Cobb County Drug Crime Lawyer
Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorneys Serving Marietta, GA
Drug-related crimes have been identified as the most common criminal cases in most of Georgia’s communities. These are offenses in which people of all ages and backgrounds may find themselves suddenly thrown into the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, being arrested and charged with drug crimes can lead to serious penalties and jeopardize future opportunities with a permanent criminal record upon conviction.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime or are the parent of someone who has, it is vital that you bring in a trusted criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, our attorneys have five decades of collective criminal law experience. Our team includes former prosecutors with inside knowledge of how the other side operates in its efforts to secure convictions. Our extensive knowledge, experience, and skills as a team can be put to your advantage in fighting to help you avoid or minimize the consequences of drug charges. We provide an aggressive defense for all misdemeanor and felony drug charges.
Arrested on drug charges? Get sound advice about your case in a consultation with one of our Cobb County drug crime attorneys. Contact Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP at (770) 599-5328.
Drug Crimes We Handle in Georgia
Drug crimes in Georgia fall under Title 16, Chapter 13 of the Georgia Statutes. Under the law, Georgia has established five “schedules” of controlled substances based on their potential for abuse, their medical value, and their level of addictiveness. They range in descending order of harmfulness from Schedule I, as the most damaging, down to Schedule V as the least. These controlled substances include such drugs as cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, fentanyl, and more, as well as prescription medicines, such as Adderall, Vicodin, OxyContin, and Xanax.
Drug crimes in our state can include:
- Possession or possession with intent to distribute street drugs and controlled substances
- Manufacturing of narcotics
- Trafficking narcotics
- Illegal possession or possession with intent to distribute prescription drugs
- Fraudulently obtained prescription drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs
Your penalties for any drug crime will depend on the type of drugs found in your possession, the quantity or weight of the drugs, whether you have past drug convictions, and other factors. Most Schedule I or Schedule II drug charges in the state are considered felonies. However, one ounce or less of marijuana is charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in jail and/or $1,000 in fines.
In some cases, such as for first-time nonviolent offenders, the state may offer a diversion program instead of criminal penalties. These programs may include drug treatment programs, educational and/or vocational classes, and more to rehabilitate drug users and give them the skills to lead productive lives. However, where these programs do not apply, the courts usually still impose stiff criminal penalties. These range from probated sentences to lengthy prison terms.
Drug Felony Penalties in Cobb County
Convictions for Schedule I or II drug offense felonies carry penalties of two to 15 years in prison. Repeat offenses in this category can be as high as 30 years in prison. Convictions for Schedule III, IV, and V drugs in first offenses can range between one and five years in prison. Subsequent convictions can range up to 10 years of incarceration.
Beyond imprisonment, felony drug convictions can lead to a host of collateral consequences, including the loss of voting rights, exclusion from receiving federal student aid, and restrictions on professional licenses. Such a conviction can also significantly hinder employment opportunities in various fields, impacting financial stability and personal growth. Individuals navigating through these challenges can benefit from legal guidance to explore options for restoring rights and reintegrating successfully into society.
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Client Experiences
Hear from those we've represented in their legal battles.
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Thank you, Ben Smith, for your time, knowledge, and your thoroughness and wisdom
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Ben, I was very impressed with how you handled everything.
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Mr. Schnatmeier made the experience as painless as possible. He was very responsive and I was pleasantly surprised by how available he was.
Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Cobb County
Our drug crimes attorneys in Cobb County answer the most common questions of the criminal process.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Drug Arrest in Cobb County?
If you are arrested on drug charges in Cobb County, the first step is to remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Contact a trusted drug crime attorney immediately, as they can provide guidance on how to interact with law enforcement without compromising your defense. It's important to understand that anything you say can be used against you, emphasizing why legal advocacy from the onset is critical.
How Can a Drug Conviction Affect My Future Employment?
Drug convictions can pose significant challenges to securing employment, particularly in fields requiring licensing or security clearances. Employers often conduct background checks and may be hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record. Beyond immediate job prospects, long-term career growth can also be impeded. However, options such as record expungement or diversion programs can alleviate these impacts, making it crucial to consult with an attorney to explore potential remedies to protect your professional future.
Are There Any Alternatives to Incarceration for Drug Offenders?
For some drug offenders, Cobb County offers alternatives to traditional incarceration, such as drug courts, probation, or treatment programs. These options focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, promoting recovery and reducing recidivism. Eligibility is often contingent on the nature of the offense and the offender's criminal history. Engaging an experienced drug crime attorney can facilitate access to these alternatives, potentially resulting in more favorable outcomes.
What Is the Role of a Defense Attorney in a Drug Case?
A defense attorney plays a pivotal role in drug-related legal matters. They provide essential legal advice, formulate defense strategies, and represent clients in court. Their responsibilities include scrutinizing evidence, negotiating plea deals, and advocating for clients' rights throughout the judicial process. Their experienced perspective is invaluable in identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, ultimately aiming for a reduction of charges or even dismissal.
How Are Drug Schedules and Charges Determined in Georgia?
Georgia's drug scheduling relies on factors such as potential for abuse, medical value, and addictive qualities, as outlined in state statutes. This categorization affects the severity of charges and subsequent penalties. Charges range from misdemeanors for lesser drugs to felonies for high-risk substances. Comprehensive legal insight into these schedules, provided by attorneys at Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, ensures clients are well-informed about the nature and consequences of their charges.
To speak with our experienced Cobb County drug crime lawyers, give us a call at (770) 599-5328 or contact us online today.
