I Was Arrested with Drugs in Cobb County, What Should I Do?
You are out enjoying the evening with your sweetheart when suddenly you see flashing blue lights in the rearview mirror. The next thing you know, you are being arrested for drug possession. Now, instead of a candle-lit evening, you are facing criminal charges that could impact the rest of your life. If you find yourself in this frightening situation, do not panic. Here’s what you should do when arrested with drugs in Cobb County.
Know Your Rights
First and foremost, if you are arrested, remember you have rights. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Do not try to explain yourself or argue with the police. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Politely tell the officers you are invoking your right to remain silent and that you want to speak to a lawyer. Do not consent to any searches of your person, vehicle, or property. If the police search anyway, do not physically resist. Your attorney can challenge any unlawful searches later. The less you say and do during the arrest, the better.
Get Out of Jail
Once you have been booked at the jail, your first priority will be getting released. Depending on the details of your case, you may be released on your recognizance, required to post bail, or held without bail. Regardless, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible – ideally before your first court appearance. An attorney can argue for lower bail or no bail on your behalf and start building your defense immediately.
Understand the Charges & Penalties
Drug charges in Georgia are serious business with harsh potential penalties. The exact charge will depend on factors like the type and amount of drug, whether you had intent to distribute, and your prior criminal history. Charges range from simple possession (a misdemeanor) all the way up to trafficking (a serious felony). Penalties can include steep fines, lengthy probation, and significant prison time.
Some common drug charges in Cobb County include:
- Possession of Marijuana (less than 1 oz)
- Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine, meth, heroin, unauthorized prescription drugs)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance
- Drug Trafficking
Build Your Defense
There may be several viable defenses in your case, even if you think the evidence against you is insurmountable. Common defenses against drug charges include:
- The drugs belonged to someone else
- The police had no probable cause to stop or search you
- The police did not read your Miranda rights
- The police performed an illegal search and seizure
- The crime lab analysis was flawed
- You were a victim of entrapment
- You have a valid prescription for the controlled substance
Choosing the right defense requires a thorough review of the evidence, in-depth knowledge of case law, and extensive trial experience. As your attorney, I will carefully investigate your case to determine the best path forward.
Seek Legal Help
If you have been arrested for drugs in Cobb County, call us at (678) 853-2500 for consultation. With over two decades of experience defending drug cases, our criminal defense attorney has the skills and knowledge to secure the best possible outcome for you. Do not let one mistake derail your entire future. Call our Cobb County drug crimes lawyers at Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C. today for help.
Source:
gdna.georgia.gov/document/document/132824956ocga-16-13-controlled-substancespdf/download
