Drug Possession Lawyer in Savannah, Georgia

Drug related charges run the range from minor possession which usually results in a court referral to a drug diversion program to the very serious charge of drug manufacturing, which carries the potential for a long prison sentence. Whatever the charge, representation by an experienced drug possession attorney in Savannah, GA can make a huge difference in the outcome. A good defense lawyer in Savannah, GA is often able to get minor drug use or possession charges dismissed outright and sales charges reduced to simple possession, with a possibility of dismissal if a drug diversion program is ordered. An experienced drug possession attorney in Savannah, GA can often get the more serious charge of confinement waived and a grant of probation ordered instead of a jail or prison sentence.

In Georgia, you don’t have to have the drugs in your pocket or in your hand to be found guilty. The state of Georgia defines possession as either “actual” or “possessive,” meaning you could be charged with possession if they are in your home or in your vehicle, as long as it can be proved that they were in your control.

The severity of your drug crime depends heavily upon where the drug in question falls on the Georgia drug schedule. There are six schedules of drugs; Schedule I is the most serious category while Schedule VI is the least. Georgia law classifies drug possession penalties by the type of drug you are found in possession of. These drugs are categorized and listed below:

• Schedule I – These drugs are considered the most highly addictive with no legitimate medical use. They include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and GHB.
• Schedule II – Also highly addictive, Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, morphine, opium, and methadone.
• Schedule III – Drugs in this category include steroids like testosterone and ketamine.
• Schedule IV, V, and VI – These are substances that are sometimes prescribed by physicians for a variety of issues. When taken outside of the orders of a doctor, they are considered illegal.

Unlike many other states where marijuana is no longer a drug crime, in Georgia there are circumstances in which marijuana is viewed as a crime punishable by law. Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a felony drug offense and can land you in prison for anywhere ranging from 1 to 10 years.

Although a person may have been arrested and even charged with drug possession, they are innocent until proven guilty. There are many proven defenses that our Savannah, GA drug possession attorneys could possibly use in your case. Some include:

• You were the subject of an illegal search and seizure
• You were not in actual possession of the drug
• Charged with incorrect amount in possession

Simple possession of drugs requires the offender to knowingly and intentionally possess a scheduled drug without a valid prescription. The government must prove the offender knew the drug was a controlled substance and had either actual possession of it, or other control over it, either alone or with another.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our Savannah drug crime lawyers work to marginalize the prosecution’s case by distinguishing the nature and variety of drug in our clients case, the quantity of the drug involved and our client’s prior record, if any. We will present powerful factual and legal arguments that conviction of possession of drugs, for example, should receive a sentence of drug treatment rather than county jail time, and we will seek probation with the best terms and conditions for our clients who are first-time offenders if we are unable to have the charges dismissed or reduced.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., our drug possession attorneys are experienced and knowledgeable who will carefully evaluate all aspects of your case so you get the best possible outcome. Located in Savannah, Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., represents clients throughout coastal South Georgia, at local colleges and universities, and military and naval bases in the region. For strong, effective criminal defense, contact our law office at 912-713-3426 for a free consultation.