Springfield Drug Crime Lawyer

Why Hire a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer?

Few things can feel as overwhelming and confusing as facing felony drug charges. When you are arrested and reality starts to set in, you may feel like you are already out of options or like you have already lost. At that point, it is crucial to reach out and contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you fight the charges you are facing. If you opt instead to try and handle your case alone, you could find yourself in a dire situation.

Possible Defenses Against Drug Charges

Not every drug crime arrest will result in a conviction. There is always a way to challenge your charges and build a strong defense. However, it can be very difficult to do this without the help of a skilled drug crime attorney who knows how to handle cases like yours and has a winning track record of doing so. If you are charged with a drug crime, whether it is for possession or trafficking, it can cause permanent damage to your life. Here are some potential defenses your lawyer may decide to use for your case:

• Planted Evidence: One possible defense that your lawyer could use is to attempt to prove that the drugs found on you were, in fact, planted by parties unknown. Someone else may have put them on your person to try and frame you for their own reasons. If you have a list of enemies who might benefit from your imprisonment, it could be enough to establish reasonable doubt. An experienced aggravated assault lawyer can help build your defense and protect your rights.
• Chain of Evidence: When evidence is taken at a crime scene, it is supposed to be locked up and inaccessible. This includes the drugs that are taken from you at the scene of your arrest. Regrettably, these drugs may not always make it to the evidence room for whatever reason. Seized drugs sometimes disappear. Your lawyer may be able to argue that the drugs in question are not the same drugs found on your person upon arrest.
• Probable Cause: In Georgia, police officers must have a certain degree of probable cause that there is a crime being committed in order to search your vehicle or home for drugs or other evidence of wrongdoing. If the police do not have probable cause and attempt to search you or your property anyway, it may be a violation of your constitutional rights. If your lawyer can prove there was no probable cause when you were arrested, it could hurt the case against you.
• Entrapment: Entrapment is not exactly illegal in Georgia, but it can still be grounds for a strong defense in the face of criminal charges. Entrapment is a situation in which law enforcement creates a scenario that they then use to dupe a potential suspect into committing a crime in front of them. Basically, the suspect is tricked into doing something they may not have otherwise done. Proving entrapment can potentially help your case. Understanding the repercussions of a drug offense conviction is crucial, as a conviction could lead to long-term consequences such as loss of employment opportunities, damage to your reputation, and even prison time.

FAQs

How Do I Beat a Possession Charge in Georgia?

There are no sure ways to beat a possession charge in Georgia, but there are some possible strategies you can use to try to avoid conviction. One of those ways is for your lawyer to challenge the validity and admissibility of the evidence against you, such as arguing improper police procedure or evidence tampering. Another way is to argue a lack of intent or that you would benefit more from a treatment program instead of prison. If you’re in Springfield, GA, these strategies can be crucial in your defense.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Drug Charges in Georgia?

The statute of limitations for most drug charges in Georgia is two years. That means the police have two years from the day the drugs are found in your possession to file drug charges against you. For a felony drug charge, the statute of limitations is four years. If you are arrested and released without charges made, the statute of limitations can pause and resume if you are re-arrested.

What Are Schedule II Drugs in Georgia?

Schedule II drugs in Georgia are drugs with a high potential for abuse but have current acceptable medical use in the United States with severe restrictions. Abuse of the drug could cause physical dependence. These drugs include codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, amphetamines, and barbiturates. The penalties for crimes related to Schedule II drugs include significant jail time, probation, hefty fines, and drug treatment classes, depending on the crime.

Can a Victim Drop Charges in Georgia?

No, a victim cannot drop charges in Georgia. Crimes are prosecuted by the state in Georgia, and the victim does not have the power to make any decisions regarding charges. While the victim’s opinion will likely be considered, other factors will be considered, such as the suspect’s prior criminal history, the severity of the crime, and the possibility of the suspect committing future crimes.

Contact Jarrett Maillet J.D., PC to Get Help with Drug Crime Cases

The last thing you want to do when facing drug charges is try and handle your case on your own. Without the help of an experienced drug crime lawyer, you could face severe consequences you may not be prepared to handle. A drug crime lawyer helps you establish a strong defense strategy while also giving you the confidence that your case is being handled correctly.

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we have extensive experience representing clients with drug crime charges. Our team can craft a strong defense strategy and aggressively fight for a positive outcome for you. Contact us to start building a case and to speak with a member of our team.