Skilled Savannah Drug Crimes Attorney

Defending Your Rights in Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, McIntosh Counties

Being charged with a drug crime is a life-changing event, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Crimes like possession of drugs, intent to distribute, trafficking, or manufacturing could lead to significant jail or prison time upon conviction. You could also face mandatory minimum sentences if this is not your first charge. Drug convictions also stay on your record and can affect your professional future, preventing you from future job opportunities or prohibiting you from joining the military or receiving financial aid for college.

As a result, it is imperative for your present and your future that you fight the accusations against you. Attorney Jennifer L. Ozer is a knowledgeable and skilled drug defense lawyer who can work together with you to craft a strong and effective defense strategy.

Let us defend your rights in the face of drug accusations. Contact The Ozer Law Firm, LLC online for more information.

Georgia’s 5 Drug Schedules

Georgia law classifies illegal drugs into 5 schedules, with Schedule I being the most dangerous with no medical value, and Schedule V having limited use in medical treatment: 

• Schedule I – heroin, LSD, mushrooms, ecstasy
• Schedule II – cocaine, methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, opium, codeine
• Schedule III – steroids
• Schedule IV – Xanax, Valium
• Schedule V – certain amounts of prescription drugs

Marijuana is still strictly regulated under Georgia law, though small amounts of cannabis oil for medical use may be prohibited. Different counties in the state also have different sentencing guidelines for marijuana-related offenses.

Penalties for Possession

Penalties for possession of illegal drugs in Georgia depends on the type of drug:

• Any Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II drug – punishable by 2-15 years in prison for a first offense; punishable by up to 30 years in prison for subsequent convictions
• Any non-narcotic Schedule II drug – punishable by 2-15 years in prison for a first offense; punishable by 5-30 years in prison for subsequent convictions
• Any Schedule III, IV, or V drug – punishable by 1-5 years in prison for a first offense; punishable by 1-10 years in prison for subsequent convictions

Possession of marijuana is penalized based on the amount:

• 1 ounce or less – a misdemeanor punishable by 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000
• More than 1 ounce – a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison (with a 1-year mandatory sentence) and fines of up to $5,000

Possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana is considered a crime of trafficking.

Penalties for Trafficking

Drug trafficking refers to the manufacturing, distribution, delivery, sale, or possession with intent to distribute illegal substances. Trafficking is broadly defined based on the circumstances. For instance, if a person is caught producing or selling drugs, they will be charged with trafficking. They may also be charged with trafficking if they are caught in possession of a large quantity of drugs that suggests distribution and sale rather than personal use. 

All drug trafficking offenses are punished as felonies. The specific penalties will, like possession, depend on the type of drug:

• Any Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II drug – punishable by 5-30 years in prison for a first offense; punishable by 10-40 years or life in prison for subsequent convictions
• Any Schedule III, IV, or V drug – punishable by 1-10 years in prison

Note that if minors are involved, the penalties may increase. More specifically, if an individual hires or engages a person under the age of 17 to distribute or otherwise assist with controlled substance trafficking, they can face additional felony charges resulting in 5-20 years in prison.

Marijuana trafficking is also a serious felony penalized by jail time and fines depending on the amount:

• Up to 10 pounds – 1-10 years in prison
• 10-2000 pounds – 5 years in prison and $100,000 in fines
• 2000-10,000 pounds – 7 years in prison and a mandatory $250,000 fine
• More than 10,000 pounds – 15 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines

Keep in mind that marijuana possession and sale remain illegal under federal law (Controlled Substances Act). Federal law takes priority over state law if there is a conflict between the two, so the federal government has the authority to enforce restrictions on anything related to marijuana if the case goes that far.

How The Ozer Law Firm, LLC Will Help You

At The Ozer Law Firm, LLC, we will take the time to go through every detail of your case together in a confidential setting. From the initial meeting onward, we will ask you specific details about the circumstances that ultimately led to your arrest and patiently explain to you the grounds of your drug charges and the possible outcomes. From there, we will discuss the best route to take as your case moves forward. 

Once we have obtained a copy of the police report we, will then go through it together once again and then on our own to see if there are any illegal search and seizure issues or other violations of your rights. If any of your rights were violated, including an illegal search and seizure, this significantly weakens the state’s case against you, and your charges could potentially be dismissed or reduced.

Explore your defense options with a legal professional. Contact The Ozer Law Firm, LLC to get started in a free consultation.