Aggressive Augusta Drug Crimes Attorney Protects Clients’ Rights
Diligent Georgia criminal defense attorney fights drug charges
A drug crime conviction could lead to incarceration and other serious sanctions. At the Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm in Augusta, we counter prosecutors’ allegations involving controlled substances. Our criminal defense attorneys have helped numerous people in Georgia’s Richmond, Columbia and Burke counties avoid severe punishment in drug cases. We will aggressively work to achieve the best result possible in your matter, which might be a dismissal, acquittal or reduction of your charge.
Drug crimes in Augusta
Drug crimes in Augusta and surrounding areas may be charged at the state or federal level. Federal crimes generally arise from activity on federal property and distribution that crosses state lines or involves large seizures. Most state drug crimes in Georgia are felonies, but the court has discretion to sentence less serious felony offenses as misdemeanors. Additionally, the state’s conditional discharge program allows probation for some first-time drug possession offenders, with an eventual dismissal if the defendant complies with probation rules. When we learn about your case, we will advise you about what options you may have for reducing your charges or having them dismissed.
Types of drug crimes
Our experienced defense attorneys handle the full range of drug crimes cases, such as matters relating to the following allegations:
- Unlawful possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Trafficking
- Manufacturing
- Forging prescriptions or abusing prescribed medication
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
No matter what type of drug crime you are charged with, a determined criminal defense attorney from our firm will work hard to protect your rights and interests.
Charges and punishments for drug crime convictions in Georgia
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies drugs in a schedule system from one to five based on the danger of the drugs. Drugs that are classified as Schedule I, such as heroin and LSD, are those with no medicinal value and the highest potential for harm and abuse. Schedule V drugs are considered the mildest threat. Sentencing depends in part on the classification of the particular substance at issue. For offenses involving Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, which include fentanyl, cocaine and others, the sentence for unlawful possession ranges from two to 30 years. Possession convictions for Schedule III, IV and IV drugs can result in prison terms of one to 10 years.
Even though marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug, Georgia treats possession charges differently than other drugs in this category. Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor, with a maximum jail sentence of 12 months. Possession of more than an ounce is a felony.
Factors that impact drug charges and punishments
There are various factors that impact drug charges and potentially increase sentences. They include:
- Drug classification
- Drug quantity
- Reason for possession
- Where the alleged offense took place, such as near a school
- Previous criminal convictions
We provide honest counsel about how the law applies in your case and push back against overcharging by prosecutors. If warranted, we’ll advise you regarding a possible sentence reduction through a plea bargain.
Defenses of drug crimes in Georgia
After learning the facts in your case, we will develop a thorough defense strategy. In your situation, evidence might be excluded because of improper police actions used to collect it. Our attorneys challenge witnesses, point out mistakes by law enforcement and provide support for a defendant’s alibi or explanation as to why their conduct did not violate the law.
Contact a dedicated Georgia drug crimes lawyer in Georgia for a free initial consultation
Joseph T. Rhodes Law Firm in Augusta provides legal defense for clients accused of drug crimes in Richmond, Burke and Columbia counties. For a free consultation, please call 706-496-1616 or contact us online.
