Savannah Controlled Substance Attorney
Possession of a controlled substance charges don’t automatically equate to a conviction. You have the power to fight your charges, and possibly get them dismissed or reduced entirely.
We understand the feelings you’re going through. Jail time, steep fines, and a mark on your permanent record are probably all concerns for you right now. At The Claiborne Firm, we take the time to listen to our clients’ fears. We can spend that kind of time with each client because we keep our caseloads low, unlike other heavily advertised law firms.
What Does Possession of a Controlled Substance Mean?
The phrase possession of a controlled substance can be broken down into two parts. The first – possession – means that the substance was found on your person or in your property, for example, in your house or vehicle. The second – a controlled substance – means an illegal drug or a legal drug without a prescription.
Is Possession of a Controlled Substance a Felony in Georgia?
They type of charge depends on the specific drug and amount of that drug found in your possession. In Georgia and according to federal regulations, drugs are categorized into five groups known as “schedules” based on their potential for abuse and medical use. The schedule and amount of the drug determine if the charge is a felony or misdemeanor offense. The following lists the schedules and some examples of drugs found in each (this is not an exhaustive list):
- • Schedule I: Marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, mushrooms (psilocybin), LSD
- • Schedule II: Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, opium, cocaine
- • Schedule III: Ketamine, steroids
- • Schedule IV: Antidepressants like Xanax or Valium, Ativan, Ambien, Klonopin
- • Schedule V: Other prescription drugs like prescription-strength Robitussin
What are the Potential Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance?
Illegal possession of schedule I drugs and schedule II drugs is considered a felony. It carries a penalty of two to 30 years in prison. Illegal possession of schedule III – V drugs is also a felony. It carries a penalty of one to five years in prison.
How Can I Fight Possession of a Controlled Substance Charges?
You don’t have to fight your drug charges alone. A skilled attorney knows that each case is unique and will formulate a defense strategy after hearing your side of the story. Some common defenses for possession of a controlled substance include:
- • Police misconduct or procedural misconduct
- • Unlawful search
- • Entrapment
- • Wrongful allegations
- • The drugs weren’t actually in your possession
- • The substance was not illegal, or you had a prescription
What Makes the Claiborne Firm Different?
The Claiborne Firm is known for its reputation for fighting against unfair treatment in the criminal justice system. We spend exceptional time and energy on each case we take because we keep our caseloads intentionally low. We are known as aggressive fighters in the courtroom, and we love the challenge of cases that seem unwinnable. We’re not afraid to use the media to our advantage, and we never back down from a fight.
If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance, contact us at (912) 351-8775 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.
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