Marijuana Crimes Lawyer in Savannah

Marijuana Possession is Still a Serious Crime in Georgia

In recent years marijuana possession has been practically decriminalized in some states; however, in the state of Georgia, those who possess or cultivate or sell marijuana are still subject to some of the harshest drug laws in the nation, especially due to Georgia's close approximation to Florida, which is a hot spot for drug importation and trafficking.

Under Title 16, Section 16-13-2 of the Georgia Code, any person who is charged with possessing 1 ounce or less of marijuana, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a maximum term of 12 months in jail or a maximum $1,000 fine, or both, or public works not to exceed 12 months. Anyone who possesses more than 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use is guilty of a felony offense which is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.

Intent to Distribute

• Possessing 10 pounds or less of marijuana with the intent to distribute is a felony offense punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison, whereas 10 to 2000 pounds is a felony punishable by 5 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine. Possessing marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a park, or school grounds, or a housing project, or in a drug-free zone is a felony offense punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison and a maximum $40,000 fine.

Sales or Delivery

• Selling or delivering 10 pounds or less of marijuana is a felony offense punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. For quantities ranging from 10 to 2,000 pounds, the punishment is 5 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine. For quantities ranging between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds, it is punishable by 7 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. For quantities above 10,000 pounds, it is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Sale or delivery of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, or a park, or a housing project or in a drug-free zone is a felony offense punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison and a maximum $40,000 fine.

Cultivation

• Cultivating 10 pounds or less of marijuana is a felony offense, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison. Cultivating 10 to 2,000 pounds is punishable by 5 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine. Cultivation of more than 10,000 pounds of marijuana is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. Cultivating within 1,000 feet of a school, housing project, park, or in a drug-free zone is a felony offense, which is punishable by 20 to 40 years in prison and a maximum $40,000 fine.

Drug Paraphernalia

• Possession or sale of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Second and subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties and fines.

Contact a Savannah Marijuana Crime Lawyer Today

Unfortunately, in the state of Georgia, if you are caught with more than one ounce of marijuana, you could be facing felony charges, which will certainly have a detrimental impact on many aspects of your life if you are convicted. If you or someone you love has been arrested for a marijuana offense, you are strongly urged to contact Savannah marijuana crime lawyer Cris Schneider at once for a strong legal defense. As a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, Attorney Schneider has an in-depth understanding of both state and federal drug laws, and he is fully prepared to defend you to the fullest extent of the law.

Call us at (912) 385-0854 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.