Drug trafficking charges are serious criminal charges. Individuals charged with drug trafficking and drug possession face long prison sentences and other potential penalties and consequences associated with drug charges. Unfortunately, individuals facing accusations of drug crimes may run into situations when authorities do not follow all the procedures that are required to protect the rights of accused individuals or circumstances when the charges against them may be overly aggressive.
In addition, drug charges may be charged as felony charges which carry stiffer penalties, including a year or more in prison. Felony charges can include possession of any amount of a controlled substance such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or ecstasy. In addition, possession of any amount of prescription drug obtained unlawfully can result in felony charges. It is also a felony in Georgia to possess an ounce or more of marijuana. Felony charges are serious charges and should not be treated lightly.
Possessing a drug in certain amounts can also result in a drug trafficking charge, which can carry harsh prison sentences depending on the accused individual’s history and the circumstances. Drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum prison terms and can result in fines up to $100,000, along with other penalties. Because of the serious nature of drug trafficking and other drug charges, it is often necessary to carefully evaluate the evidence against the accused individual and how it was obtained. If any of the activities of authorities violated the rights of the accused individual, it may be possible to mitigate the potentially harsh effects of the charges the individual is facing.
The criminal defense process is available to step in and help an accused individual avoid a significant prison sentence or pursue alternatives such as a drug diversion program. Criminal defense resources are available to all accused individuals and it is important they are familiar with them.
