DRUG CRIMES

Georgia has very strict laws against possessing, distributing, or trafficking in illegal drugs. The penalties can range from a small fine for misdemeanor possession of marijuana to life in prison for trafficking in greater that 400 grams of cocaine.

The Georgia Controlled Substance Act (GCSA) divides drugs into categories or “schedules” based on their potential for abuse and lack of medical usefulness. Schedule I drugs such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are those with a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical purpose. Schedule II drugs include cocaine, codeine, methadone, and methamphetamine. Marijuana is not a scheduled drug, but is nonetheless a controlled substance; it is a crime to possess, distribute, or traffic in marijuana, but the penalties are much less severe than for schedule I or II substances.

Our Atlanta Criminal Lawyer Can Help You Avoid Serious Penalties

Penalties for violating the GCSA increase with the dangerousness of the substance as well as with the intent of the person accused regarding the substance:

Penalties are least severe for simply possessing a controlled substance, greater for possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it to others, and still greater for trafficking in – being a merchant of – a controlled substance.

Marijuana

Cocaine or Methamphetamine

Fines ranging from $100,000 up to $1,000,000 are also allowed for convictions for felony violations of the GCSA.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, such as crack pipes, is also prohibited, as is the distribution of a substance pretending to be a controlled substance (imitation drugs).

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The Odom Law Firm
1708 Peachtree Street, Suite 115
Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 872-0303
Fax: (404) 872-0606

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