The Importance Of Legal Representation In Georgia Drug Trafficking Cases

As an attorney who defends individuals accused of drug trafficking in Georgia, I know how serious and complex these matters can get. Charges of drug trafficking have the potential to impact your life, not just today but for years to come.
Drug trafficking in Georgia is strictly governed by law, and it refers to the manufacturing, selling, and distribution of large-sized controlled substances. According to the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, sanctions on trafficking depend largely on the nature and amount of the drug involved. For instance, for trafficking more than 28 grams of cocaine, the mandatory minimum sentence for a first offense is ten years imprisonment under O.C.G.A. ยง 16-13-31.
These punishments are so serious that building a defense is quite complicated in nature and needs to be fully taken into consideration not only the prosecutorial charge but also the subtlety of the law. A highly experienced lawyer can thus attack the prosecution’s case on various fronts: whether a stop was legally conducted, whether any search and seizure action is valid, and whether one was in actual possession or intending to distribute the drugs.
The Role Of Your Defense Attorney
A good defense attorney offers so much more than knowledge of the drug laws. An attorney offers protection against overreach by police and prosecution. Your attorney is going to double-check every aspect of your case for constitutional violations or procedural errors that may result in a dismissal or reduction of charges. They can also negotiate with prosecutors, frequently getting plea deals with significantly lower penalties.
If one is contemplating the complexity of plea negotiations or preparing for trial, valuable legal service from an attorney experienced in Georgia drug trafficking cases will better advise a defendant. For this reason, they will create a strategic defense for your unique situation, including – but not limited to – defenses such as a lack of knowledge, mistaken identity, or even entrapment.
Long-term Consequences And Legal Representation
A conviction of drug trafficking extends beyond immediate severe legal consequences. The conviction can come along with substantial fines, years of imprisonment, and a blemish on one’s criminal record that affects the availability of jobs, housing, and more. An experienced lawyer fights to protect you in the present and in the future long after the case is decided in court.
Frequently Asked Questions about Georgia Drug Trafficking Cases
What Should I Do The Moment I Am Arrested For Drug Trafficking In Georgia?
Well, your first order of business is to invoke your right to silence and request to see an attorney. Anything you say will be used against you in court. Contacting an attorney as early as this stage in the process is important because they can begin formulating a defense strategy immediately.
How Does Quantity Impact My Georgia Trafficking Charge?
The quantity of drugs is a critical factor in charges relating to drug trafficking in Georgia. Threshold quantities are laid out in Georgia law for those substances where if that threshold is met or exceeded, the offense will be considered trafficking and thus subject the offender to more serious sentences.
Can Drug Trafficking Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed?
Yes, charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed depending on the circumstances. Procedural errors, constitutional violations, or lack of sufficient evidence to prove possession or intent would go a long way in changing the result of your case.
What Are The Possible Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges?
These defenses may come in the form of a contention that the alleged possession was not, in fact, possession, or there was no intent to distribute, or entrapment by law enforcement has occurred, or procedural mistakes were made in the collection or handling of evidence, among others.
What Is The Difference Between Drug Possession And Drug Trafficking Charges In Georgia?
Generally, the term drug possession refers to the possession for personal use of a controlled substance, whereas trafficking refers to the possession of large amounts of drugs and intends to sell or distribute them. Trafficking also includes mandatory minimum sentences and, under Georgia law, is treated more seriously than others.
How Important Is The Role Of A Defense Attorney In Plea Bargain Negotiations In A Drug Crime Case?
Through the art of plea negotiation, a drug crime defense attorney can make all the difference. Using their knowledge of the law, combined with the details of your case, they may be able to negotiate terms that could reduce your sentence or even change the charges. A seasoned attorney is often adept at uncovering and using leverage that may not be evident to an untrained party in such legal negotiations.
Does A Conviction Of Drug Trafficking Get Expunged In Georgia?
It’s hard to do so in Georgia, given the stern nature of this charge, but depending on specific circumstances, such as first-time offenses, through intervention from a legal perspective, there are ways to minimize such a conviction, which usually is highly limited.
If you or someone you know has been charged with drug trafficking in Georgia, it is important that you waste no time in finding experienced legal representation. At The Mazloom Law Firm, LLC, we know firsthand the complexity of Georgia’s drug laws and are committed to aggressively protecting your rights and obtaining the most favorable result possible in your case.
Do not let drug trafficking charges dictate the direction of your life. Contact our Marietta drug crime defense lawyer at The Mazloom Law Firm, LLC, by calling 770-590-9837 to receive your free consultation. With offices in Marietta, Atlanta, and much of Georgia, we are well-positioned to provide you with the most effective defense.