When it comes to drug laws, Georgia is known to have some of the strictest policies in the country. This is particularly true for cocaine offenses. If you’re facing such charges in Georgia, understanding the potential consequences and how the criminal defense system works in the state can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Serious criminal charges
Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug, which means it is has a high potential for addiction and abuse. If caught with even a small amount of cocaine, you could face serious criminal charges and penalties.
Possession of cocaine in Georgia
If you possess less than 2 grams of cocaine in Georgia, you could be sentenced to up to three years in prison and fined up to $5,000. Possessing between 2 to 28 grams of cocaine could lead to five to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000.
Possession of more than 28 grams of cocaine is a more severe felony and could lead to ten to thirty years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Apart from possession, Georgia also has stringent laws concerning the sale, distribution and trafficking of cocaine. These offenses could result in even more severe consequences, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
Some common defense strategies
One possible criminal defense strategy for cocaine charges in Georgia is challenging the validity of the search or seizure that led to your arrest. If the police did not follow proper procedures or violated your constitutional rights, the evidence against you may be suppressed, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges.
Another defense strategy is to argue that the cocaine belonged to someone else or that you were unaware that the substance was cocaine. However, it’s important to remember that every case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.