Facing Drug Possession or Controlled substance charges in Marietta is a serious matter. It requires the expertise of a dedicated and experienced legal team. At The Freedom Lawyers, we are committed to providing top-notch legal representation for individuals charged with drug offenses. Get a skilled controlled substance lawyer in Marietta.
Our attorneys know and understand Georgia drug laws in detail. Our lawyers will fight tirelessly to protect your future and your freedom. If you are seeking reliable and skilled legal assistance to handle your case, look no further. Contact us, The Freedom Lawyers for a consultation now!
What Is a V.G.C.S.A. Charge?
The term “V.G.C.S.A.” is an acronym for “Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.” V.G.C.S.A. is a criminal offense that occurs when a person violates one or more parts of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. This includes possessing, manufacturing, and distributing a controlled substance or drugs.
In Georgia, the only controlled substance charge classified as a misdemeanor is simple possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. Facing drug charges or controlled substance charges other than marijuana, or attempting to distribute any controlled substance including marijuana, is illegal in Georgia and will result in a felony charge.
The severity of the punishment depends on Georgia law’s classification of the specific drugs or controlled substances involved and the amount. Depending on the type of drugs, the amount, and the severity of the conduct, felony drug charges or felony V.G.C.S.A charges can carry a sentence of anywhere from 1-30 years. Charges of Trafficking controlled substances are even more severe.
Given the seriousness of the crime, consulting with a controlled substances lawyer like The Freedom Lawyers is crucial before you go to court or make any decisions on your case.
How Does Georgia Law Classify Controlled Substances?
Understanding how Georgia classifies drugs or controlled substances is crucial for comprehending consequences of felony drug charges. Similar to Federal law, Drugs or controlled substances in Georgia are divided into five categories: Schedule 1, Schedule 2, Schedule 3, Schedule 4, and Schedule 5. Each schedule involves different types of drugs and varying degrees of restrictions and penalties.
- Schedule 1: Includes drugs with no recognized medicinal value and high potential for abuse, such as LSD, mushrooms, and heroin. Many people are surprised to know that marijuana is also a Schedule I controlled substance.
- Schedule 2: Consists of drugs with accepted medical uses but strict regulations, like opium, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
- Schedule 3: Includes steroids, which have some medical uses but also potential risks of abuse.
- Schedule 4 and Schedule 5: Include drugs with medical uses and a low potential for abuse, such as Valium and Xanax.
Felony Exception For Marijuana Possession
The only exception to a felony charge is for possession of marijuana under one ounce, but even a misdemeanor can have severe consequences. The consequences for possessing less than an ounce of marijuana can include a fine of up to $1,000, a 12-month jail term, or both. Alternatively, you might be required to perform public works or be on probation for up to 12 months.
However, this only applies to marijuana in its original plant form. Possessing THC in hash, wax, or oil form—even a small amount—will result in a felony V.G.C.S.A. charge for Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
Unlawful possession of a Schedule 1 controlled substance, Schedule 2 non-narcotic, or a Schedule 2 narcotic is a felony, leading to jail sentences ranging from two years to 30 years, depending on the quantity involved. Unlawful possession of a Schedule 3, Schedule 4, or Schedule 5 controlled substance is also a felony, with jail terms between one year and five years.
Are You Facing Possession or Distribution Charges In Georgia?
Controlled substance charges, particularly possession and distribution charges, are very serious in Georgia. An arrest for possession of Drugs or Controlled Substances leads to a negative record and an open case, and a conviction establishes a permanent criminal record. Having a criminal record can significantly impact your life, making it challenging to succeed in your career and personal life.
To protect your future, it’s crucial to distance yourself from controlled substances and those in possession of them. Avoiding such substances is the best way to steer clear of the serious consequences of being charged and convicted. However, if you find yourself charged with a V.G.C.S.A. offense or Felony Drug Charges, the best thing you can do to protect your future is call The Freedom Lawyers.
How We Can Help
Advocating for Your Rights and Freedom
Those seeking a Georgia Drug Attorney or those facing Georgia controlled substances charges should seek legal assistance from a qualified controlled substances lawyer in Marietta. The Freedom Lawyers are the top choice for legal help in Marietta when facing possession charges. Trust The Freedom Lawyers with your drug case. Our team has
- Comprehensive Knowledge of Drug Laws: With a deep understanding of Georgia’s controlled substance laws, we possess the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of your case.
- Proven Track Record of Success: Our controlled substances lawyers have successfully defended numerous clients against drug charges, earning a reputation for our dedication and favorable outcomes.
Constitutional Right Against Unreasonable Search
The Supreme Court of Georgia, over the history of Georgia Law, has made decisions that affect the way police have to treat you during traffic stops and when searching your vehicle. The Constitution says you have a right against any unreasonable searches and seizures. The police have multiple ways they can search your vehicle, home or person without a search warrant. However, the exceptions are limited. Oftentimes the police conduct a search without a warrant and without falling under a valid warrant exception. In those cases, the search is unlawful. Furthermore, any evidence that is found because of that search can be thrown out in court.
Our attorneys specialize in fighting illegal searches. This includes illegal inventory searches, illegal probable cause searches, searches without probable cause, Searches without articulable suspicion, Plain-View searches, searches with a search warrant, and searches without search warrants.
Search Warrant Cases
We specialize in challenging search warrants and the underlying evidence used to obtain said search warrant. Even when a search warrant is issued, there are times where the affidavit justifying the search warrant is based on faulty information. The affidavit also may not provide enough information to justify the issuing of the warrant. In these cases, the search warrant can be challenged in court. Our lawyers are trained to scrutinize the credibility of the officer and their investigation. We do everything we can to cross examine them using their own evidence. We find the deficiencies and inconsistencies in their investigation. If your officer obtained a search warrant unlawfully, our team of attorneys will work to get to the bottom of it. Our goal is to know the case better than the officers, and to know what they will testify to at a motions hearing or trial.
Equal Access
We also specialize in defending people who were accused of drugs along with co-defendants. The law is very clear that there are certain elements required for an officer to charge you with possession of drugs. 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. In cases where multiple people are charged with possessing the same item, or where multiple people had equal access to the item, additional defenses arise, creating multiple ways for us to get the case dismissed or reduced.
Why Choose The Freedom Lawyers for Controlled Substances Defense?
- Experience: Our skilled lawyers have extensive experience in handling a wide range of controlled substance cases, from simple possession to complex trafficking offenses.
- Legal Expertise: We stay up-to-date with the latest developments in drug laws. Additionally, we offer criminal defense strategies to provide you with the best defense possible.
- Aggressive Defense: We are passionate about protecting your rights and freedom. We’ll aggressively challenge the prosecution’s case to seek the best possible outcome for you.
- Personalized Attention: At The Freedom Lawyers, you are not just a case number. We provide personalized attention and support, ensuring you are informed and involved throughout the legal process.
Submit a form below to schedule a free consultation with a Skilled Drug Possession and controlled substances lawyer. Let us be your advocates in defending your rights and freedom.
Get In Touch Today
If you are facing controlled substance charges in Marietta, you can trust The Freedom Lawyers. We can provide you with dedicated and effective legal representation. With our in-depth knowledge of drug laws and relentless advocacy, we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us be your defender in your controlled substances case. Let The Freedom Lawyers be your trusted advocates, protecting your rights and your freedom.