Facing a drug charge in Liberty County can be overwhelming. Whether you were stopped on the highway, arrested after a traffic search, or accused of possessing illegal substances, your freedom, reputation, and future may be at risk. Georgia takes drug offenses seriously, and a conviction can lead to jail time, fines, probation, and long-term consequences affecting employment, housing, and education opportunities.
The Ozer Law Firm provides strong, strategic defense for clients charged with both misdemeanor and felony drug offenses. As a dedicated drug crimes lawyer, Attorney Ozer is ready to protect your rights and guide you through every stage of the criminal justice process.
Types of Drug Crimes We Defend
Drug-related charges in Georgia cover a wide range of offenses. The Ozer Law Firm defends clients accused of simple possession, trafficking, prescription fraud, distribution, and more. Each case requires a tailored approach since the severity of the charge and the potential penalties vary significantly.
Misdemeanor Drug Charges
Many first time or low-level possession offenses fall under the misdemeanor category. These charges may involve possession of small amounts of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. Although misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they still carry real consequences, including jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Common misdemeanor drug charges include:
- Possession of marijuana under one ounce
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Certain prescription drug offenses involving small quantities
- Possession of controlled substances that qualify as misdemeanors under specific conditions
Even a low-level conviction can impact employment and licensing opportunities. At The Ozer Law Firm, our attorneys work to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or diverted into programs that avoid a conviction whenever possible.
Felony Drug Offenses
Felony drug charges carry harsher penalties, including long prison sentences, high fines, and mandatory minimums in certain cases. A felony conviction can also permanently limit your civil rights and professional opportunities. The state may file felony charges if the drug quantity is above a certain threshold or if drugs were found during a more serious criminal investigation. If prosecutors allege intent to distribute, you may be facing a felony charge as well.
Felony offenses include:
- Possession of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, heroin, or fentanyl
- Intent to distribute illegal drugs
- Trafficking based on drug weight or purity
- Manufacturing or cultivating drugs
- Repeat offenses that elevate misdemeanors to felonies
Prescription Drug Crimes
Prescription drug cases have increased across Georgia in recent years. These crimes involve medications that are legal when properly prescribed but illegal to possess without a prescription. Charges may relate to opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other controlled medications.
Examples include:
- Possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription
- Doctor shopping for multiple prescriptions
- Illegal distribution or sale of prescription medication
- Forging or altering prescriptions
- Possession of quantities that suggest intent to distribute
Types of Drugs We Handle in Our Cases
The Ozer Law Firm defends cases involving many different substances, including:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- LSD
- MDMA or ecstasy
- Prescription opioids
- ADHD medications such as Adderall
- Benzodiazepines such as Xanax
- Synthetic drugs and analogs
Georgia Drug Laws and Penalties
Penalties for drug crimes depend on the type of substance, the amount, and the alleged intent. Georgia classifies drugs into schedules, and even small amounts of certain Schedule I or II substances can lead to felony charges.
Factors affecting penalties include:
- Drug schedule classification
- Whether the charge is possession, distribution, or trafficking
- Prior criminal history
- Whether possession occurred in a drug free zone
- Whether weapons or violence were present
Trafficking charges are especially severe. Examples include:
- Trafficking cocaine in quantities between 28 and 200 grams carries a minimum of 10 years in prison
- Trafficking methamphetamine in amounts over 28 grams carries similar minimums
- Trafficking heroin or fentanyl can carry 5 to 25 years or more
What to Do After a Drug Arrest in Liberty County
Taking the right steps after an arrest helps protect your rights and can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. What you do in the first hours following an arrest can either strengthen your defense or create obstacles that are difficult to undo later. Staying focused and knowing how to respond will prevent you from saying or doing anything that could harm your case.
- Stay calm and comply with officers without resisting.
- Do not answer questions beyond basic identification.
- Do not consent to searches.
- Do not explain, justify, or argue.
- Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately.
- Contact The Ozer Law Firm as soon as possible.
Anything you say can be used against you, even if you believe you are helping your situation. The sooner you speak with a criminal defense lawyer, the sooner you have someone protecting your rights, advising you on what to say, and working to prevent the state from building an unfair or exaggerated case against you. Early legal intervention is one of the most effective ways to protect your record and your future.
Common Defense Strategies Against Charges
Building an effective defense against drug charges requires a careful review of the facts, the police procedures used, and the evidence the state plans to present. No two cases are identical, and the right defense strategy depends on what actually happened during the stop, the search, and the arrest. A strong legal defense focuses on uncovering errors, exposing weaknesses, and holding the prosecution to its burden of proof. Many drug cases can be significantly reduced or even dismissed when the defense is thorough and proactive.
Every case is different, but common defenses include:
- Challenging the legality of the traffic stop, detention, or search
- Arguing lack of possession or lack of knowledge
- Contesting drug test results or chain of custody
- Showing insufficient evidence of intent to distribute
- Challenging drug weight or classification
- Seeking diversion programs as alternatives to conviction
If law enforcement violated your rights, evidence may be suppressed, which often leads to a reduction or dismissal of charges. A successful defense not only protects your legal rights but also limits the long-term impact a drug charge can have on your career, family, and future.
Why You Need a Drug Crimes Lawyer
Drug cases move quickly through the courts, often faster than defendants realize. The prosecution begins building its case immediately, and early decisions can shape the entire outcome of your situation. Without an experienced criminal defense lawyer to intervene, you may unintentionally waive important rights, accept unfavorable conditions, or overlook opportunities to reduce or dismiss charges. A knowledgeable drug crimes lawyer ensures that every option is explored and that your defense starts strong from day one.
A drug crimes lawyer helps by:
- Explaining charges and penalties
- Evaluating weaknesses in the state's case
- Identifying constitutional violations
- Negotiating favorable plea deals if appropriate
- Preparing for trial when needed
- Guiding you step by step through the process
Having the right attorney means you are not navigating the criminal justice system alone. Your lawyer becomes your advocate, your advisor, and your voice in court. With a strategic defense and proactive legal guidance, you can protect your rights, your record, and your future while working toward the best possible outcome in your case.
Why Choose Our Drug Crimes Law Firm
When your future is on the line, the attorney you choose matters. Drug charges in Georgia require more than basic legal knowledge. They demand a drug crimes defense lawyer who understands the nuances of search and seizure law, the tactics prosecutors use, and the strategies that can reduce or eliminate the consequences of a conviction. At The Ozer Law Firm, we combine legal skill with a dedication to client service, ensuring that every person we represent receives the attention, communication, and advocacy they deserve.
Clients choose The Ozer Law Firm because we offer:
- Personalized attention to every case
- Thorough investigation of the facts
- Strategic defense tailored to each client
- Strong negotiation and courtroom skills
- A commitment to protecting long term interests
Our approach is grounded in preparation and persistence. We evaluate every detail, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome at every stage of the process. Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor or a serious felony drug charge, you can count on The Ozer Law Firm to stand by your side, protect your rights, and work tirelessly to secure your future.
For immediate help contact us today at (305) 788-0187 for your free, confidential consultation.
