Being charged with a drug crime can flip your entire life upside down. You may feel judged, isolated, or like the system is already stacked against you. At Speights Law, we understand that. Our former prosecutors and experienced trial lawyers know exactly how these cases are built—and how to break them apart.
Our firm uses our 122+ years of combined experience to stand up for people just like you. Our drug crimes defense lawyer in Cartersville will explain how Georgia law applies to your case and create a strategy built around your best possible outcome.
A Cartersville criminal defense lawyer from our team won’t let you face these charges alone. We’ll be in your corner from day one, fighting to protect your rights, your future, and your name. To start on your case, call us today for a free consultation.
Our Drug-Related Crime Attorneys in Cartersville Offer Full Support as We Build Your Defense
Drug charges carry serious consequences, and knowing what to do next isn’t always clear. Having a legal team that knows the law, knows the system, and knows how to fight for you can make a difference in your case.
When you work with our Cartersville drug crime attorneys at Speights Law, you will get legal support from day one. We will handle your case from start to finish.
We will:
- Listen to your story: We begin by understanding exactly what happened without judgment.
- Review the facts: We analyze the arrest, evidence, and whether your rights were violated.
- Challenge weak evidence: We’ll file motions to suppress evidence that wasn’t obtained legally.
- Negotiate with prosecutors: In some cases, we can get charges reduced or dismissed.
- Represent you in court: If your case goes to trial, we’ll be ready to fight.
- Keep you informed: You’ll always know what’s going on and what comes next.
- Explore every option: Including first offender programs, drug court, or plea deals.
- Help with appeals: If your case has already resulted in a conviction, we can help challenge it.
We will give you straight answers and act fast to protect your rights.
What to Know About Drug Crimes Under Georgia Law
The Georgia Controlled Substances Act governs how law enforcement handles the various drug crimes in the state. These laws classify illegal drugs into schedules based on how addictive they are and whether they have any accepted medical use.
Penalties vary depending on what drug was involved, how much you had, and what you were allegedly doing with it.
Common Drug Charges in Georgia
Some of the drug crimes people get charged with include the following:
- Possession: Having even a small amount of a controlled substance like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
- Possession with intent to distribute: Having more than a personal-use amount, along with things like scales or baggies that suggest dealing.
- Trafficking: Large-scale drug offenses based on weight thresholds (e.g., 28 grams of cocaine or more).
- Manufacturing or cultivation: Growing marijuana or operating a lab to produce synthetic drugs.
- Prescription fraud: Using forged prescriptions or doctor shopping to get prescription medications like Oxycodone or Xanax.
Even first-time offenders can face serious consequences.
Penalties for Drug Crimes Include Prison Time, Fines
Drug crime penalties in Georgia are harsh. They may include:
- Felony charges for most drug offenses.
- Years in prison, depending on the type and amount of drugs involved.
- Fines up to $100,000.
- Probation, community service, or mandatory drug treatment.
- Loss of driving privileges.
- A permanent criminal record, which can affect employment, housing, and more.
For those charged with trafficking or repeat offenses, mandatory minimum prison sentences may apply.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer for a Cartersville Drug Crime Case?
Don’t wait. If police are questioning you, investigating you, or have already made an arrest, take action now to get legal help.
You do not need to be formally charged before contacting a lawyer. In fact, having a defense attorney early in the process can:
- Help protect your rights during questioning.
- Prevent accidental self-incrimination.
- Give your case a stronger start by preserving evidence and building your defense from day one.
Time matters in these cases. The sooner we get involved, the more options we may be able to preserve for you.
Common Defenses in Cartersville Drug Crime Cases
Every drug charge and case is different, but several legal defenses may apply to your case. Our legal team at Speights Law will examine every detail to find the strongest strategy for your situation.
Illegal Search and Seizure
If police searched your car, home, or body without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence they found may be thrown out.
Lack of Possession
Just being near drugs doesn’t mean they were yours. We can argue that you didn’t own, control, or even know about the drugs in question.
Unlawful Traffic Stop
If you were pulled over without a legal reason, any evidence collected afterward may be challenged.
Entrapment
If law enforcement pressured or tricked you into committing a crime you wouldn’t have otherwise done, it may count as entrapment.
Crime Lab Mistakes
Drug evidence must be tested and confirmed. If there were errors in testing, labeling, or storage, the results can be challenged in court.
Invalid Prescription
If you had a legal prescription for the drug you were carrying, that could be a valid defense against a possession charge.
The right defense depends on the facts of your case, so our team will carefully review every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our criminal defense attorney for drug offenses in Cartersville will make sure others hear your side of the story and that you receive fair consideration.
Tips for Preparing for a Criminal Case Involving Drug Charges
Facing a drug charge is stressful, but you can take steps to protect yourself and understand what to do next. Here are some tips to get prepared:
- Stay quiet: Don’t talk to the police without your lawyer present.
- Gather your documents: Bring any police paperwork, court documents, or other related materials.
- Write things down: Keep notes on what happened before, during, and after the arrest.
- Identify witnesses: If anyone saw what happened or can speak to your character, let us know.
- Avoid social media: Don’t post anything related to the case. Prosecutors may be watching.
We’ll walk you through everything and make sure you’re not alone in the process.
Our Cartersville Criminal Defense Lawyer Is Ready to Help You
We’ve helped Georgians facing drug charges for nearly 25 years, and we’re ready to help you, too. Whether this is your first offense or you’re facing serious felony charges, you deserve a defense that’s focused on your future, not just your case file.
Call Speights Law today for a free, confidential case review. We are ready to discuss your rights, your options, and how we can lead your case.
