Common Drug Crime Charges

Possession of marijuana is probably the most common drug case in both the Metro Atlanta area and in Georgia. There was an increase in possession of heroin and possession of methamphetamine cases over the last several years as well.

To obtain a better understanding of any other drug charges that may be common in Georgia, it is important to contact a Georgia drug lawyer. An experienced attorney can best explain these charges, and assist in lessening or dismissing any penalties you may be facing if you have been charged with such a crime.

In terms of marijuana, the most common drug crime in Georgia is a violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act detailing the possession of marijuana in less than one ounce. This is a misdemeanor charge. Although marijuana laws are constantly changing around the nation, Georgia remains very strict with its marijuana laws.

Attitudes toward the possession of marijuana changed over the last decade, and marijuana is now seen by many folks as more acceptable. The possession of marijuana cases creates an issue, however. Although other states relaxed their standards for marijuana possession, Georgia continues to actively prosecute these common drug charges.

Heroin cases and heroin abuse are on the rise in Georgia, and are becoming more common as a prosecuted drug crime. Heroin is a Schedule 1 drug that is very dangerous and has a high potential for addiction. Once a person uses heroin, it is very difficult for them to break the addiction cycle. Heroin cases are challenging to defend because of the huge danger of the heroin cases and the danger it causes to the abuser.

An experienced drug lawyer challenges all aspects of a heroin possession case. The lawyer may also have the client obtain counseling and treatment to help break the addiction cycle and to show the prosecutor and the judge that the person is attempting to seek treatment for the perceived heroin abuse.

Georgia is a hub for drug trafficking in the southeastern United States. Georgia is geographically situated at the intersection of several main interstate arteries. On the Georgia coast, I-95 leads from Florida to the northeastern portion of the country. I-75 leads from Florida to the Northeast and Midwest states via I-24 West and I-65 North to Chicago. I-20 comes into the state of Georgia from the west, from Alabama and leads to Atlanta where traffic can easily flow to the North and South.

Georgia law enforcement agents recognize that Georgia is a hub for trafficking of all sorts, including drug trafficking and human trafficking and actively pursue interdiction. Law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and local agencies such the Gwinnett County Police, Cod County Police, Miles County Sherriff, Atlanta Police and others seek to find drugs through the use of drug interdiction programs.

Georgia law enforcement officers who are actively involved in drug interdiction programs attend and obtain specialized training at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), www.fletc.gov and the Regional Counter-Drug Training Academy (RCTA).

Georgia law enforcement officers crack down on all drug offenses committed within the state. Recently, there is a perception of a higher incidence of heroin use in the metro Atlanta area. Georgia police officers work diligently to suppress this trend by cracking down on heroin possession cases and heroin sales cases under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

This is especially prevalent in the northern and metro Atlanta counties and places such as Alpharetta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Canton, Marietta, Holly Springs, Atlanta, Decatur, Pickens County, Cod County, Fulton County, and DeKalb County.