With the opioid crisis worsening with the spread of drugs laced with fentanyl, we have seen a rise in overdoses and deaths. Often mixed with other drugs without users knowing, this drug is a powerful synthetic opioid. When young people unknowingly have these dangerous mixtures, it creates a tricky legal situation. Georgia deals with these cases by balancing public safety with the special circumstances of young offenders.
How does Georgia classify fentanyl-related offenses?
The state has strict laws for crimes involving fentanyl. According to federal trafficking laws, if you have 4 grams or more of fentanyl or a mixture that contains fentanyl, the police can arrest you for trafficking. This crime comes with harsh penalties, including:
- A minimum prison sentence of 10 years
- Fines up to $200,000
- Mandatory minimum sentences that increase with larger quantities
For young people, the consequences can be life-changing. However, Georgia focuses on rehabilitating these young offenders instead of punishing them.
What defenses are available for juveniles caught with fentanyl-laced drugs?
If police arrest a minor for possessing drugs laced with fentanyl, you can use several defense strategies:
- Lack of knowledge: In defense, you can argue that the minor did not know the drugs contained fentanyl.
- Entrapment: Law enforcement may have pressured the juvenile into admitting to the offense, which you can challenge.
- Illegal search and seizure: You can question the legality of how law enforcement collected the evidence.
Georgia’s juvenile courts consider the juvenile’s age, past record and potential for rehabilitation when deciding on appropriate interventions.
How can legal guidance shape a juvenile’s future in these cases?
Encountering fentanyl-related charges can be complicated, and it’s important to understand the state’s drug laws and juvenile justice system. A lawyer can examine the details of each case, find possible defenses, and work towards solutions that focus on helping rather than punishing. With the right legal plan, young people in these tough situations might avoid the worst penalties and instead focus on planning for the future.