Get Answers From A Valdosta Drug Crime Lawyer

At Jody D. Peterman, LLC, we fight to protect the rights and freedom of people facing serious felony drug charges in the Valdosta area and throughout Georgia. Call 229-588-2608 or complete our contact form to request a consultation. Our office is located in Valdosta across from the courthouse.

What qualifies as a felony drug charge in Georgia?

A felony drug charge in Georgia typically involves the possession, sale, trafficking or manufacturing of controlled substances beyond a certain amount. The classification of a drug crime as a misdemeanor or felony depends on several factors, including the type of drug, the quantity involved and whether there is an alleged intent to distribute.

See our overview of Georgia drug crimes to learn more.

What are the possible penalties for a felony drug charge in Georgia?

The penalties for felony drug charges in Georgia can be severe and may include hefty fines, a lengthy prison sentence, probation and mandatory drug treatment programs. The severity of the penalties often correlates with the schedule of the drug, the amount and the defendant’s criminal history. The stakes are high in felony drug cases, and you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible if you have been accused of a felony drug offense.

Can a felony drug charge be expunged from my record in Georgia?

Georgia law allows for certain criminal records to be restricted or sealed under specific circumstances, but felony convictions are generally not eligible for expungement. However, there might be options for first-time offenders under conditional discharge statutes.

Does Georgia have mandatory minimum sentences for drug felonies?

Yes, Georgia has mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug-related felonies, particularly for drug trafficking charges. These mandatory minimums are based on the type of drug and the amount involved.

How is drug trafficking different from possession in Georgia?

Drug trafficking generally involves the illegal sale, transportation and distribution of controlled substances and is often defined by the possession of a large quantity of drugs. Trafficking charges are more serious than possession and usually carry harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.

What is considered a controlled substance in Georgia?

A controlled substance in Georgia is any drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession or use is regulated by the government. This includes narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and anabolic steroids, among others, which are categorized into schedules I-V based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

Can the severity of a drug charge be influenced by location in Georgia?

Yes, the severity of a drug charge can be increased if the offense occurs within a drug-free zone, such as near schools, parks or housing projects. Penalties are often enhanced for drug crimes committed in these areas.

What defenses are available for felony drug charges in Georgia?

Several defenses may be available to those facing felony drug charges in Georgia. These can include:

• Challenging the legality of the search and seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an illegal search, the evidence obtained may be suppressed.
• Arguing for a lack of possession: You might claim that the drugs belonged to someone else and that you had no control over them.
• Questioning the substance: The defense might require the prosecution to prove that the substance in question is indeed a controlled substance through proper lab testing.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you wouldn’t otherwise have committed, you may have an entrapment defense.
• Procedural issues: Any mistakes made by law enforcement during the arrest or charges, such as failing to read Miranda rights, could be used in your defense.
• Substance amount discrepancies: If the amount of the substance is incorrectly measured or reported, this could impact the severity of the charges.

Contact A Valdosta Drug Crime Lawyer Today

To request a case review, please call Jody D. Peterman, LLC at 229-588-2608 or fill out our contact form. Our Valdosta law firm provides aggressive drug crime defense for clients facing felony charges in Lowndes County and throughout Georgia.