Experienced Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer
When you or a loved one are charged with drug trafficking charges in Dekalb County, you need an experienced and dedicated legal team on your side. In Dekalb County, the penalties for drug trafficking are serious, including mandatory jail time. Luckily, we help you fight for your rights, freedom, and future. The Freedom Lawyers specialize in representing clients accused of Trafficking drugs and controlled substances. We are here to help if you need a Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer.
What Is Drug Trafficking in Georgia?
Drug trafficking is the illegal sale, transportation, manufacturing, or distribution of controlled substances. Further, in Georgia, the difference between possession and drug trafficking depends on the weight of the drugs. Additionally, you can face trafficking charges even if the drugs were intended for personal use and not for sale. Considering this, hiring a Specialized Georgia Drug Trafficking Lawyer can make all the difference between mandatory prison and beating the case.
Georgia Drug Trafficking Law
Georgia’s drug trafficking laws are defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31, which specifies the weights and penalties for various drugs, For instance:
- – Cocaine trafficking involves 28 grams or more. O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(a).
- – Marijuana trafficking involves 10 pounds or more. O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(c).
- – Methamphetamine trafficking involves 28 grams or more. O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(e).
- – Heroin trafficking involves 4 grams or more. O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31(b).
Each type of drug has its own weight amounts and corresponding punishments, which can include mandatory minimum sentences to prison and substantial fines.
Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Georgia
Drug trafficking penalties in Georgia are serious. Additionally, convictions typically carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and steep fines. For example:
- Cocaine trafficking (28-200 grams): Minimum 10 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.
- Marijuana trafficking (10-2,000 pounds): Minimum 5 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
- Methamphetamine trafficking (28-200 grams): Minimum 10 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.
- Heroin trafficking (4-14 grams): Minimum 5 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
The penalties go up as the weight of the drugs increases. Unfortunately, these mandatory minimums mean judges have almost no choices in sentencing, making it important to build a strong defense.
For a full breakdown of Georgia’s drug trafficking penalties as published by the State of Georgia, click here.
Why You Need a Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer – Alternatives to the Mandatory Minimum
The law does allow for some people charged with Drug Trafficking be sentenced below the mandatory minimums if the person meets certain conditions. Having a qualified, experienced Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer can tilt the scale in your favor.
The Judge is authorized to sentence below the Mandatory prison time if:
- The accused was not a leader of the criminal conduct
- The accused did not possess a firearm or weapon
- The Conduct did not result in death or serious bodily injury to any persons other than those involved in the crime
- No prior felony convictions
- Interests of justice will not be served by the imposition of the prescribed mandatory minimum.
Whether to drop below the mandatory sentence is a question that is up to the Judge. Which is why it is so important to have an experienced Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer on your side. We know what the Judges and Courts want to see in order to minimize the impact of the charges on you and your family.
As an experienced, expert Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer, It’s Your Freedom, but It’s Our Fight.
How a Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer Can Help
Facing drug trafficking charges can feel overwhelming, but having an experienced Dekalb drug trafficking lawyer can make a huge difference. At The Freedom Lawyers, we take a personalized approach to each case by conducting your own investigations and examining all of the evidence. By challenging all of the prosecution’s claims, we fight for the best possible outcome.
How The Freedom Lawyers can help:
- + Challenging the Evidence: Law enforcement must follow strict protocols when conducting searches and seizures. So, if your rights were violated, we may be able to suppress evidence obtained illegally.
- + Examining Intent: Drug trafficking charges often hinge on the intent to sell or distribute. We will scrutinize the evidence to determine whether the prosecution can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.
- + Negotiating Plea Deals: In some cases, we may be able to avoid the mandatory minimum sentence by negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties you face.
- + Defending in Court: If your case goes to trial, we will build a robust defense strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case and advocate for your innocence.
Why Choose The Freedom Lawyers as your Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer?
When facing serious charges like drug trafficking, you need a legal team with the experience, dedication, and resources to fight for you. Here’s why The Freedom Lawyers are the right choice:
- – Proven Track Record: We have successfully defended clients facing serious drug charges across Georgia.
- – Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize communication and ensure you understand every aspect of your case.
- -Thorough Investigations: Our team examines every detail of the prosecution’s evidence to build a robust defense.
- -Courtroom Experience: Our team is prepared to fight for you in court if necessary.
Emphasizing Communication and Thorough Investigations
Unparalleled Communication with your Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer
At The Freedom Lawyers, we believe that strong communication is the cornerstone of effective legal representation. Moreover, we prioritize keeping you informed and involved from the moment you contact us. Additionally, we understand how stressful and confusing legal proceedings can be, which is why we take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident about your defense strategy.
Independent Investigations by your Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer
We also conduct thorough, independent investigations into every case. Thus, while the prosecution relies on law enforcement’s version of events, we dig deeper to uncover evidence that may have been overlooked or misinterpreted. Additionally, our team investigates the evidence ourselves to gather witness statements, analyze forensic evidence, and scrutinize police procedures. By conducting a detailed investigation, we often find critical information that can weaken the prosecution’s case or support a strong defense.
Proactive Defense by your Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer
We anticipate and counter the prosecution’s arguments effectively through this comprehensive approach. Our commitment to communication and diligence ensures that you are never left in the dark about your case and that every possible avenue for your defense is explored.
Understanding the Legal Process
If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking in Dekalb County, it’s essential to understand the legal process. Here’s what you can expect:
- 1. Stop/Encounter: This is where your defense begins. Dont give the State anything they aren’t entitled to, and remain silent.
- 2. Arrest and Charges: After your arrest, you will be formally charged and informed of the allegations against you.
- 3. Bond Hearing: Depending on the circumstances, you may have the opportunity to request bail. Our team will advocate for reasonable bond terms.
- 4. Indictment: The formal charge is filed with the court, and official Criminal Prosecution begins.
- 5. Discovery Phase: During this phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence. This is where we uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- 6. Pre-Trial Motions: We may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal violations.
- 7. Negotiation or Trial: If a plea agreement isn’t reached, your case will proceed to trial, where we will present a strong defense.
Common Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges
Every case is unique, but common defenses in drug trafficking cases include:
- + Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search, we can move to suppress the evidence.
- + Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, the defendant may not have known they were in possession of the drugs.
- + Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, individuals are wrongfully accused based on circumstantial evidence or mistaken identity.
- + Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. We will challenge any gaps in their case.
- + Equal Access
Equal Access
We also specialize in defending people who were accused of Drug Trafficking along with co-defendants.
In Georgia, you must either be in direct possession, which means it’s on your person, or you can be in Constructive Possession. Construction Possession means a person must be able to maintain some direct access and control over the drugs to the exclusion of others.
If there is no direct link between the person accused of Trafficking the Drugs and the drugs, we are able to challenge the evidence and argue for a full dismissal of the charges.
Do you want to find out if your case may qualify for this defense? Call to schedule a consultation on you Drug Trafficking case.
Your Dekalb Drug Trafficking Lawyer is a Former Prosecutor
Our attorneys are former prosecutors. We know how the state plans to attack your Drug Trafficking case. We have prosecuted and defended those accused of Drug possession, Drug Possession with Intent to Distribute and Drug Trafficking. If you are charged with drug possession or trafficking, you are facing a serious charge that can affect you the rest of your life. If you hire someone who isn’t experienced in Drug Trafficking Cases, you may receive a punishment greater than if you went with a firm that has extensive Drug Trafficking case experience.
Contact The Freedom Lawyers Today
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges in Dekalb County, don’t wait to get the help you need. The Freedom Lawyers are here to provide the experienced and aggressive representation you deserve. We understand how overwhelming this situation can be, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your freedom and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Our attorneys are not afraid to fight the state for your life in these serious cases. Contact The Freedom Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
For more information about Georgia’s drug trafficking laws and penalties, visit:
- – Georgia Code – O.C.G.A. §16-13-31.
- – Georgia Bureau of Investigation
