Columbus Drug Crimes Lawyer

Fighting Drug Charges in Georgia 

Georgia divides different drugs into five categories called "schedules" that indicate each drug's level of danger and potential for abuse. Drug crime charges and penalties increase or decrease depending on the schedule of drug involved.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Georgia?

Possession of a Schedule I or Schedule II drug is punishable by 2-15 years in prison. A repeat offense of possessing a Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II drug is up to 30 years in prison, while a repeat offense of other types of Schedule II drugs is punishable by a minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 30.

Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs are punishable by 1-5 years in prison and repeat offenses are punishable by 1-10 years.

A conviction for any drug possession crime will result in a driver's license suspension for at least six months (for a first offense). A second offense results in a 1-year suspension and a third or subsequent offense is punishable by a 2-year suspension.

Have You Been Charged With Driving While Under the Influence of Drugs in Georgia?  Call Ted Morgan Law today at (706) 622-6255or Contact Us Online to Meet with Our Drug Crimes Lawyer in Columbus! 

What is a DUI in Georgia?

Drugs often come with side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, slow reaction time, decreased coordination, and impaired judgment of time and distance. When these effects are combined with driving, it often results in reckless driving and terrible accidents.

In Georgia, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs. If there is evidence that an individual was impaired by drugs while driving, he or she can be charged with DUI. This is true no matter the type of drug, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter drugs.

To convict someone of a DUI-drug crime, it is not necessary for the state to prove that a defendant had a particular level of drugs in his or her system. They must simply demonstrate that the individual was incapable of driving safely.

The state can show impairment by:

• A state-administered chemical test
• A field sobriety test
• The presence of drugs in a defendant’s vehicle
• An admission of drug use
• Evidence of erratic driving
• Slurred or frantic speech

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Georgia?

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are the same as alcohol-based DUI charges. These include fines, imprisonment, probation, license suspension, ignition interlock devices, and DUI classes. The level of punishment is usually increased for repeat offenders. For instance, fines will be higher and jail time and license suspension will be longer for second and third offenders. 

Start Your Criminal Defense Today

Drug charges, including drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug sales, are often challenging to defend against. When drugs impair a person’s ability to drive safely, the situation becomes even more complicated. If you have been arrested for a drug crime, including drug-related DUI, make sure you have a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side by reaching out Ted Morgan Law.

Our Columbus, GA criminal defense lawyer has over 20 years of experience defending clients’ rights and helping them stay out of jail and on the road. When you reach out to us, we can help you take a realistic look at the charges you face and help you understand your legal options.

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you can be challenging. You will want someone who has extensive experience handling drug crimes. That is exactly what you can find at Ted Morgan Law. Our Columbus, GA drug crimes attorney has an in-depth knowledge of drug laws and is committed to giving your case the attention it deserves.

Contact Ted Morgan Law today for a free initial consultation!