Drug trafficking is the most serious drug charge and carries severe penalties. If you are charged with trafficking, it is essential to hire a qualified Athens-Clarke County drug attorney immediately.
An experienced drug defense lawyer can work to reduce your charges from a felony to a misdemeanor, and even get the case dismissed altogether.
Possession of Drugs
The possession of a small amount of drugs for personal use, not for sale or distribution, is a non-criminal offence. The penalty is a fine or up to 6 months in prison. The type and quantity of drug determines whether the offence is classified as use or trafficking, and whether charges or penalties apply. Act on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursors of These Substances L3421-1.
Possession of drug paraphernalia, which is equipment used to use or store drugs, can also be prosecuted in some cases. However, for prosecution to occur, there must be evidence linking the device to drug use. In addition, there must be proof that the person knew the item was for drug use. For example, if there is residue on the outside of a pipe, this could indicate it was used to smoke marijuana. Web
Manufacture
If you are found to be involved in the manufacture of illicit drugs, you can be charged with a felony offense. This is true even if you are not actually producing any drugs and simply possess the chemicals or materials needed for drug production.
It is important to hire a local attorney right away if you are being investigated or arrested for drug manufacturing charges. It is only local attorneys who understand the laws in your area and have experience dealing with local judges and prosecutors that can provide you with proper legal advice about your case.
Several people were arrested Thursday in a huge drug bust involving fentanyl and methamphetamine in northeast Georgia. Officers say they seized about seven kilograms of methamphetamine, six ounces of fentanyl and eight pounds of marijuana. The arrests were part of a multi-county investigation by sheriff’s departments in Clarke, Oconee and Green counties. The fentanyl was mixed with the methamphetamine and could be deadly to anyone who ingested it, according to police.
Distribution
Under Georgia law, there are three levels of drug offenses: possession, distribution and trafficking. Trafficking is the highest level and carries with it severe penalties, including prison time. Typically, when people are charged with trafficking drugs in Georgia, they have large quantities of the controlled substances and have been selling the drugs to others.
In this recent case, two Athens men were arrested after a multi-jurisdictional investigation into an alleged fentanyl distribution ring. Police found several kilograms of methamphetamine and six ounces of fentanyl and other drugs in their homes and vehicles. The Athens-Clarke County Sheriff’s Department, sheriff’s offices in Clarke, Oconee and Greene counties and the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force worked together to arrest the suspects.
The defendants made their initial appearances Thursday and are scheduled to return to court Monday for a detention hearing. They each face federal charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl, conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, ecstasy and Psilocyn (a hallucinogenic drug extracted from mushrooms), and maintaining a drug involved premises.
Trafficking
Drug trafficking is the illegal sale, distribution, or transporting of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin and prescription drugs like oxycodone and Vicodin. The illegal drug trade is a major source of income for organized crime and terrorist groups around the world. Drug trafficking charges can result in large prison sentences and hefty fines. Contact today with a Drug Trafficking Charges Defense Attorney in Athens, GA
Whether you have been accused of possessing a small amount of marijuana or trafficking heroin, it is important to seek the representation of a qualified Athens drug attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more evidence law enforcement may be able to gather against you.
A conviction of drug trafficking or possession is a serious felony that will follow you for years after your release from prison. Your career, family and reputation are all at stake. Our team is here to protect your rights and fight for you to get the best outcome possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Athens drug lawyer.
