Atlanta Drug Crimes Lawyer

A Winning Trial Attorney DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, & Forsyth Counties Who Knows How to Fight

If you have been accused of a drug-related crime, such as possession or distribution, Mones Law Group, P.C. can help you navigate the legal aftermath. There is a range of defense options available to help you argue for mitigated or dismissed charges, and Attorney Stuart M. Mones has the winning track record and experience to help you build a strong case. Drug charges carry serious penalties in Georgia but having a lawyer like Attorney Mones who has defeated prosecutors as significant as the DOJ and FBI can prove advantageous to your defense.

Schedule a free consultation with Mones Law Group, P.C. today to get started. 

Georgia’s Drug Schedules

Georgia seriously penalizes drug possession and use. In fact, possessing even a small amount of illegal substances can result in serious consequences. The specific sentence for a drug crime will depend largely on the “schedule,” or classification, of the drug. Georgia recognizes five drug schedules based on their potential for abuse and whether they have an accepted medical use, with Schedule I being the most dangerous for abuse and with no accepted medical use. 

Some examples of substances and their respective schedules include:

• Schedule I: MDMA, heroin, LSD
• Schedule II: Oxycodone, methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, methadone
• Schedule III: Ketamine, steroids
• Schedule IV: Prescription drugs like Valium, Ambien, Xanax
• Schedule V: Certain amounts of prescription drugs

Penalties for Possession

The possession of illegal drugs is a felony in Georgia (except for possession of marijuana). 

The penalties are based on the amount in possession and the schedule of the drug:

• Schedule I or a narcotic Schedule II drug: Two to 15 years in prison (up to 30 years for subsequent convictions)
• Non-narcotic Schedule II drugs: Two to 15 years in prison (five to 30 years for subsequent convictions)
• Schedule III, IV, and V drugs: One to five years in prison (one to 10 years for subsequent convictions)
• Marijuana (one ounce or less): Misdemeanor with one year in prison and up to $1,000 in fines
• Marijuana (more than one ounce): Felony with up to 10 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines

First-time possession offenses will also result in a six-month driver’s license suspension. Second convictions will result in a one-year suspension, and third or subsequent convictions will lead to a two-year suspension.

Penalties for Distribution and Sale

The penalties are even stricter for possession with the intent to distribute and/or sell. 

The specific sentence will depend on the type of drug and the amount in question:

• Marijuana: Felony punishable by one to 30 years in prison and $100,000-$1,000,000 in fines
• Any Schedule I or II drug: Felony punishable by one to 30 years in prison
• Any Schedule III, IV, and V drug: Felony punishable by one to 10 years in prison

If you have been accused of a drug-related crime, whether for possession or distribution at the state or federal level, consult an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Atlanta immediately. Attorney Stuart M. Mones has secured positive results in many federal cases throughout his career, and he can help you evaluate your legal situation and start exploring the defense options available to you. There might be a lack of evidence to constitute a charge of distribution, or you may have been unlawfully entrapped by law enforcement. Whatever the situation, Attorney Mones can help you navigate your legal obstacles and assert your rights as a defendant.

Schedule a free initial consultation with Mones Law Group, P.C. to learn more. Spanish-speaking services are available.