Drug trafficking, or drug distribution, refers to selling, transporting, possessing with the intention to distribute or illegally importing narcotics or unlawful controlled substances. A conviction for drug distribution carries substantial fines and time in prison. If you were charged with distributing a controlled substance, you should consult a drug defense attorney regarding your legal rights and options. Working with an experienced Carrollton drug distribution lawyer can help reduce the impact of the criminal charge on your life.

When Georgia charges you with a crime like drug distribution, they have the burden of demonstrating that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Our attorneys will use our skills, knowledge, and other resources to defend you and fight against the state’s allegations.

Georgia Drug Laws and Distribution Charges

In Georgia, it is unlawful to possess, manufacture, deliver, distribute, or possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute. Georgia law distinguishes controlled substances based on different schedules so that they can be regulated based on their shared properties. The different categories include:

  • Schedule I: Controlled substances like heroin, LSD, or MDMA, which have significant potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
  • Schedule II: Drugs such as cocaine, opium, morphine, codeine, and fentanyl that have an accepted medical use, but have a high risk for abuse.
  • Schedule III: Substances like Anabolic steroids and buprenorphine, which have less potential for abuse than more serious drugs but have an accepted medical use.
  • Schedule IV: Drugs like Alprazolam or Xanax, Clonazepam or Klonopin, Diazepam or Valium, and Zolpidem or Ambien, which all feature an accepted medical use but the potential for physical dependence if abused.
  • Schedule V: Substances like cough medicines that contain codeine – these drugs have an accepted medical use and feature the lowest potential for abuse.

Drug distribution charges involve more than simple possession of these controlled substances. The prosecutor must demonstrate that the defendant intended to sell or distribute the drugs. In some drug cases, the state may try to prove that someone intended to distribute the substances solely based on the quantity they allegedly possessed.

A possession with intent to distribute charge also has significant harsher penalties than simple drug possession. For most drugs, a first offense can carry up to a 30 year prison sentence. It is crucial to retain a Carrollton lawyer who understands the significance of drug distribution charges and can help you protect your rights.

Defenses to Drug Distribution Charges

In drug distribution cases, there are many different defenses that you can implement. For example, showing a lack of intent, a constitutional violation, or proving the circumstances in question is too little for distribution can all be strong defenses against allegations of drug distribution.

The state always carries the burden of proof in criminal cases, so the defendant is not required to put forth a defense. However, defending the charges with the help of legal representation is always a good idea. A Carrollton drug distribution attorney can advise what defenses are applicable based on the circumstances of the offense.

Consult a Carrollton Drug Distribution Attorney Today

Georgia has steep penalties for the possession and distribution of drugs. If you are accused of distributing drugs or controlled substances, you could face anywhere from one to thirty years in prison.

Fortunately, a Carrollton drug distribution lawyer is here to help. Drug circulation is a serious offense, but our attorneys can help build a solid defense and significantly reduce the impact of the charge. Depending on your case, our team can advocate for dismissal on your behalf, negotiate a plea deal to reduce prison time, or argue for an acquittal if the case goes to trial. Contact us today to get started.

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC

J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
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