The United States federal government regards any type of drug trafficking, including marijuana, as a serious criminal offense. If you or someone you know has recently been arrested for marijuana drug trafficking in Georgia, it’s imperative that you contact a Georgia marijuana drug trafficking attorney that specializes in this area of law. The penalties for a marijuana drug trafficking conviction are severe but with the right marijuana attorney in Georgia, you may be able to have your charge reduced or even dismissed.
SentencingWhen it comes to sentences for drug trafficking in Georgia, the federal government has set up guidelines for judges to go by. Your sentence can be based on one of two factors: your criminal history and the offense level you are charged with. If you have a criminal record and/or your offense level is considered high, then your sentencing will be more severe and may include lengthy prison time, thousands of dollars in fines and forfeiture of your property. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will be deported.
In addition to your criminal record and offense level, judges also look at other factors when determining the penalties you’ll face if convicted. They will review the type of drugs that were allegedly being trafficked, the quantity of drugs and whether or not you are a minor or involved a minor. Your penalties will also be worse if you were on school grounds or were near a school. If you crossed state or international borders, enhanced penalties may also apply.
Evidence That May Be UsedThe prosecution must provide evidence that drug trafficking occurred. They may introduce evidence such as excessive amounts of cash, scales used to measure drugs, weapons or an unusual amount of beepers and cell phones.
It’s possible that the prosecution may want to enter into a plea bargain with you. This is when you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge. You do not want to enter into a plea bargain without a qualified defense attorney on your side! Your attorney will be there to make sure your rights are protected during the plea bargain and every court procedure.