Strong Defense Against Serious Drug Charges In Georgia
At Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Law, our attorneys have extensive experience defending individuals against felony and misdemeanor drug charges. From our Carrollton and Cartersville, GA office, we defend clients throughout west Georgia facing allegations of:
- Misdemeanor and felony drug possession
- Possession of marijuana and other controlled substances
- Drug trafficking
Penalties For Drug Offenses In Cartersville, Georgia
A first marijuana possession conviction can result in up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second offenses carry one to five years imprisonment, while subsequent violations bring mandatory minimum sentences of five years.
Controlled substance charges bring even steeper consequences. First-time possession may lead to two to 15 years in prison, depending on the substance. Heroin possession carries two to 15 years for a first offense, with penalties escalating to five to 30 years for repeat violations. These sentences often come with substantial fines that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Drug trafficking charges trigger mandatory minimum sentences based on weight and substance type. The penalties grow significantly harsher with larger quantities, sometimes resulting in decades behind bars.
Did Police Violate Your Constitutional Rights?
Prosecutors and law enforcement will aggressively pursue an arrest and a conviction in drug cases. Too often, they take actions that may violate your constitutional rights.
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches and seizures. Police officers must either obtain a warrant or have probable cause before conducting a search or seizing evidence. When they fail to take these measures and violate your rights, the court will exclude this evidence.
When we work with our clients, our job is to ensure your rights are not violated at any phase of the legal process. Our lawyers analyze every piece of evidence pertaining to your case to determine whether there were any violations of your rights. This thorough, hands-on approach has often allowed us to obtain dismissed charges and other favorable outcomes for our clients facing criminal charges.
Additional Defense Strategies For Drug Possession Cases In Georgia
Beyond Fourth Amendment violations, our lawyers pursue multiple defense angles based on the unique circumstances of your case. We do not accept the prosecution’s version of events at face value. Instead, we investigate every detail to find weaknesses in their arguments:
- Lack of knowledge: You may not have known drugs were present in your vehicle, home or belongings
- Constructive possession challenges: Prosecutors must prove you had control over the drugs, which becomes difficult in shared spaces
- Chain of custody issues: Evidence must be properly handled and documented from seizure through trial
- Entrapment: Law enforcement may have induced you to commit a crime you otherwise would not have committed
Our job is to hold prosecutors to their burden of proof while ensuring law enforcement followed proper procedures during your arrest.
A Drug Conviction Can Threaten Your Freedom
Drug convictions carry serious penalties, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. In addition to these punishments, a conviction will jeopardize many of the freedoms you enjoy. In Georgia, a felony criminal conviction can affect your ability to vote, own a gun or cost you your driver’s license.
The stakes are too high to work with just any lawyer when defending against drug crime accusations. We understand the law, and we know what it takes to limit the negative effects of these charges. Whether we go to court, reach a fair plea agreement or seek a dismissal of the charges, we will take every possible action to get you a favorable outcome.
Why Choose Duke & Heath, Attorneys at Law?
We fight for you from day one. While other attorneys may treat drug cases as routine paperwork, we recognize what is at stake for you and your family. Our lawyers maintain direct communication with clients throughout the process, so you are never left wondering what is happening with your case.
Years of defending clients in Georgia courtrooms give us insight into how prosecutors build their cases and what judges consider during sentencing. We use this knowledge strategically to pursue dismissals, acquittals or reduced charges.
From your first consultation through trial, we remain committed to protecting your freedom and your future. This hands-on approach has allowed us to obtain favorable outcomes for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Secure Your Defense Now. Set Up A Free Consultation.
We offer free consultations to individuals facing criminal charges. To schedule your case review, contact us online or contact us by phone at 678-390-5577 for our Carrollton office or 470-964-6279 for our Cartersville office.