What are your options when faced with Drug Possession charges?

The US is facing an epidemic of drug abuse and possession charges. We have seen similar rises in cases here in the state of Georgia. Our lawyers know that possession charges can bring about a sense of uncertainty and dread in any case, but there are many things you should know before you face these charges.The good news is you do not have to face your circumstances alone. It is not guaranteed that you will be immediately convicted, and in this blog we willl explain different defense strategies that that could work for your particular case when facing drug possession charges. 

What is considered drug possession in Georgia?

In the state of Georgia, drug possession is considered as the unlawful possession of a controlled substance. A controlled substance, as defined under the state’s federal law, can be defined as, but not limited to,  marihuana, cocaine, heroin or methamphetamines. If found in your possession, these classifications of drugs, can land you in hot water and can open the door to pandoras box that may carry stiff penalties including jail time. 

In the state of Georgia, the penalty for drug possession will vary depending on the type of drug and amount of the substances found on you. It is important to note that all drug possession charges are considered serious and carry a host of implications. We encoruage anyone facing a drug possession charge to seek the assistance of an attorney to explore your options.

What strategies are available in your drug possession case?

The fourth amendment of the United States protects citizens against unreasonable searches or seizures, so the first strategy that we can pursue is to investigate if an unlawful search and seizure are applicable to your situation. It is important to know if the police have searched your car or home without a warrant or probable cause. The reason these details must be established is because it will allow your legal team to better determine if any evidence collected from the search is admissible in a court of lawl. If it is found that the only evidence they have against was obtained illegally, there then exists a possibility to get your charges dropped. You will need an experienced attorney to handle your criminal case so you can take immediate action.

Obtain proper treatment rather than be charged

There are times when you can find yourself in a bad space emotionally, mentally or physically. During these times many make poor choices. If you are facing drug possession charges but we can prove that your situation is due to addiction, there may be another route other than jail time. An experienced lawyer can work to best understand the real reason behind your charges and it may be found that the authorities caught you with illegal substances that were intended for your personal consumption and not for sale or distribution. There is hope for you and our lawyers will fight to get you the best possible outcome whether we argue for reduced charges or negotiate on your behalf  for drug addiction treatment to offset more egregious criminal charges.

Have you been entrapped?

The police can make your life miserable, but they’re not always able to charge you with a crime. They can sometimes get you to commit a crime that otherwise wouldn’t have been committed. This scenario is called entrapment. While this is not a circumstance that is easy to prove, you should know there might be an option for your defense in this situation. The first thing any defense attorney would recommend when faced with possible entrapment is to remain vigilant which will mean all solid evidence will have to be collected. You will need to, openly. expose every single detail involved in your situation so that your criminal defese attorney can best represent you. Despite the fact that entrapment will be difficult to prove, if in fact you do have enough evidence to prove you’ve been unlawfully charged your case may get dropped.

Are you being charged for someone else’s substances?

One common defense is to assert that the drugs found on your person do not, in fact, belong to you or that you did not know the drugs were present. This can be an effective defense strategy, especially if you can prove that you had no idea the drugs existed. Let’s be clear, this defense strategy might be plausible; however the burden will be on you to prove this and there will be many factors that have to be considered. You should seek out the guidance of a respected, knowledgeable and experienced attorney immediately so that you can weigh your options. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession contact Gonzalez Torres Law right away! Drug related crimes are aggressively prosecuted by the government and can carry harsh sentences that can drastically change your life. Convictions for drug possession can result in long prison sentences, steep fines and a criminal record that will remain with you for the rest of your life. The attorneys at the Gonzalez Torres Law office have extensive knowledge and experience tackling criminal defense cases for people accused of drug possession. We will fight, tirelessly, by your side to get you the best possible outcome.