Drug charges always have significant repercussions on people’s lives. Whether you are guilty or not, having criminal drug charges on your record can put your future in jeopardy. You need a good criminal defense lawyer to fight those charges on your behalf.
At Phillips Carson Phillips, our goal is to provide the best criminal defense against drug possession charges as much as possible. You have a right to a robust and energetic defense, and we’ve delivered the same to thousands of clients over the years. Let us show you how a good drug possession charge criminal defense lawyer can protect your future.
How Drug Possession Charges Work in Savannah
Drug possession is the crime of having controlled substances on your person or in your possession (i.e. in your pocket or your car, for example). Controlled substances are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-24, and include all five schedules of controlled substances.
The type and amount of drug that you are caught with determines the charges and the possible punishments. Schedules 1 and 2 (the most restricted options) come with a possible 30-year sentence, while schedules 3-5 can lead to a sentence of up to 5 years in prison.
To file a drug possession charge, police have to find you in possession of drugs. That means they can be anywhere that you control. For example, possession includes:
- In your pocket
- In your car
- In your house or apartment
The drugs have to be found during a legal search and turned over as evidence.
Marijuana is also a Controlled Substance
Across the U.S., states passed laws changing how cannabis is treated in terms of drug possessions. In Georgia, marijuana is still a controlled substance with no changes in regulations to make it legal to possess it. The only exception is medical marijuana oil, which has a low THC level. Even then, you can only have 20 oz of it.
If you are caught with marijuana in your possession, you can be charged with a drug possession-related felony.
Defending Against Drug Possession Charges
If you are charged with drug possession in Georgia, retain a Savannah criminal defense attorney immediately. The severity of drug charges means you need a good defense. This is not a situation where you want to try to navigate the legal system alone.
A good criminal defense lawyer can build a strong defense against drug possession charges. There are several ways to do this that can be effective. The common way is to attack the validity of the charges themselves. Police are required to follow specific processes. When they don’t, any evidence, arrests, and resulting charges may not be admissible in court. Making sure that the police followed procedure, at the least, ensures that your rights are being respected.
Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney
There are many ways that a criminal defense attorney can build your defense. What is clear is that you need personalized support for your situation. Otherwise, you could be facing a long stint in jail.
Don’t hesitate to discuss your case with Savannah criminal defense attorneys at Phillips Carson Phillips. We fight to ensure that your rights are respected, and you get the best possible outcome for your case. Start the process by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form to schedule a free consultation today.