The State of Georgia takes a serious stand against illegal drugs. When it comes to arrest statistics, marijuana possession accounts for more than 90% of all forms of marijuana arrests. Georgia ranks 6th for marijuana drug charges and crimes. The states of New York, Texas, Florida, California, and Illinois are ranked one through five.
Marijuana Arrests and Georgia Penalties
While Marijuana is not listed as a scheduled substance, it is regulated under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act. Charges may be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony.
The penalties, fines and/or terms of imprisonment vary for arrests of possession, possession with intent to sell, possession near a school, park or public housing, cultivating marijuana, and the amount in ounces or pounds in your possession.
Marijuana Possession Charges
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor; having more than one ounce is considered a felony. A misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000, or public works for up to 12 months. The charge of a felony may bring up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Marijuana Arrests for Possession with Intent to Distribute, Sell, Deliver
Possession with intent to distribute, sell or deliver marijuana fines and imprisonment times vary from one year to 30 years of jail time with fines that can be thousands of dollars up to a million dollars depending on the amount of drug, how many offenses you have previously been charged with, and if you were arrested within 1,000 feet of school grounds, a park, housing project, or drug free zone. You can be charged with intent to distribute, a felony charge, with less than 10 pounds of marijuana.
Charge for Cultivation of Marijuana
A charge for cultivation of marijuana is a felony with punishments ranging from one to 30 years of imprisonment, and fines from the thousands up to one million dollars. The charge and fine vary depending on the number of pounds of marijuana (less than 10 pounds to thousands of pounds are both considered a felony), previous charges, and the location of your production, same as with the charge for possession with intent to distribute, sell, or deliver.
Legal Defense for Drug Charges Critical
Having an experienced drug charge attorney on your side is critical for protecting your rights, as well as negotiating for reduced charges to dismissal of any misdemeanor or felony record. Call attorney Joel Baskin for the legal representation you need as soon as you are arrested or charged. A delay in legal counsel can bring extended fines and imprisonment, and affect your permanent record.