Georgia law enforcement draws a strict line between drug possession and drug trafficking. Unfortunately, people crossing that line land in very serious legal trouble. That is why it is important to understand how drug laws are enforced in the state.
How does Georgia’s drug law work?
Georgia’s drug laws are like a scale. If someone tips the scale even a bit, they might find themselves on the wrong side of the law. For instance, if an unauthorized person knowingly possesses a specific drug in excess of a certain amount, they might face drug trafficking charges. It doesn’t matter whether they intended to sell or distribute it.
How much substance can amount to drug trafficking charges?
The standard weight limit depends on the substance involved. One may face mandatory drug trafficking penalties for possessing the following drugs in the following weights:
- Marijuana: Above 10 pounds
- Cocaine: 28 grams or above
- Heroin, morphine or opium: 4 grams or above
- Methaqualone: 200 grams or more
- Methamphetamine: 28 grams or above
If one had a combination of substances, they might face multiple distinct drug trafficking charges at once.
What are the legal consequences of drug trafficking?
Drug trafficking convictions in Georgia carry some of the harshest penalties in the country, usually resulting in mandatory minimum prison sentences and massive financial penalties. For instance, a person convicted of Cocaine trafficking may face a minimum of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. If the quantity of the drug they trafficked increases, the punishment may become severe.
Drop charges or mitigate punishment
A drug trafficking conviction can turn a person’s life upside down. Without a proper strategy, the prosecutor may leave less space to defend oneself. That is why having an experienced criminal defense attorney could be valuable to them.