Atlanta Drug Possession Lawyer

Fighting for Those Accused of Having Controlled Substances

In Georgia, drug possession is a serious crime that carries lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The statute concerning this conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30) applies not only to possessing but also to purchasing or having control over controlled or counterfeit substances. If you've been charged with the offense, retain legal services as soon as possible. Getting started on your case right away is imperative to building a solid defense to fight your charge.

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, we believe that thorough preparation is the key to challenging complex criminal accusations. When you hire us, you can trust that we will immediately begin looking into your case to spot weaknesses of proof and determine what defenses may be available for your unique situation. Through every stage of the justice process, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with you, answering your questions, addressing your concerns, and giving you full confidence that we are doing everything in our legal power to seek the best possible result on your behalf.

By retaining the services of our Atlanta drug possession attorney, you will receive honest legal representation from a team with over 20 years of experience. Contact us at (678) 582-2272 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Schedules of Controlled Substances

Before delving into the specifics of drug possession offenses and their penalties, it's helpful to discuss the categories controlled substances are grouped into. A drug's classification is used to determine the punishments meted out upon a conviction.

The 5 controlled substances schedules are as follows:

• Schedule I: These substances have no accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. They are considered the most serious drugs.
• Schedule II: Drugs in this category also have a high potential for abuse but have an accepted medical use (strict regulations exist for administering and dispensing the substances).
• Schedule III: This classification contains drugs with a lower potential for abuse than those in Schedule I or II. They also have a low risk of physical or psychological dependence.
• Schedule IV: Substances included in this group are less likely to be abused than those in the previous schedules, and the likelihood of physical or psychological dependence is lower.
• Schedule V: Drugs added to this schedule are considered less serious than those in Schedules I through IV. The risk of abuse or physical or psychological dependence is lowest for these substances.

Drug Possession Penalties

Possessing controlled substances is a felony. However, not all offenses are penalized the same. Prison sentences and fines vary based on the type and amount of substance involved and, in some cases, the defendant's criminal history.

For Schedule I drugs and Schedule II narcotic substances, the penalties are as follows:

• Less than 1 gram or less than 1 milliliter: Up to 3 years' imprisonment
• At least 1 gram or 1 milliliter but less than 4 grams or 4 milliliters: Up to 8 years' imprisonment
• At least 4 grams or 4 milliliters but less than 28 grams or 28 milliliters: Up to 15 years in prison

If the offense involved Schedule II non-narcotic drugs, a conviction may result in the following:

• Less than 2 grams or less than 2 milliliters: Up to 3 years in prison
• At least 2 grams or 2 milliliters but less than 4 grams or 4 milliliters: Up to 8 years in prison
• At least 4 grams or 4 milliliters but less than 28 grams or 28 milliliters: Up to 15 years in prison

If the defendant allegedly possessed a Schedule III, IV, or V drug, they could face the following penalties:

• First offense: Up to 3 years in prison
• Third or subsequent offense: Up to 5 years in prison

Offenses involving counterfeit substances are penalized as follows:

• Between 1 and 2 years' imprisonment

At The Abt Law Firm, LLC, our drug possession lawyer in Atlanta can review every detail of your case to cast doubt on the prosecutor's evidence and work toward an optimal outcome for you.

Discuss Your Case Today

Our team knows that good people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time or may be accused of a crime they didn't commit. That is why we will listen to your side of the story and not cast judgment as we fiercely defend you.

To speak with our Atlanta drug possession attorney, call us at (678) 582-2272 or contact us online. We offer a free consultation.