Home » Smyrna Criminal Defense Lawyer » Smyrna Possession With Intent To Distribute Lawyer

Smyrna Possession With Intent To Distribute Lawyer

Drug Possession Defense for People in their Teens and Twenties in Georgia

If you have been charged with possession with intent to distribute drugs in Smyrna, you are facing serious legal consequences that could derail your life. Drug distribution charges, whether for marijuana, prescription medications, or other controlled substances, are aggressively prosecuted in Georgia.

Protecting your future and freedom requires experienced legal representation from a Smyrna possession with intent to distribute lawyer. At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we can work with you to develop a defense strategy aimed at the most favorable outcome. Serious charges demand swift action. Contact us today to request an initial consultation with our legal team.

Table of Contents

Drug Type and Quantity Increase Intent to Distribute Penalties

Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act defines “intent to distribute” as possessing illegal drugs to sell or distribute them.

This charge is significantly more grave than simple drug possession, and the potential consequences reflect that severity.

Factors that influence sentencing in possession with intent cases include:

Type and amount of the substance involved.
The accused’s prior criminal history.
Aggravating circumstances, such as possession near a school or park.

Possible jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record may follow intent-to-distribute convictions.

Also, the stigma associated with a drug conviction can impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, and maintain personal relationships.

It’s a heavy burden to bear, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Defending Against Possession with Intent Allegations

When you’re up against felony intent to distribute charges, having a criminal defense lawyer on your side is important.

The Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm will examine the evidence, looking for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and opportunities to build a strong defense.

Some common defense strategies our law firm employs in possession with intent cases include:

Challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the drug discovery.
Questioning whether law enforcement had probable cause to make an arrest.
Arguing that the accused lacked the knowledge, quantity, or requisite intent to distribute the drugs.
Presenting evidence of entrapment or other misconduct by law enforcement.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may explore alternative resolutions. Our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and help you move forward.

Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act: Possession and Distribution Penalties

The Georgia Controlled Substances Act covers a range of drug offenses, including possession, manufacture, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances.

The penalties vary depending on the specific offense and the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved.

Below, we’ve listed two of the most common charges Georgia prosecutors bring under Ga. Code § 16-13-30:

Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substances (subsection d):
-First offense: Imprisonment for not less than 5 years nor more than 30 years.
-Second or subsequent offense: Imprisonment for not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years or life imprisonment.
Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances (subsection h):
-Imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years.
Marijuana (subsection j, paragraph 2):
-Imprisonment for not less than 1 year nor more than 10 years, except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of Code Section 16-13-31 or in Code Section 16-13-2.

Please note that the information above is just an overview. Actual sentences vary based on the case’s unique circumstances and the court’s discretion.

It is always wise to consult with a qualified criminal defense attorney for legal advice regarding a particular situation.

Focused Legal Support Against Intent to Distribute Allegations

You want an attorney practicing something other than general law to represent you when facing an intent to distribute charges in Smyrna or elsewhere in Georgia.

Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm is 100% criminal and juvenile defense focused. We guide and support you as a case moves through the criminal justice system and represent your interests during this challenging time.

Our team of experienced intent-to-distribute attorneys also takes the time to understand your unique situation and develop a personalized defense strategy that works for you.

Don’t Let Intent to Distribute Charges Define Your Future

An intent to distribute conviction reaches far beyond the legal penalties that the state imposes. That’s why taking swift action to protect your future is necessary.

Working with the Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm provides you with experienced legal representation focused on defending against your intent to distribute charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifies as intent to distribute in Georgia?

In Georgia, intent to distribute refers to the criminal offense of possessing controlled substances or marijuana with the intention of selling, delivering, or distributing them to others, as opposed to possessing them for personal use.

The key factor in determining intent to distribute is the presence of evidence that suggests the person planned to sell or distribute the controlled substances rather than simply possessing them for personal consumption. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, the way the substances are packaged, the presence of scales or other measuring devices, large amounts of cash, or communications indicating plans to sell or distribute the substances.

What is the difference between intent to distribute and trafficking?

Intent to distribute typically involves possession of illegal drugs with the intention to sell or share them. Trafficking is a more serious offense that involves larger quantities of drugs and can include manufacturing, transporting, importing/exporting across state lines, or even acting as part of a drug distribution network.

What is the 16 13 30 law in Georgia?

Georgia Code 16-13-30 covers the regulations and penalties for controlled substance crimes in the state. It lays out the specifics of what qualifies as possession, possession with intent, manufacturing, trafficking, and other drug offenses, as well as the sentencing guidelines based on the drug schedule and quantity involved.