Marijuana Possession Charges

Types of Marijuana Charges

If you or someone you know has been arrested for or accused of the alleged possession of any amount of marijuana, whether for personal use or medical purposes, it is important to discuss your legal options with an attorney. An Atlanta drug crime lawyer who is experienced in handling cases related to marijuana-related crimes can offer valuable insight to help you make the right decisions about your case.

In the state of Georgia, a defendant will typically face misdemeanor charges for the possession of marijuana. A defendant will also face driver's license suspension, in addition to possible imprisonment, fines, probation and community service. For a first or second marijuana possession (less than one ounce) a defendant may face imprisonment for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $1,000. A first-time offender may qualify for diversion, meaning he or she would be granted probation in lieu of jail time.

A defendant may also face felony marijuana possession charges. These apply if the defendant is accused of being in possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. The penalties for this drug crime may range from 1 to 10 years in prison and heavy fines. Enhanced penalties will also apply if the defendant is accused of possession with the intent to sell, marijuana trafficking, or possession within a certain distance of a school.

Accused of possessing marijuana?

Law enforcement may have discovered marijuana in your possession, in your car or on your property, but this does not necessarily mean that you should be found guilty. A competent Atlanta drug crime lawyer can find procedural mistakes and use rights violations in a defendant's favor to turn a case around and seek a positive result. To learn more about your legal options and your rights in the face of possession of marijuana charges in the Atlanta area, be sure to get in touch with a drug crime lawyer at our firm as soon as possible.