Under Georgia law, it is a crime for an individual to distribute, manufacture, possess, use, sell, or import certain types of drugs. Drug crime convictions can have serious consequences. If you’re facing charges, it’s time to partner with a drug crimes lawyer in Canton, GA.
Without proper legal representation by a Canton criminal defense lawyer with experience defending clients against drug crimes, you could find yourself at risk for facing harsh fines and penalties and extended jail time.
At Speights Law, we have been serving Georgia since 2001 and bring together more than 120 years of combined experience. We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and the law, and we use this knowledge to build strong defenses for our clients.
Why Do You Need a Canton Drug Crime Lawyer?
Being charged with a drug crime in Canton can have serious and long-lasting consequences, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Facing the legal system on your own can be overwhelming and risky.
Having an experienced drug crimes lawyer in Canton helps to ensure that your rights are protected and that you have someone advocating for the best possible outcome. At Speights Law, we are here to:
- Protect your rights: We work hard to make sure that law enforcement and prosecutors follow all proper legal procedures, safeguarding your constitutional rights.
- Handle the legal system: Criminal cases often involve complicated laws, deadlines, and court procedures that can be confusing without professional guidance.
- Build a strong defense: At Speights Law, we evaluate the evidence, investigate the circumstances of your arrest, and explore all possible defenses to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Reducing charges: An experienced drug crimes lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, challenge improper evidence, and pursue strategies that may result in reduced charges or lesser penalties.
- Offer peace of mind: Facing criminal charges is stressful; having a lawyer provides guidance, support, and confidence throughout the process.
Types of Drug Crimes in Georgia
Drug offenses in Canton and across Georgia cover a wide range of charges. Our attorneys handle every kind of drug-related case, no matter how complicated. Some of the most common include:
- Drug possession: Drug charges for possessing illegal substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription
- Possession with intent to distribute: Accusations that you intended to sell or deliver drugs, often based on the amount found or the presence of items like baggies or scales
- Drug trafficking: Severe charges involving large quantities of controlled substances, which can carry mandatory minimum prison sentences
- Prescription drug crimes: Unlawful possession, fraud, or distribution of prescription medications such as opioids, stimulants, or anti-anxiety drugs
- Marijuana crimes: Despite some states legalizing cannabis, Georgia still treats possession and distribution as criminal offenses
Our Canton drug crimes lawyers understand that every case is different. We carefully review the facts, evidence, and police procedures to determine the best defense strategy for your situation.
Defenses Against Drug Charges
At Speights Law, we understand that no two drug cases are the same. What may seem like an open-and-shut case for the prosecution often contains weaknesses that can be challenged in court.
Below are some of the most common defenses we use when representing clients facing drug charges.
Challenging the Stop or Search
Many drug cases begin with a traffic stop or a police search, but not all of these are conducted legally. If law enforcement stopped you without reasonable suspicion or searched you without probable cause, your constitutional rights may have been violated.
When this happens, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence, which may prevent the drugs or other items from being used against you in court. Without that evidence, the prosecution’s case often falls apart.
Lack of Possession
Prosecutors must prove that the drugs belonged to you or that you had control over them. In many cases, drugs are found in shared spaces like a car or home, making it unclear who actually possessed them.
Our Canton criminal defense lawyers use this ambiguity to your advantage by arguing that you were not in possession of the controlled substances. Demonstrating a lack of possession can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Insufficient Evidence
Even when the state claims to have strong evidence, it is still required to prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Sometimes prosecutors rely on circumstantial evidence or assumptions about intent, particularly in possession with intent to distribute cases.
By carefully scrutinizing the evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and exposing weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments, we can demonstrate that the state simply cannot meet its burden of proof.
Medical Explanations
Not every case involving prescription drugs should be treated as a crime. In many situations, clients are accused of unlawful possession or misuse of prescription medications when, in fact, they had a valid prescription from a doctor.
In these cases, our Canton drug crimes attorneys gather the necessary medical records and expert testimony to show that you were legally entitled to possess the medication, which can result in charges being reduced or dismissed.
What to Do if You’ve Been Accused of a Drug Crime
If you have been arrested or believe you are under investigation for a drug crime in Canton, it’s critical to take the right steps immediately. Protecting yourself starts with being proactive:
- Remain silent: Do not answer police questions without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Do not consent to searches: Never give police permission to search your home, car, or belongings without a warrant.
- Contact a lawyer immediately: The sooner you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the stronger your defense will be.
- Preserve evidence: Keep records, texts, or other information that may help prove your innocence.
- Follow legal advice from Speights Law: Listen carefully to your Canton drug crime lawyer’s guidance and avoid discussing your case with anyone else.
Taking these steps can dramatically impact the outcome of your drug-related case. To schedule your case review, give Speights Law a call.
Contact Our Team of Canton Drug Crimes Lawyers to Schedule Your Case Evaluation
Drug crime charges in Canton can feel like the end of the world, but with the right legal team, there is hope. At Speights Law, we have been defending Georgia residents since 2001, with more than 120 years of combined experience guiding our practice.
If you or a loved one is facing a drug-related charge, don’t wait. Contact Speights Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced drug crimes lawyers in Canton. For more information, visit our FAQ page.