Atlanta Drug Crimes Attorney

The war on drugs is ongoing across the nation, and Georgia is known for imposing some of the harshest penalties in drug cases. Even minor offenses, such as possession of paraphernalia, can lead to jail time and a criminal record. If you are facing charges of drug or related crimes, contact Wallack Law in Atlanta today to get an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side.

Why Choose Wallack Law?

• We focus our practice exclusively on criminal defense, fighting for justice and for your freedom.
• Founding attorney Sandy Wallack became a criminal defense lawyer because he is passionate about protecting our constitutional rights and fighting for individuals who are facing criminal charges.
• We offer extensive experience and knowledge in the field of criminal defense. Our firm has been established for 15 years and Sandy Wallack has been practicing for 25 years.

How are Drug Crimes Charged and Penalized?

Illegal drugs and prescription medications are known as controlled substances. Under state law, these substances are categorized in different schedules. The type of scheduled drug you are accused of possessing and any prior convictions are considered by the prosecution in determining your penalties. Quantity matters. The amount of the drugs in your possession and how they are contained will affect the type of drug charges you are facing.

State Drug Crimes

A wide range of activities involving controlled substances are against state law, including possession, growing, selling, and other drug-related activities. Drug charges in Georgia include:

• Possession
• Sale or distribution
• Possession with intent to sell or distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation
• Driving under the influence of drugs

From Sandy’s interview for the Masters of Criminal Defense series on ReelLawyers.com.

Drug Schedules in Georgia

Drugs are classified into five different schedules according to their potential for abuse and addiction and their recognized medical uses. Schedule I drugs are considered to have the highest risk and Schedule V drugs are considered to have a lower risk and legitimate medical uses. The first four schedules of controlled substances are classified as follows:

• Schedule I: Heroin, THC, LSD, and MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Schedule II: Cocaine, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, methadone, amphetamine, methamphetamine, oxycontin, Percocet
• Schedule III: Suboxone, ketamine, anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV: Xanax, Ambien, valium

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Georgia?

Penalties are harsh for drug possession in Georgia. Unless you have less than an ounce of marijuana, drug possession is a felony.

• First offense conviction of possession of a Schedule I or II drug can lead to two to 15 years in prison, probation, and stiff fines.
• For a second or subsequent offense involving possession of Schedule I or II drugs, penalties may include five to 30 years in prison, along with probation and high fines.
• For possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs, you may be facing one to five years in prison for a first offense and one to 10 years for a second or subsequent offense.

Get In Touch with Wallack Law Today.

Drugs do not have to be found on your person for you to be charged with drug possession. If you are driving a car in which drugs are found, you may be determined to be in violation of state law, and two or more people can be charged with possession of the same drugs. Drug charges can seriously impact your future – do not face them alone. Call Wallack Law in Atlanta as soon as possible to get a local criminal defense attorney by your side.