Atlanta, Georgia Drug Possession and Drug Trafficking Attorney
The possession, manufacture, sale, and distribution of illegal or prescription drugs without authorization at the State or Federal level carry serious penalties. The Federal Law Group in Atlanta, Georgia, has represented clients during both trials and appeals of drug crimes, and very often negotiate with prosecutors for pretrial diversion and dismissal.
Drug possession and distribution are not exclusively state crimes. When a drug transaction occurs across state lines, you can be charged with a Federal drug charge. Within the State of Georgia, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor. Any amount of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is considered a felony. If you are charged with possession or distribution of any drug and are a member of a conspiracy involved in this activity, you could be held accountable for all acts done in furtherance of the conspiracy, whether or not they were committed by you, and charged with a Federal crime.
Tendering a false prescription with a forged doctor signature or calling in a fraudulent prescription are considered felonies. Possession of prescription drugs such as Adderol, Oxy Contin, Xanax, Loritab, and Ritalin in any container without a prescription is a felony crime as well.
Examples of felony drug charges include:
- Drug possession- anything more than 1 oz. of marijuana will result in a felony possession charge. This applies to "street" drugs such as cocaine, heroin, LSD, ecstacy, and methamphetamine, and also prescription drugs the individual does not have a prescription for, such as oxycontin (oxycodone), methadone, ritalin, adderol, klonopin, xanax, and valium.
- Drug possession with intent to sell or distribute- possessing a large amount of a controlled substance may result in a charge of possession with intent to sell, even if the person has no intention of selling or distributing, because intent is based on the quantity of drugs that is possessed.
- Drug trafficking- the term drug trafficking refers to the illegal commercial activities associated with the participation in an illegal drug network. Trafficking illegal drugs can occur interstate as well as internationally, and carry serious penalties. The severity of the penalties depend upon whether or not death or serious injury occurs, the type of drugs being smuggled, the amount of drugs, and prior convictions of the individual.
At The Federal Law Group, we have successfully worked out dismissals through pretrial diversion, which usually requires a drug and alcohol evaluation, attendance in a drug rehabilitation program, and community service. Courts have recognized the addictive qualities of drugs, particularly those received through prescriptions. Successful completion of drug counseling, whether your charge involves prescription medication or an illegal substance, can result in drug charges being dismissed. The principle behind dismissal is that society is better served by rehabilitating an individual with a drug addiction rather than by sending him or her to jail.
Call today to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer.
