If you are a middle-aged person charged with a serious drug crime involving cultivation, distribution or trafficking of marijuana, you may face severe consequences. Georgia has not decriminalized recreational marijuana use like some other states. One ounce or less is still considered a crime here. Even if you are growing weed for your personal use, you could still be charged with a felony in North Georgia.
Georgia law
According to Georgia law, possession of marijuana of more than 1 ounce to 10 pounds is a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years. If you are in possession of 10 pounds of marijuana or more, that is considered trafficking, which carries even harsher penalties. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved, you could face between one and 15 years of imprisonment and a mandatory fine ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000.
Effects of being charged
These are serious charges that can affect your life in many ways. You need a criminal defense attorney who can fight for your rights and protect your interests. A good lawyer can help you challenge the evidence against you, negotiate a plea deal or seek alternative sentencing programs that may offer treatment instead of jail time.
What is the takeaway?
If you or someone you love has been charged with a serious Marietta, Georgia, drug crime involving marijuana in Georgia, it is a good idea to consider legal representation. Facing charges can feel overwhelming and you may worry about your future, but you do not have to handle the legal battle alone. Prosecutors and law enforcement cooperate to bring charges against us, we all deserve legal assistance to assert our rights and assert that we are innocent until proven guilty.