Allegations of Trafficking in Methamphetamine in Cobb County
Drug trafficking is one of the most serious offenses that a person can be charged with in Georgia. Those convicted face a minimum prison sentence of between ten and 25 years, so it’s important for those who have been accused of engaging in trafficking, to start working with an attorney who can help them begin building a defense strategy.
Selling, Delivering, or Manufacturing Methamphetamine
In Georgia, those who are accused of selling, delivering, manufacturing, or bringing a certain amount of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture containing these substances into the state (28 grams or more) can be charged with felony trafficking. Specific sentencing for this offense is dependent on the quantity of the substance found in the accused’s possession. For instance, those found in possession of between 28 and 200 grams face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a fine of $200,000. Possessing an amounts between 200 and 400 grams, on the other hand, is punishable by at least 15 years in prison and a $300,000 fine, while possession of selling, delivering, or bringing 400 grams or more of methamphetamine into the state will result in a minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years and a fine of $1 million.
Defenses to Charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine
The penalties for a drug trafficking conviction are severe in Georgia, which is why it’s so critical for defendants to have a thorough understanding of their defense options, which include a lack of knowledge of the nature of the substance or lack of intent to traffic in that substance. Defendants can also argue that the evidence in their case was obtained as a result of an illegal search or seizure. For instance, if the police didn’t have a warrant or they exceeded the scope of that warrant, the evidence they collected could be excluded at trial. This could in turn, result in the dismissal of the charges. It is also possible to avoid conviction by proving entrapment, which occurs when a police officer induces an individual to commit a crime. Finally, those accused of trafficking in methamphetamine can raise the defense of duress, which requires proof that they were forced to commit a crime under threat of imminent harm to themselves or others. For help determining which of these defenses is most likely to prove successful in your own case, please reach out to our legal team today.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Trafficking in methamphetamine is one of the most serious drug offenses with which a Georgia resident can be accused. You do not, however, have to take these kinds of accusations lying down, but can raise a strong defense on your own behalf. Fortunately, you do not have to undertake this endeavor on your own, but could benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney. To speak with dedicated Cobb County drug trafficking lawyer Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. about how our legal team could help you build a defense to your own drug charges, please call 678-853-2500 and set up a consultation today.
Sources:
law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-16/chapter-13/article-2/16-13-31
clery.emory.edu/policies/penalties.html
