Georgia Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

If you have found yourself in the grave situation of facing federal drug charges, you can trust a federal drug crimes lawyer from the firm of New South Law, LLC. We are proud to serve clients throughout Georgia and other federal jurisdictions who find themselves in need of high-end criminal defense representation, including those facing complex federal charges.

Federal drug charges can carry extremely severe penalties upon conviction, so navigating the complex landscape of federal drug law is a task that must be taken seriously. Thankfully, you don’t have to face this daunting challenge alone. Our knowledgeable and successful criminal defense team is here to provide you with aggressive representation, strategic defense, and end-to-end support when it feels like the world has turned against you.

The federal government spends millions of dollars annually on its so-called “war on drugs,” and drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively in all 50 states, including right here in Georgia. For citizens charged with federal drug crimes, the consequences can be life-altering. Without swift and effective legal help, Georgians charged with federal drug crimes can face years of prison time and millions of dollars in penalties.

Don’t let well-funded federal prosecutors overwhelm you. Fight back against federal drug charges with experienced legal representation of your own. The drug crime defense team at New South Law, LLC, is well-equipped to take on federal drug cases in the Southern and Northern Districts of Georgia, and in other federal jurisdictions, no matter how complex, contentious, or high-profile they may be.

We know that a lengthy prison sentence for a single mistake isn’t “justice” by any measure, and we won’t stop fighting until we achieve the ideal outcome in your case. Contact our office today to get started with a no-pressure, free, totally confidential consultation.

Understanding Federal Drug Laws

Drug laws in the United States today are largely informed by five categories, or “schedules,” of drugs, which are categorized based on their medical use and potential for abuse and addiction. This classification is used by various government and law enforcement agencies on federal and state levels and is crucial in determining the legal consequences associated with the possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of various substances.

Under the CSA, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) play pivotal roles in regulating controlled substances at a federal level. These agencies have broad authority to initiate proceedings to add a substance to a schedule or to change the classification of a currently scheduled substance. Other interested parties, like drug manufacturers and public health advocates, can also petition for such changes.

The schedules defined under the CSA are as follows:

• Schedule I – These are what the federal government believes to be the most dangerous drugs, although many professionals now argue that drugs in Schedule II, and even III, rival the addiction and abuse potential of some substances found here. Schedule I is reserved for substances that supposedly have no valid medical uses, although we know this is not strictly true, with the therapeutic potential of cannabis, psilocybin, and other substances being fairly well-documented.
  • Examples of Schedule I Drugs: cocaine/crack, heroin, LSD (“acid”), psilocybin (“magic” mushrooms), and marijuana (some people are surprised to learn that cannabis products remain not only illegal in Georgia but also a schedule I controlled substance under federal law)
• Schedule II – Drugs under Schedule II have a fairly high potential for misuse, and many are quite addictive. Most of the narcotic painkillers behind the early phases of the ongoing opioid epidemic are, in fact, Schedule II drugs. Crystal meth and pharmaceutical amphetamines also fall under Schedule II.
  • Examples of Schedule II Drugs: hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percocet), fentanyl, morphine, codeine, methamphetamine, amphetamine (Adderall)
• Schedule III – Schedule III drugs have some potential for abuse, but less than those in schedules I and II—although this is a generalization and subject to each individual person’s personal proclivities and body chemistry. In reality, some people can develop serious problems with Schedule III substances.
  • Examples of Schedule III Drugs: Ketamine, Suboxone
• Schedule IV – The drugs classified under Schedule IV are supposed to have a lower potential for misuse than those in previous schedules, but this is a topic of much argument among public health professionals who see the results of an ongoing “benzo” problem, especially among young drug users.
  • Examples of Schedule IV Drugs: diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam, alprazolam

Drug Crime Sentencing

When someone is accused of transporting, manufacturing, or selling large amounts of these “scheduled” substances, they may be charged with drug crimes on a federal level. If crimes involve drugs crossing state lines, federal charges will also be applicable. When a federal officer or agency is involved in your arrest or investigation, you could also face federal charges.

