A drug charge can shatter your sense of security. Whether your situation started with a search, a stop, or a knock at your door, you have rights, and we are ready to fight back. At Speights Law, we understand how high the stakes are.
Our Blue Ridge criminal defense lawyers will stand between you and the prosecution from the moment you call. With over 120 years of combined experience, including former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers, our team knows how drug charges are built and how to tear them down.
A Blue Ridge drug crimes defense lawyer from our firm will work closely with you to understand your story, explain how Georgia drug laws affect your case, and fight to protect your freedom. To review your legal options, call us today for a free consultation.
How Our Blue Ridge Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys Will Help
Our job is to stand between you and the government—and we take that job seriously. Our attorneys provide strong legal defense at every stage of the case. That includes:
- Listening to your story without judgment and helping you understand your rights.
- Reviewing the police’s conduct, including how evidence was gathered.
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss the charges altogether.
- Challenging the prosecution’s case and highlighting weak spots in their arguments.
- Representing you at every hearing, including bond hearings, plea negotiations, and trial.
- Filing appeals if your case was mishandled or your rights were violated.
We don’t leave clients guessing about what’s going on. You will get consistent updates and direct access to your attorney, not a long chain of staff members.
Understanding How Drug Crimes Work in Georgia
Drug crimes in Georgia cover a wide range of conduct. You can face charges for having drugs, selling or distributing them, manufacturing them, or even being near someone else who does.
The state uses the Georgia Controlled Substances Act to define and categorize drug-related offenses.
Here are a few examples of drug crimes under Georgia law:
- Possession of a controlled substance: Being caught with a Schedule I or II drug like heroin, meth, or cocaine can result in felony charges.
- Possession with intent to distribute: If the police believe you planned to sell or distribute the drugs, the penalties are more severe, even if you never sold anything.
- Trafficking: Involves large quantities of drugs and comes with mandatory prison sentences.
- Prescription drug crimes: Having drugs like OxyContin or Xanax without a valid prescription is illegal, even if you were taking them for pain or anxiety.
- Marijuana offenses: Though some states have legalized marijuana, Georgia has not. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor here; having more than one ounce is a felony.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?
Georgia imposes serious penalties for drug convictions, many of which include mandatory minimum prison time. Sentences depend on several factors: the type of drug, how much you had, whether you’ve been convicted before, and whether the alleged offense happened near a school or public housing.
Even a conviction for a first-time offense can follow you for life, affecting jobs, housing, student loans, and relationships. That’s why getting a strong legal defense team is essential.
Why Drug Crime Cases Can Be Hard on People Facing Charges
Many people facing charges in drug crime cases are not hardened criminals. They are students, workers, parents, or people who have a substance use disorder.
If you are in this situation, you might feel ashamed, confused, or afraid of losing your job or family. The court system can feel cold and impersonal, but we will not treat you that way. Speights Law believes every client we serve deserves dignity, honesty, and a strong defense.
When we handle your case, we will:
- Keep you informed about what’s going on.
- Fight aggressively to limit or eliminate penalties.
- Be honest about your options.
- Respect your time and situation.
When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer for Your Case?
You do not have to wait until the state charges you. Prosecutors often start building a case long before they file formal charges. If law enforcement is investigating you, questioning you, or has already arrested you, now is the time to call a lawyer.
Our criminal drug defense attorneys in Blue Ridge can step in early to challenge the investigation you may face and how officers collect evidence. We will work to resolve your case before it ever reaches the courtroom.
Common Defenses Used in Georgia Drug Crime Cases
At Speights Law, we don’t rely on cookie-cutter defenses. Instead, we take the time to understand your case and tailor our approach to fit your situation. The facts, evidence, and circumstances around your arrest will shape the right legal strategy.
That said, some defenses commonly come up in drug crime cases. Depending on the facts, we may be able to argue any of the following in your case.
- Unlawful search or seizure: If police searched you, your home, or your vehicle without a valid warrant or probable cause, we can move to suppress the evidence they found.
- Lack of possession: Just because drugs were nearby doesn’t mean they belonged to you. We may be able to show you didn’t know the drugs were there or that they belonged to someone else.
- Chain of custody issues: The state must properly document and preserve all evidence. If the handling of the evidence was flawed, we can challenge its reliability in court. Our team understands how to challenge drug charges in court by examining laboratory analysis and whether errors in testing or evidence handling occurred.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If they can’t do that, we will push for a dismissal or acquittal.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement pressured or tricked you into committing a drug offense you would not have committed otherwise, we could raise entrapment as a defense.
These are just a few examples of defenses that attorneys use in these cases. We will carefully review the facts of your arrest, examine how police handled the investigation, and develop a defense strategy that fits your specific case.
From day one, our goal is to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
How to Prepare for a Drug Crime Case in Blue Ridge, GA
Getting ready to fight a drug charge doesn’t mean doing it all yourself, but you can do some things now to help your attorney build a strong defense.
Here are some helpful steps:
- Don’t speak to the police without your attorney. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Gather documents: Any paperwork related to your arrest or searches can be useful.
- Write down your version of events: Memories fade, so document everything while it’s fresh.
- Make a list of witnesses: If anyone was with you or knows the situation, they could be important.
- Be honest with your lawyer: Any facts that you are nervous about can be handled properly if we know ahead of time.
Our Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer in Blue Ridge Is Ready to Take Action for You
At Speights Law, we fight for people like you—people who deserve a voice, a plan, and a legal team that won’t back down. Our drug crimes defense lawyers in Blue Ridge, GA, will listen to your story, explain your rights under state law, and start building a strong defense from day one.
Whether you’re under investigation, recently arrested, or already facing charges, now is the time to act. Call Speights Law today for a free, private consultation with our criminal defense lawyer. We’re ready to stand between you and the prosecution—and we’ll fight for your future every step of the way.