spanish-speaking clients throughout Fulton County. Our experienced team handles cases for both adults and minors facing a wide range of drug crimes.