Richmond Hill Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug offenses are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in Georgia, and it is possible for any drug case to lead to severe penalties that interfere with your life in various ways. It’s important to know your constitutional rights if you have been charged with any drug-related criminal offense and the value of working with an experienced Richmond Hill drug crimes lawyer.

Experienced Criminal Defense for Drug Crimes in Richmond Hill, GA

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., offers aggressive defense counsel for a wide range of criminal cases in the Richmond Hill area and surrounding communities. Our firm responds quickly to requests for legal representation from those accused of all types of drug crimes, from simple possession to drug trafficking and more. When you choose our firm to defend you, you are investing in a dedicated legal advocate ready to provide guidance and support for your case.

Every American citizen has the right to legal representation when they are accused of a crime. They also have the right to a speedy and fair trial as well as the right to confront an accuser and cross-examine witnesses brought to testify against them. It is vital that you exercise your right to legal representation when you are facing any type of drug-related criminal charge in Richmond Hill.

Your defense attorney can verify that the police and prosecution have handled your case appropriately, respecting the laws of due process and your rights through all stages of the arrest and booking processes. Your attorney can also scrutinize the evidence presented by the prosecution, ensuring that it meets the standards of admissibility set forth by the criminal justice system.

Regardless of whether you know you broke the law or you have been falsely accused of a drug crime you did not commit, having trusted defense counsel on your side allows you to approach your case with peace of mind and confidence. Your attorney can help you avoid conviction if possible or seek the lightest possible penalties if necessary. The more time your defense team has to work on your case, the better the results you can expect.

Understanding Drug Crimes in Richmond Hill

The most commonly prosecuted drug offense in the state is simple possession. It is illegal for anyone to possess a controlled substance or Scheduled illegal drug, regardless of whether they intend to use it. Possession charges may escalate to possession with intent to sell if the evidence shows the defendant possessed materials necessary to divide the drugs into individual doses intended for illegal street sales.

If an individual transports drugs across county lines, it can amount to drug trafficking charges. It is common for additional offenses to be included in such cases. For example, if the defendant was arrested while in possession of a firearm, they also face weapons charges. Weapons-related offenses carry very harsh penalties when connected to illegal drug operations. It is also possible for a defendant to be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs.

The severity of a drug offense in the state typically depends on the type and quantity of the drug as well as the perceived intent of the defendant. If the drugs were intended for personal use, this typically incurs much lighter penalties than drug possession with intent to sell. Georgia law refers to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States’ Schedule to determine the danger of the drug.

Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous, while Schedule V drugs are considered the least dangerous. Schedule I includes drugs such as heroin and marijuana, while Schedule V includes many prescription medications that are illegal to possess without a proper prescription. Quantity also comes into consideration when it comes to sentencing for drug offenses. A high quantity of Schedule II drugs could amount to similar penalties as a smaller quantity of Schedule I drugs.

How Your Defense Attorney Can Help

Your situation may feel desperate, but you could have more opportunities to defend yourself than you realize at first. To secure a conviction in any criminal case, a prosecutor has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a higher bar than many people realize, and it is possible for a good defense attorney to dismantle a prosecutor’s case in several ways. If you did break the law, your attorney may help argue for a lighter penalty under certain conditions.

A good defense attorney can carefully review the circumstances of their client’s arrest and booking, ensuring that the police followed the rules of due process through the entire ordeal. The prosecutor must prove that the drugs belonged to you. For example, if you were arrested after drugs were found in your car, the prosecutor needs to prove they were yours. However, if someone else left them in your vehicle, your attorney can help you prove this.

It is also possible for an individual struggling with a substance abuse disorder to be charged with a drug-related offense. While some judges are sensitive to these issues and willing to consider alternative penalties that aim for rehabilitation and treatment in lieu of punishment, it is never guaranteed. If you were arrested for a drug offense due to an addiction, a Richmond Hill drug crimes lawyer can help formulate an effective defense against the charge.

When prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to ensure a conviction, they may be willing to consider plea bargaining with a defendant. This effectively conserves court resources and saves time by offering the defendant reduced charges and/or lighter penalties in exchange for an immediate guilty plea. This is not always an option, but if this is offered in your case, your Richmond Hill drug crimes lawyer can determine whether it would suit your interests.

Find Your Defense Team Today

Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., offers client-focused defense representation for all types of drug crime cases in Richmond Hill. After you or a loved one has been arrested for any drug crime, it is vital to connect with an experienced defense team right away to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive conclusion to your case.

Contact us today and schedule your case evaluation with a Richmond Hill drug crimes lawyer. The more time we have to work on your case, the more effective our defense counsel will be.