Drug Crime Overview
Experienced Defense from Atlanta's Premiere Attorney
In the state of Georgia, there are few criminal convictions more serious than those having to do with a type of drug offense. Depending on the crime for which you have been charged and the circumstances surrounding your case, you could be facing felony charges and the life-changing penalties that go along with it. Therefore, you must take action to secure an Atlanta drug crime attorney from the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally if you have been arrested for a drug offense of any degree. In so doing, you will be provided with aggressive and comprehensive legal defense against any and all criminal charges that have been made in your name. The firm's founding attorney, Matthew T. McNally, has a proven history of success in the following drug-related arrests and charges:
Alternative Sentencing
Rather than serving jail time, some drug offenders will instead be given the opportunity to attend drug rehab or treatment. Alternative sentencing is only available for those accused of certain types of drug crimes, and you must be facing charges for a first or second offense to qualify.
Cultivation
If you were arrested for growing or harvesting plants / seeds in order to produce an illegal substance such as marijuana or anything else, you could be facing incarceration, hefty fines, community service, and mandatory drug treatment.
Distribution
Drug distribution charges can be incurred if you are caught selling, transporting, or delivering narcotics or illegal drugs of any kind. Ramifications of such a charge include fines, probation, driver's license suspension, and jail time. These serious penalties can be further enhanced if there are extenuating circumstances involved, such as the use of a weapon.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing of illegal drugs is one of the most serious drug crimes that one can commit in Georgia. Creating or producing a controlled substance could result in fines, prison time, community service hours, drug treatment, driver's license suspension and a mark on your permanent record.
Marijuana Possession with Intent
If you are found in possession of marijuana with the intent to sell or distribute you could be facing serious penalties. Baggies, wads of cash, client lists, weapons, and measuring scales could be used as evidence against you. A conviction for this type of drug crime will result in costly fines and possible felony penalties.
Medical Marijuana
The state of Georgia does not recognize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. As such, you can be charged with a drug crime if you are found in possession or use of marijuana, even if you are using it for healing methods.
Possession
Drug possession in and of itself is enough to incur criminal charges and penalties, including prison time, drug treatment, and even the loss of your driver's license. Depending on the type of drug you are found with and the quantity of that drug, you may face enhanced felony penalties.
Possession of Marijuana
According to Georgia law, it is illegal to possess marijuana and those who are found in possession of this illegal drug may face serious penalties. Possession of marijuana will typically result in misdemeanor charges and possible suspension of your driver's license, in addition to other charges.
Prescription Fraud
Desperate measures are sometimes taken to obtain prescription medication. If theft, forgery, or deceptive methods of any degree were used in your attempts to secure prescription medication, you may be charged with prescription fraud. This crime carries severe felony penalties under Georgia law and can result in jail time, steep fines, community service and more.
Search & Seizure
Under the 14th Amendment to the U.C. Constitution, you are protected against unwarranted search and seizure practices. When law enforcement officers search you or your property without a warrant, any evidence that they find cannot be used against you.
Trafficking
Transporting, smuggling, importing, or selling drugs in any way can be classified as trafficking and charged as criminal behavior. Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug crimes that can be committed, and you will face federal prosecution for this type of crime.
Trafficking Marijuana
If you are convicted of a marijuana trafficking offense, you could face 25 years or more in prison as well as fines of up to $1 million. Trafficking can be done by an individual or may involve a large-scale operation that involves numerous states or countries.
Under the Influence
In Georgia, it is illegal to be under the influence of any controlled substance, including some prescription medications. This includes driving under the influence or being under the influence of drugs in public.
Contact a Drug Defense Attorney in Atlanta, GA
Regardless of your circumstances, you will benefit most from the aggressive defense strategies that can be applied to your drug crime allegations by an attorney at the Law Office of Matthew T. McNally. Here, your case will be under the legal direction of a defense lawyer who has been practicing in the criminal defense field for a number of years. Many of Attorney McNally's cases have been defended with success, giving his clients the opportunity to escape the consequential penalties of jail time and hefty fines that often accompany charges of this nature. No matter what type of drug offense you have been accused of, Attorney McNally and the entire legal team at the firm can stand up for your rights and will work tirelessly to protect your future from the devastating penalties of a drug crime conviction. For further answers to frequently asked questions and to schedule a consultation, call our firm today.