DeKalb County Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Getting convicted of a drug-related crime in Georgia can have severe repercussions. However, an experienced legal professional could explain your legal rights and help you navigate every phase of the defense process. If you have been charged with manufacturing and distributing illegal substances throughout the state or country, contact a DeKalb County drug trafficking lawyer immediately.

Working with a seasoned drug defense attorney who has represented cases like yours could result in a positive outcome. The legal representative could defend your legal rights, inquire about your community standing, and show the court that you are an asset, not a liability.

Defining Drug Trafficking

The state features relatively harsh laws about drug trafficking. A trafficking accusation could occur even if there is no evidence of manufacturing, delivering, or selling the following substance amounts:

  • 4 grams or more of heroin
  • 28 grams or more of methamphetamines
  • 28 grams or more of cocaine
  • 10 pounds of marijuana

How much jail or prison time a convicted individual receives depends on the type of drug and the amount in the person’s possession. A conviction for holding 28 grams to 200 grams of cocaine typically results in a $200,000 fine and at least 10 years in prison. A person convicted of trafficking between 10 and 2,000 pounds of marijuana faces at least five years in prison and a $100,000 fine. Georgia Code § 16-13-3 details the mandatory minimum sentencing based on drug type and amount.

Controlled Substance Classifications

The state classifies controlled substances in “schedules.” Schedule I refers to drugs with no accepted medical use and a high risk for abuse. Schedule II drugs can cause psychological or physical dependence but are accepted in the medical establishment for use with restrictions. Drugs in the Schedule III category have a low to moderate chance of physical and psychological dependence and assorted accepted medical uses.

Schedule VI drugs are accepted for medical usage and have a low risk of physical or psychological dependence. Schedule V drugs feature the lowest risk of abuse and are widely accepted for medical use.

The state’s courts consider drug trafficking a felony. Individuals convicted of possessing any Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II substances can spend five to 30 years in prison. Subsequent convictions include 10 to 40 years of imprisonment or life in prison. Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs include one to 10 years in prison if convicted. Subsequent conviction prison sentences are the same. Fortunately, drug trafficking attorneys could work to reduce or eliminate sentences for DeKalb County residents.

Common Defenses in Drug Trafficking Cases

Attorneys in DeKalb county who represent individuals in drug trafficking cases could provide defenses such as the illegal right to search and seizure. If the police officers who arrested the person did not have a warrant, they unlawfully entered the premises, and the case has grounds for dismissal. Other common defenses include a lack of knowledge of controlled substances on the premises or what the individual was transporting.

Speak with a Drug Trafficking Attorney in DeKalb County Today

Defend yourself against criminal accusations by working with a DeKalb County drug trafficking lawyer. The firm’s experienced lawyers routinely handle criminal cases, and a team member could work with you to through every step of the legal defense process. Call today.