Savannah Synthetic Drug Crime Lawyer

It is important that you contact our experienced Savannah, GA synthetic drug defense attorney at Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, if you or a loved one have been accused or charged with a synthetic drug crime. Based on their chemical makeup, these drugs are commonly divided into two categories:

• Cannabinoids – Popularly known as K2 or Spice, cannabinoids are chemically formulated versions of synthetic marijuana that consist of lab manufactured THC.
• Cathinones – Often known as “bath salts”, cathinones contain chemical compounds that mimic the effects of cocaine or meth. Though the drugs’ packaging states the products are not intended for human consumption, their design, labeling and marketing clearly allude to the products being smoked and/or inhaled as a drug.

Understanding Synthetic Drug Laws in Georgia

Georgia law treats synthetic substances as controlled substances under the Schedule I drugs classification. Drug crimes involving synthetic drugs carry severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Our Savannah drug crime lawyer understands Georgia drug laws and how they apply to synthetic substance cases.

A permanent criminal record results from a conviction of synthetic drug crime charges. Drug possession charges for synthetic substances are felony charges in Georgia. Our criminal defense team knows how to defend against these serious charges.

The criminal justice system treats synthetic drugs as seriously as illegal drugs like heroin. Immediate legal assistance can make a significant difference in your case outcome. Our law firm provides experienced legal representation for all drug offenses.

Chase’s Law: Georgia’s Ban on Synthetic Drugs

Given the ease of acquiring these drugs in years past at convenience stores and smoke shops, many people in Georgia remain under the impression that these drugs are legal to possess and use. This, however, is no longer the case. In 2012, the state outlawed synthetic marijuana. Senate Bill 370, a measure dedicated to Chase’s Law, passed.

Under Chase’s Law, the ingredients used to make synthetic marijuana are listed as Schedule I drugs. This means that even possessing synthetic marijuana is a felony. The prison sentence for possession of the substance ranges from 1 to 15 years. All synthetic drugs are now classified as Schedule I controlled substances, the same as heroin and meth.

Drug laws in Georgia place synthetic substances in the highest risk category. Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential. Unlike Schedule II drugs or Schedule III drugs, which have some accepted medical applications, synthetic drugs are banned completely.

Penalties for Synthetic Drug Crimes

Drug conviction for synthetic substances means harsh penalties. Substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences apply even for first-time offenders. Drug possession of synthetic marijuana or bath salts is a serious felony under Georgia law.

Drug trafficking charges apply when larger amounts are involved. Drug manufacturing and production of synthetic substances carry even greater potential penalties. Our drug crime attorney understands the full range of penalties you face.

A permanent criminal record affects employment, education, and professional licensing. Our criminal defense strategy focuses on minimizing these long-term consequences.

Defending Clients Against Synthetic and Designer Drug Charges in Georgia

Savannah, GA, synthetic drug defense lawyer Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, represents those charged with, or under investigation for, crimes related to designer drugs. He keeps up to date on the laws passed by the Georgia legislature and changes to the federal drug laws.

He defends those accused of manufacturing, possessing, and selling or trafficking in synthetic/designer drugs in Savannah and throughout Georgia. Our attorneys have handled synthetic drug cases, including:

• Spice/K2 (synthetic marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids)
• Bath salts
• Ketamine (Special K) and ketamine analogs (such as MXE)
• GBL (gamma-Butyrolactone)
• Analogs and derivatives of GHB
• Synthetic PCP
• Synthetic heroin (Suboxone, Dilaudid)

If you have been arrested for allegedly possessing a synthetic substance in Georgia, you should know that these types of criminal charges are extraordinarily complex. At Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC, we aggressively defend our clients who have been arrested for synthetic drugs.

Types of Controlled Substances We Handle

Our drug crime lawyer defends against charges involving all controlled substances. Schedule II drugs include substances like cocaine and methamphetamine. Schedule II substances have high abuse potential but limited accepted medical use.

Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids and other substances with moderate abuse risk. Schedule IV drugs are prescription medications with lower abuse potential. Our practice covers all drug-related charges regardless of substance classification.

Marijuana possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing cases require different defense strategies. Our law firm tailors our approach to your specific drug crime charges.

How We Build Your Defense

Our Savannah drug crime lawyer examines every aspect of your case. Drug possession charges require prosecutors to prove you knew about and controlled the illegal substances. Constructive possession claims are common in synthetic drug cases where substances are found in shared spaces.

The legal process includes reviewing how the police gathered evidence. An illegal search violates your constitutional rights. Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used against you. Our defense attorney team investigates police procedures thoroughly.

Drug defense requires examining the lab testing of substances. Synthetic drugs constantly evolve with new chemical formulas. If the substance doesn’t match banned compounds under Georgia drug laws, you cannot be convicted. Our criminal law expertise includes challenging lab results and testing procedures.

Challenging Every Step of the Prosecution’s Case in Savannah

Our Savannah, GA, defense attorneys are experienced litigators. We prepare every case for trial. Local prosecutors know, when facing our firm, they are facing a team of dedicated, aggressive litigators who will fight to protect their clients’ rights.

We do everything in our power to defeat your drug charges. Our synthetic drug attorneys in Savannah, GA, look at all of the circumstances surrounding your arrest and examine police action, including whether police had probable cause to stop and search you, whether search warrants were valid, and any interrogation methods used.

