The Georgia Controlled Substances Act makes marijuana a controlled substance, meaning that you could be charged with possession if the police found it on your person. You could also be accused of felony possession if they found it in your car, apartment or other property. Atlanta DUI attorney
Marijuana is a drug that produces a high when smoked or eaten. It contains the chemical THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which gives people the euphoric feeling. It can be ingested in various forms, including flowers, oil, wax, and edibles.
Felony Possession of Marijuana in Georgia is a serious offense that can alter your life. You may lose your driver’s license, be denied access to school or your job, and even face jail time. Defending a charge of felony possession of marijuana requires the knowledge and experience of a skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyer who has defended other drug crimes.
It Belongs to Someone Else:
Marijuana that is found in your car or apartment does not always have to be yours. It can belong to a family member or friend. It can be in a wallet or in a purse, for instance. In these cases, you can argue that the marijuana does not belong to you or was used for medical purposes.
It Was Being Used for Medical Reasons:
If you have a doctor’s prescription for marijuana in another state, it is illegal to bring the medication into Georgia. The only exception to this is low THC oil, which can be brought into the state as long as you have a valid prescription from your physician.
In some cities and counties, police have decriminalized the possession of marijuana in small amounts. However, if you are caught with more than an ounce of marijuana in the State of Georgia, you can be arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana.
It Was a Second Offense:
If you are charged with a second offense of marijuana possession in Georgia, you can expect to spend more time in jail and pay higher fines. You may also be required to serve probation and/or undergo drug counseling.
It Was a First Offense:
If this is your first marijuana possession charge, you are facing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. You can serve this time in a diversion program or probation, depending on your situation.
It Was Being Used for Medical Purposes:
If you have a medical marijuana prescription in another state, it is legal to bring the medication into Georgia as long as you have a valid prescription. In most jurisdictions, if you are found with marijuana that was legally prescribed in another state, you can be charged with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana.
It Was Being Used for Medical Use:
If this was your first marijuana possession charge, you may have a valid medical marijuana prescription and are therefore allowed to possess the medication in Georgia. In this case, you can have your attorney review the circumstances of your arrest to determine whether your case will qualify for a diversion program or probation.