Marijuana Offenses
Currently, Georgia is one of the few states that still impose jail time for possession of marijuana period in Georgia. The punishment for possession of marijuana depends on the amount of marijuana possessed. It also depends on whether there was an intent to distribute the marijuana. Read on or contact The Freedom Lawyers for more information on marijuana laws in Georgia.
Punishment for possession of marijuana charges can range from misdemeanors for less than one ounce, to years in prison for possession over an ounce or possession with intent to Distribute, or even many years of mandatory prison time for Trafficking Marijuana charges.
The Freedom Lawyers specializes in representing clients accused of several drug related activities. This includes the following:
- Drug possession,
- Possession of marijuana,
- Possession of marijuana and intent to distribute, and
- Trafficking marijuana.
If you need a Marijuana Defense Lawyer with extensive knowledge and experience with marijuana laws in Georgia and defending clients accused of marijuana law related violations called the Freedom lawyers now for free consultation.
Possession of Marijuana- Under One Ounce- Misdemeanor
In Georgia, it is illegal to possess any amount of marijuana. Any person who’s charged with possessing less than one ounce of marijuana in Georgia is guilty of a misdemeanor and can be punished by imprisonment for up to 12 months, not more than $1,000 fine or both. Oftentimes, an experienced Marijuana defense attorney can get a resolution that involves no jail time. Further, due to recent changes in the law regarding CBD, it is much more difficult for the State to prove a marijuana case.
THC Level Testing
Current Georgia law requires that any amount of marijuana be submitted to the GBI crime lab for full testing to confirm that the THC levels are above the legal limit. If for some reason the marijuana sample is destroyed or not tested an experienced criminal defense attorney can often get the charges dismissed, reduced, or worked out in some way that it does not appear on your record.
Felony Possession of Marijuana and Felony Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
It is illegal for a person in Georgia to possess, have under his or her control, manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, purchase, sell, or possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. That also applies if the person possesses over an ounce of marijuana. If a person possesses under an ounce the laws are different.
For a person charged with violating the marijuana laws or possessing over an ounce of marijuana, or who is charged with possession with intent to distribute or sell marijuana faces a felony charge and upon conviction can be imprisoned not less than one no more than 10 years. That can include jail time, significant periods of probation, community service and drug treatment. However, drug cases and marijuana cases are not easy for the state to prove in Georgia.
Current CBD and marijuana laws require all marijuana samples are now required to be submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Samples are sent for verification of the amount of THC level. If the substance comes below a certain THC level, then it is considered CBD and is legal to Possess.
Call now to schedule a free consultation with A Freedom Lawyer. Let’s talk about your possession of marijuana with intent to distribute or your possession of marijuana over one-ounce case.
Marijuana Searches
In Georgia, to charge someone with possession of marijuana, the State must show that the interaction was legal. That means if the Police did not have a reason to approach or search a person, then any marijuana they find cannot be used in a criminal prosecution. An experienced Marijuana Criminal Defense Attorney can often challenge the search of your items or your pockets and force the state to prove that it was a consensual interaction, that they had a search warrant for the search, or some other legal basis to conduct the search.
Our Marijuana Criminal Defense attorney can also develop a plan of attack against the evidence to get the items or materials suppressed through effective cross-examination of state’s witnesses. That’s why it’s always important to have someone who is familiar with the marijuana laws in Georgia defending your case. Additionally, if it is the person’s first time being charged with a felony possession of marijuana offense are some ways to get the charges dismissed. Sometimes that’s up to the prosecutor and based on your criminal history. Additionally, you may qualify as a matter of law based on arguments by your attorney.
Trafficking Marijuana
A person can be charged with Trafficking Marijuana based on the amount of marijuana possessed. The more marijuana in someone’s possession, the more serious the consequences.
A person is considered to be trafficking marijuana when they possess :
– 10 pounds or more but less than 2000 pounds – the mandatory minimum punishment is five years in prison plus a fine of $100,000
– More than 2000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds – the mandatory minimum is seven years in prison plus a fine of $250,000
– More than 10,000 pounds – the mandatory minimum is 15 years in prison plus a fine of $1 million
However, there are often defenses to marijuana trafficking cases. Defenses include challenging the stop and search, search warrant and investigation, and or the composition of the substances. One can challenge substance composition based on the change in the laws regarding CBD.
No matter the amount of Marijuana, the police still have to prove that any search or seizure of your items, person, home, or vehicle was done with a search warrant or some legal basis supported by probable cause. An effective criminal defense attorney and criminal marijuana trafficking criminal defense attorney can fight to get the marijuana suppressed. In other words, it could be removed from your case.
If the attorney is successful in suppressing the marijuana evidence, then oftentimes the charges are dismissed. If you are charged with trafficking marijuana, you need an experienced marijuana trafficking criminal defense attorney to represent your case. Call the freedom lawyers now for a consultation.
Civil Asset Forfeiture
In addition to criminal charges or penalties, Georgia allows law enforcement to seize or take possession of any relevant items. Such items include vehicles, or money used to facilitate the transport or sale of large amounts of marijuana.
Therefore, they can make a claim to take ownership of any vehicles used to transport marijuana. This is also true for any amount of money in a person’s possession if the State can show evidence the money was obtained through the illegal possession or sale of marijuana.
However, there are defenses and strategies to keep your property. If a person can show that money was obtained through legal means, or that the vehicle in question had some other purpose, an experienced attorney can fight the State to keep your property.
Ultimately, individuals involved in the illegal marijuana trade in Georgia face significant legal consequences. Thus, why it is so important to hire an Experienced Marijuana Criminal Defense Attorney.
Marijuana and Minors
Pursuant to 16-13-30, utilizing a minor (one under the age of 17 years) in any manner, for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, any controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or marijuana unless the manufacturing, distribution faces more serious consequences then someone charged with possession. Anyone who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than five years or more than 20 years, or by a fine not to exceed $20,000.00, or both.
Medical Marijuana
The Medical Marijuana Law in Georgia protects qualified persons from criminal prosecution for possession. Specifically, of up to 20 fluid ounces of “low THC oil”. Low THC oils are derived from the marijuana plant. However, it does not legalize the sale or production of food products infused with this ingredient. Nor is it legal for a physician to prescribe marijuana as a treatment option. The law only allows protection against arrest if one meets very specific criteria. If they qualify, a “Low THC Oil Registry Card” is then registered to the person which will prove that they are authorized to have the oil. Therefore, protecting them from arrest.
Medical Marijuana Qualifications
In order to qualify, the patient must undergo a rigorous process to ensure that specific qualifying criteria are met. There are only a handful of conditions and diseases that qualify. Additionally, the patient must have a severe diagnosis as well as a poor prognosis in order to qualify.
Low THC oil packaging may vary in appearance. However, the law requires that the low THC oil be “in a pharmaceutical container labeled by the manufacturer indicating the percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol therein.” It must also be less than 5 percent tetrahydrocannabinol by weight. Thus, the amount of oil in the container – or containers – may not exceed 20 fluid ounces total.
Enforcement of Laws
The current laws are enforced by various government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. These agencies include the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and state and local police departments. These agencies are responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of the law.
You can be charged by any one of these agencies for Possession or Trafficking Marijuana. The Freedom Lawyers has extensive experience fighting Marijuana cases in Local, State, and Federal Courts. Call us now for a consultation on your Marijuana Case.