As a Georgia marijuana lawyer, George McCranie believes that a marijuana charge shouldn’t ruin your life forever. While many people in the U.S. are increasingly tolerant of marijuana use, possession, distribution, and cultivation are still violations of state and federal law. If you’re caught with marijuana, especially large quantities, you might face years in prison and other penalties. However, with help from an experienced Georgia marijuana lawyer, you might avoid jail time or significantly reduce your sentence. Contact us today to learn more.
We Aggressively Defend Our Clients Against Marijuana Charges
Georgia has some of the strictest marijuana laws in the country. If you’ve been arrested on drug charges, it’s in your best interest to contact the George McCranie Law Firm as soon as possible. Mr. McCranie is a respected Georgia marijuana lawyer, published author, and a leader in the Georgia criminal defense community. He aggressively fights for his clients, whether they are high-profile athletes, students, or laborers.
Marijuana Charges in Georgia
If you’re charged with a marijuana-related offense, contact the George McCranie Law Firm as soon as possible. Mr. McCranie has handled the largest marijuana growth cases in the state on multiple charges. However, we handle a wide variety of drug defenses, including:
- Possession of Marijuana
- Misdemeanor & Felony
- With Intent to Distribute
- Or Other Drug Paraphernalia
- Sale of Marijuana
- Manufacture of Marijuana
- Trafficking Marijuana in Georgia
Georgia Marijuana Laws Impose Strict Penalties
“It’s only marijuana.” Unfortunately, a simple marijuana offense can impact your life forever. However, the penalties will depend on the amount of marijuana you possessed at the time, the circumstances surrounding your arrest, and whether you have defenses. We can help you understand the penalties associated with a conviction in your case and help you defend yourself.
Marijuana laws in Georgia state that a drug possession charge involving less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Penalties may include:
- A Criminal Record – for the rest of your life
- Up to 12 Months in Jail
- Fines (up to $1,000 in court costs)
- Probation (up to 12 months) & fees
- Loss of Scholarships
- Possible Suspension from any University of Georgia System School
- Drug counseling and/or Treatment
The quantity of Marijuana is the difference between the charges of possession, distribution or sale. If you are in possession of 10 pounds of marijuana or more, you can be charged with Trafficking Marijuana. 10 to 2,000 pounds is a mandatory 5 years in prison.
The penalties can also increase if you’re convicted in a drug-free zone, your offense involved a firearm or violence, or other factors. If you, or someone you care about, has been charged with a misdemeanor marijuana possession, it is vital that you hire an attorney who is experienced in defending marijuana charges in Georgia.
At the George McCranie Law Firm, our ultimate objective is always to have your case dismissed, and your arrest restricted on your criminal record. We closely examine the validity of the circumstances of your stop, search, pat down, and file motions to suppress this evidence when appropriate. Paying close attention to the specific facts of your case can result in winning your case without going to trial.
Marijuana Laws in Georgia and DUI Charges
If you are pulled over for DUI and marijuana is found in your car and you admit to smoking marijuana you could find yourself facing both a DUI of Drugs and Marijuana Possession charges. In this situation it is vital that you hire an experienced & knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to protect you as soon as possible.
When you work with the George McCranie Law Firm, a Georgia marijuana lawyer will carefully examine both your DUI and marijuana-related charges, looking for potential defenses. These defenses might include procedural issues (such as search and seizure violations) and technical issues involving the police officers’ testing of your blood-alcohol levels.
Medical Marijuana in Georgia
Unlike some states, Georgia strictly limits the medicinal use of marijuana. You might qualify for a medical marijuana license if you suffer from specific illnesses (such as end-stage cancer and seizure disorders). However, this license allows you to possess and use low-THC oils or CBD oils, not traditional marijuana products. Even if you have a medical marijuana license, you can be charged with marijuana-related crimes if you possess high-THC oils, smokable, or other cannabis products.
You should also understand that a medical marijuana license won’t protect you from drugged driving charges if law enforcement stops you while driving under the influence. If you have questions about medical marijuana, drugged driving charges, or other issues involving cannabis, contact a Georgia marijuana lawyer at the George McCranie Law Firm today.
Is Marijuana Legal in Places Like Atlanta?
Today, there’s a lot of talk about legalizing recreational marijuana. While cannabis advocates have demanded liberalized marijuana laws for years, the Georgia legislature has resisted any changes to the current system. Even though the majority of Georgians support some form of legalization, there are not currently any ballot measures in Georgia that address the legalization of marijuana.
You also might have heard that some cities, such as Atlanta, are “decriminalizing” marijuana. This doesn’t mean that all marijuana use is legal in these areas or that you won’t face state or federal charges for marijuana possession, distribution, cultivation, or trafficking. All it means is that you might face a civil penalty if you’re caught with a small amount of pot in these cities.
Marijuana laws change frequently. At the George McCranie Law Firm, we carefully monitor all state and federal legislation and regulation that might impact your case. If you have questions about marijuana decriminalization, consult with an experienced Georgia marijuana lawyer who can advise you about the most up-to-date laws and policies in our state.
You Have the Right to Consult With a Georgia Marijuana Lawyer
Marijuana and drug-related charges might seem embarrassing, but you should never handle your criminal case of your own. A Georgia marijuana lawyer can offer you numerous benefits, including the following:
- Identifying all of your potential legal defenses, including violations of your constitutional rights
- Assessing the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence against you
- Handling all of your pre-trial matters
- Negotiating with the prosecutor on your behalf
- Determining your eligibility for diversion programs that might help you avoid a criminal record
- Presenting your best possible defenses to the jury
- Helping you minimize your sentence if convicted
- Help you with expungement after you serve your sentence
On top of all this, your lawyer should provide sound advice and emotional support.
If law enforcement arrests you for marijuana possession or distribution, you should not discuss your case with the police until your Georgia marijuana lawyer is present. Sometimes, the authorities will try to get you to make damaging statements and admissions when your lawyer is absent. Resist the urge to defend or explain yourself until you talk to your lawyer. Together, you can build a comprehensive defense strategy that preserves your legal rights.
More Questions? Contact a Georgia Marijuana Lawyer
Are you ready to discuss your case with an experienced Georgia marijuana lawyer? The George McCranie Law Firm is here to help. We tirelessly defend our clients and protect their rights. If charged with Marijuana Possession or DUI of Drugs, you need to act quickly to hire an attorney. If you don’t you are facing serious penalties including jail along with a suspension of your license. Contact us today to schedule your confidential, no-risk consultation.
Call The George McCranie Law Firm at 912-384-2889 to schedule your free consultation.