We also examine lab testing procedures and the chain of custody. If the drug in your possession does not match the chemical makeup that is banned under Georgia law, you cannot be charged with a crime.

Our aggressive representation includes challenging witness testimony and questioning the prosecution’s evidence. Drug crime cases often involve technical evidence requiring expert analysis. Our law firm works with specialists when needed to build your defense.

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process

Our criminal defense practice prioritizes protecting your constitutional rights. From arrest through trial, we ensure proper procedures are followed. Facing drug charges can be overwhelming, but our legal assistance guides you through each step.

The criminal justice system moves quickly in drug cases. Early intervention allows us to preserve evidence and challenge illegal procedures. Our defense attorney begins working immediately after you contact us.

Plea negotiations may result in reduced charges or alternative sentencing. Community service and treatment programs offer better outcomes than lengthy prison sentences. We explore every option for a favorable outcome.

Federal vs. State Synthetic Drug Charges

Federal law also prohibits synthetic drugs. Federal courts impose stricter sentences than state law. Cases crossing state lines or involving large quantities may become federal cases. Our law firm handles both state and federal drug crimes.

Clients accused of federal drug offenses face mandatory minimum sentences. Federal law treats synthetic substances as controlled substances with harsh penalties. Our drug crime attorney has experience in federal courts and understands federal sentencing guidelines.

Drug trafficking across state lines automatically triggers federal jurisdiction. Manufacturing charges for producing synthetic substances often involve federal prosecution. Our skilled lawyer team prepares for either court system.

Why Choose Our Synthetic Drug Defense Team

Our law firm provides comprehensive legal representation for synthetic drug crime charges. We understand the unique challenges of defending against designer drug accusations. Our deep understanding of Georgia drug laws and chemistry helps us build stronger defenses.

Drug possession of synthetic substances requires proving that the substance matches the banned compounds. Chemical analysis is complex, and we challenge questionable test results. Our crime lawyer team includes connections to forensic experts who can review evidence.

Clients accused of felony drug charges need immediate help. Our Savannah synthetic drug crime lawyer is available for a free consultation to discuss your case. We explain the legal process, potential penalties, and defense strategies.

Our Commitment to Client Success

Our law firm has defended drug crime cases for over a decade. We serve clients throughout Chatham County and coastal Georgia. Our deep understanding of local courts and prosecutors gives clients an advantage.

Unauthorized possession of synthetic substances often results from a misunderstanding of the law. Many people don’t realize that synthetic marijuana and bath salts are illegal drugs. Our defense attorney helps clients facing drug charges understand their situation and options.

A favorable outcome requires aggressive defense from day one. Our criminal defense team fights for the best possible result in every case. Whether through plea negotiations, reduced charges, or trial victory, we pursue every avenue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Synthetic Drug Crimes in Savannah, GA

Is possession of synthetic marijuana (“Spice”) or “Bath Salts” a misdemeanor or a felony in Chatham County?

In Savannah and across Georgia, the possession of any amount of a synthetic drug, such as synthetic cannabinoids (“Spice”) or synthetic cathinones (“Bath Salts”), is treated as a serious felony offense. Unlike small amounts of marijuana, which may be a misdemeanor, synthetic drugs are classified as Schedule I controlled substances under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30), placing them in the same high-risk category as heroin and methamphetamine. A felony conviction for possession of synthetic drugs carries a potential prison sentence of 1 to 15 years, even for a first offense, making aggressive defense counsel critical from the moment of arrest.

How does a defense attorney challenge the chemical classification of a synthetic drug in Savannah court?

Challenging the chemical classification is a primary defense strategy, especially since manufacturers constantly create new compounds. Since Georgia law must specifically list the chemical compounds that are banned, a defense attorney will closely scrutinize the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) lab report and the chain of custody. If the substance found does not perfectly match a banned compound listed in the statute or if the lab’s testing procedures are flawed or inconclusive, the attorney can file a motion to exclude the evidence. If the compound falls outside of the statute, the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proving the substance is illegal.

Can a synthetic drug charge be treated as a federal offense in Savannah, and what does that mean for sentencing?

Yes, drug crimes involving synthetic substances are often prosecuted as federal offenses in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, particularly when trafficking or manufacturing operations cross state or international lines. Federal prosecution means facing highly complex procedures and the risk of severe mandatory minimum prison sentences that are significantly harsher than state court penalties. Due to the federal system’s use of “analogue” or “catch-all” provisions to target unlisted chemicals, a defendant needs an attorney with specialized federal experience who can navigate the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and challenge the federal government’s jurisdiction and evidence.

Get In Touch With Our Savannah Drug Crime Lawyer

If you have been arrested for the possession or sale of a synthetic drug such as Kush, K2, or Spice, you should contact an experienced Georgia criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Savannah drug attorneys at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. have been defending people all over the Savannah area against various drug crimes for more than a decade.

Much of the worry over criminal allegations comes from dealing with the unknown. Our attorneys will provide you with a high level of customer service that enables you to be well informed. We handle cases throughout coastal and southern Georgia. We work exclusively in the defense of clients charged with state and federal crimes. To schedule an appointment and a free consultation with our Savannah office, contact us today at 912-713-3426.