An Overview Of Drug Crime Charges

Being arrested for a drug offense is something no one would like to experience, and for good reason. With the use of drugs so widespread in the United States, you or someone you love may someday encounter drug charges and the complex legal battle that accompanies them. In this situation the first matter of business should always be to locate the best criminal attorney you can possibly afford. A good Atlanta criminal attorney can make the ordeal of fighting drug charges much less stringent when facing drug charges in the state of Georgia. There are many different types of drugs and therefore many different sentencing requirements to accompany each crime.

The most common drug related arrest is for possession. A drug possession charge depends largely on the type of drug and the amount of that drug in the defendant’s possession at the time of arrest. Arrests will be made for any substance considered an illegal drug. That includes marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and also unauthorized prescription drugs, which have become increasingly more popular. An arrest can also be made for drug paraphernalia including pipes and syringes as well. While a charge of possession should always be taken seriously, the potential sentencing is far greater for charges involving the sale of illegal drugs.

If you get arrested with a large quantity of illegal drugs, you will be charged with drug trafficking or possession with the intent to distribute. When you are arrested with a large quantity of drugs, it is very likely you planned to sell or distribute the large volume of narcotics. There is a great possibility that your crime will carry federal charges. The penalties for distribution and drug trafficking are quite severe under federal guidelines.

Other hardships can accompany being charged with distribution or drug trafficking. If the defendant was selling drugs in their home, other people that live in the home will likely receive criminal charges as well. In some cases a home can be seized under these conditions, and separate charges of money laundering can be added as well. Simply put, the prosecution does not offer much leniency in regards to distribution and trafficking cases. If a minor is charged with possession with intent to distribute, they are often charged as an adult in criminal court. Any drug arrest that occurs in a school zone will receive an enhanced sentence.

Having an attorney in a situation like this is the only option. The penalties for drug charges can be severe. A good criminal defense attorney will fight for your rights in this situation and try their hardest to get evidence (the drugs) thrown out and will tirelessly negotiate with the state attorney for a better deal. Drug charges can often to be linked with a drug problem. When a solid criminal defense strategy is applied, you can present this to the court and take steps toward obtaining the necessary help for the drug addiction. Having a good criminal attorney protecting your rights in a trial and fighting for the best outcome can shave years off of your sentence or even keep you out of jail with a sentence of probation.