If you are facing drug possession charges in Georgia, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. Do not worry – you are not alone. Thousands of people are arrested on drug possession charges each year in this country. However, that does not mean that you will automatically be convicted. If you are facing drug possession charges, it is important to understand the different defense strategies that may be available to you and help fight against drug possession charges. In this blog post, we will discuss several defense strategies that may be useful in your case.
What Is Drug Possession?
In Georgia, drug possession is unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A controlled substance is any drug that is illegal to possess under state or federal law. This includes drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. If you are caught with a controlled substance on your person, you could be charged with drug possession.
The penalties for drug possession in Georgia vary depending on the type of drug involved and the amount of drugs found on your person. However, all drug possession charges are serious and can result in jail time and steep fines. If you are accused of drug possession, it is important to explore your options with your attorney.
Defense Strategies For Drug Possession: How to Fight Against Drug Charges in Georgia
Unlawful Search and Seizure
One defense strategy that may be applicable in your case is unlawful search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.
If the police searched your home or car without a warrant or probable cause, then any evidence they found from that search may be excluded from your trial. This could be enough to get your charges dropped. If you were a victim of unlawful search and seizure, it’s vital to seek an experienced drug crime attorney to help you take the most effective action.
Entrapment
Another defense strategy that may be useful is entrapment. This occurs when the police induce someone to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. This can be challenging to prove but, if successful, can result in charges being dismissed.
Addiction
If you suffer from an addiction, you may be able to obtain proper treatment rather than be charged with criminal penalties. Addiction can sometimes be used as a defense against drug possession charges. If you can show that you suffer from addiction and that you were in possession of drugs for personal use rather than for sale or distribution, then the charges against you may be reduced.
Drugs Belong To Someone Else
Claiming that the drugs found do not belong to you or you did not know the drugs were present can be an effective defense strategy. If you can prove that you had no idea the drugs were there, it may help your case.
If you are facing drug possession charges in Georgia, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney to explore your options and discuss the defense strategies that may be available to you. With the right defense, you may be able to get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Contact Atlanta Drug Crime Attorneys
If you have been accused of a drug crime, it is important to work with an experienced drug crime lawyer. Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively by the government and can carry harsh consequences. A conviction on drug charges can result in a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and a criminal record that will follow you for your whole life. Nick Lotito & Seth Kirschenbaum has more than 60 years of combined legal experience defending people accused of drug crimes. We know how to fight these cases and achieve the best possible results for our clients.
If you or someone you love is facing drug possession charges, we can help. Contact us today at (404) 471-3177 to schedule a free case consultation.