Sentences for federal drug charges will vary greatly, depending on the particular circumstances of the case and the particular type of substance involved.

The full sentencing framework for federal drug crimes is vast and complex. It’s crucial to remember that every case is unique and that sentencing guidelines aren’t applied to every case in the same way.

Even if the odds are stacked against you, it may not be too late to implement a strategy to mitigate the consequences of federal drug charges and steer your case to a better outcome. Please reach out to our Georgia federal drug crime defense team so we can help you understand exactly what you’re up against.

US Drug Crime Statistics

Below are a few other noteworthy facts about drug sentencing in the United States:

• Over 80% of all drug offenders are men.
• The average age of drug offenders in the US is 37.
• More than 40% of drug offenders have no prior criminal history, and only 5.5% are considered “career” offenders.
• Possession of a weapon is the most common factor in increased sentencing.
• The average sentence for drug traffickers is 78 months (but this varies significantly depending on the type and quantity of drug).

Drug Trafficking in the US

Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug crimes, but evidence of moving or distributing drugs is unnecessary to prosecute the crime. It is defined as the manufacturing, possession, distribution, or dispensing of drugs, but it can also involve possession of a substance with the intent to perform these actions. Drug trafficking charges can be levied when an offender is found in possession of a certain amount of an illegal substance.

FAQs

Q: What Makes a Drug Case Go Federal?

A: Drug cases can be escalated to the federal level when they involve serious violations of federal drug laws, such as the trafficking of drugs across state lines or international borders or the operation of large-scale drug distribution networks. Other times, federal jurisdiction may be a byproduct of the agencies involved in an arrest or investigation, such as the DEA.

Q: Can You Get Probation for a Felony Drug Charge in GA?

A: Federal charges are usually reserved for more serious drug crimes, so probation is usually not the most likely outcome if convicted. However, probation may be possible with intervention from a skilled lawyer. Factors like your prior criminal history may play a role in whether or not probation is on the table.

Q: How Much Does a Federal Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in GA?

A: The cost of skilled legal representation can vary based on various factors, such as your attorney’s skill level, the complexity of your case, and the local market conditions for legal services in your city. Some criminal defense attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services, so the cost of representation potentially rises the longer your case remains in court. Other attorneys charge flat fees for bigger drug cases, which in federal court can be expensive due to the amount of time required to resolve even relatively simple cases. Because the Southern District of Georgia requires defense lawyers to remain on federal cases through appeal, when you hire a lawyer for a federal case in or near Savannah, you are actually hiring that lawyer for two cases, which is part of the reason why lawyers in federal cases tend to charge more than lawyers in state cases. This investment is often worth it, however, as leaving your case in the hands of an unqualified lawyer can have disastrous results.

Q: What Is the Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Georgia?

A: The sentence for drug trafficking in Georgia can vary significantly depending on many factors. The schedule of the drugs involved will have an impact on the sentence, as schedule I and II drugs would likely result in a longer sentence. The amount of drugs involved also influences the sentencing, as larger amounts may result in more severe penalties. Typical penalties include prison time and fines. In federal cases, sentences are heavily influenced by the United States Sentencing Guidelines, a highly technical are of law that requires years of training and experience to master and use to a client’s advantage.

Q: Is Drug Trafficking a Federal or State Crime?

A: Drug trafficking could be prosecuted as a federal or state crime. Georgia and federal statutes criminalize drug trafficking. If a drug trafficking case involves moving drugs over state lines, it will be considered a federal crime. If a federal officer arrested you, your case will likely be federal. But arrests by state officers can turn into federal cases. Federal cases also often involve extremely high quantities of drugs.

New South Law, LLC – Your Trusted Georgia Federal Drug Trafficking Defense Team

Federal drug charges like trafficking or distribution are extremely serious, and without competent legal help, you risk facing severe penalties like prison time and large fines. If you need swift and powerful legal intervention to deal with a federal drug case, New South Law, LLC can help. Contact us as soon as possible to begin the process with a confidential and compassionate consultation.