Serious drug charges in Atlanta carry the potential for a felony conviction, which could result in mandatory jail sentences of multiple years and even decades. Facing these types of penalties can have severe repercussions on literally every aspect of your life, both now and well into your future. At times like this, you need a knowledgeable, aggressive lawyer looking out for your best interests. Get legal help for drug charges in Atlanta and contact the Law Office of Thomas, Webb, and Willis, LLC today. We provide legal service you can trust to help strategize your best course of defense.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heroin use has steadily increased over the past several years, reaching what the CDC states is epidemic proportions. In light of the potentially life threatening dangers posed by this narcotic, those charged with heroin crimes face severe penalties. Heroin charges listed under the Georgia Controlled Substances Act include the following:
Due to the threat to the public health posed by heroin, possessing even a small amount can result in a mandatory jail sentence of several years or more. Under the Section 16-13-30 of the Georgia Code, heroin is a Schedule I narcotic, and possession of between one and four grams of heroin is punishable by up to eight years in prison, while amounts over this number could result in 10 or more years of incarceration. If the amount of heroin in your possession is determined to indicate the intent to distribute, you could be facing a jail sentence of up to 30 years for a first offense, while a second offense could mean imprisonment for a period of 40 years to life.
Criminal charges for manufacturing heroin involve cases in which the accused is charged with being involved in the production of the drug itself or involved in preparing heroin for sale or distribution. The manufacture of heroin is classified under the same code section as distribution, and a conviction could mean a jail sentence of between three to 30 years. A second offense for manufacturing heroin carries a mandatory ten-year sentence, while the judge in the case has the power to increase that sentence to 40 years or more.
Trafficking heroin carries some of the most severe punishments, involving both state and federal laws. Under Section 16-13-31 of the Georgia Code, fines and penalties for trafficking heroin range from minimum mandatory jail sentences of ten years or more and fines of $200,000, to up to 25 years’ imprisonment and as much as $1 million in fines for larger quantities. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) aggressively prosecutes those accused of heroin trafficking, and federal charges could result in a life sentence, as well as fines up to $25 million for those convicted of acting in consort with others or as part of a larger drug ring.
Heroin charges have the potential to ruin your future, while impacting your family and loved ones both emotionally and financially. When you are facing these types of serious drug charges, you need an aggressive lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected. Get the legal help you need for drug charges in Atlanta by contacting the Law Office of Thomas, Webb, and Willis, LLC today. We provide experienced, trusted legal representation at a time you need it most, and can help you strategize your best course of defense to help you avoid a conviction. The best defense starts immediately after you have been charged, so call (404) 250-1113 or contact our office online today to speak with a qualified criminal lawyer.
Many people arrested for DUI feel as though they have already been pronounced guilty of a crime. If you have been charged with DUI, you should speak with expert DUI attorney Thomas J. Thomas.
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