Savannah Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

Marijuana Possession Is Still a Serious Crime in Georgia

We’ve Successfully Handled Thousands of Cases

Buying, selling, using, and growing marijuana is illegal in Georgia, and these activities are harshly punished. If you have been charged with a marijuana crime, you are at risk of facing serious penalties. It is important to consult with our experienced Savannah marijuana crimes lawyer as soon as possible. 

At Schneider Lerch, LLC we have helped numerous clients achieve their legal goals, and we have what it takes to fight to protect your rights and freedom. 

Call (912) 417-5008 now or reach out here online to schedule a free initial case review.

Common Types of Marijuana Crimes

Marijuana offenses are wide-ranging and each case is different. Some of the more common allegations involve the following: 

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, school grounds, 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. The punishment for quantities ranging from 10 to 2,000 pounds 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. It is punishable for quantities above 10,000 pounds by 15 to 30 years in prison and a maximum $1,000,000 fine. The sale or delivery of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, a park, a housing project, or 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.

Penalties for Marijuana Crimes in Georgia

In Georgia, the penalties for marijuana crimes are determined based on the quantity of the substance, as well as the nature of the offense. Crimes involving the sale or trafficking of marijuana will be punished more severely than those where the defendant merely possessed the substance. 

The standard sentencing guidelines, per Title 16, Section 16-13-2 of the Georgia Code, are as follows: 

Possession Penalties

• 1 oz or less: a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine
• 1 oz to 10 lbs. – a felony, punishable by 1-10 years in prison
• Over 10 lbs. – a trafficking crime (see below)

Sale or Trafficking Penalties

• 10 lbs. or less – a felony, punishable by 1-10 years in prison
• 10-2,000 lbs. – a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a mandatory $100,000 fine
• 2,000-10,000 lbs. – a felony, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a mandatory $250,000 fine
• Over 10,000 lbs. – a felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a mandatory $1,000,000 fine

Get an experienced Savannah crime marijuana crimes lawyer from our office on your side. Contact Schneider Lerch, LLC by calling (912) 417-5008 or by using our online contact form.

Savannah’s Decriminalization of Marijuana

In July 2018, the city of Savannah decriminalized the possession of marijuana. However, this does not mean that marijuana is legal or even condoned. It simply decreases the penalties for simple marijuana possession. Instead of mandatory arrest, first-time offenders will only face the issuance of an infraction, with a maximum punishment of $150.

Defenses Against Marijuana Charges

When you work with our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer, we can evaluate your case and determine the right course of action for defending against your charges. We have years of experience helping individuals build solid defense plans to get their charges reduced or dropped altogether.

When it comes to marijuana charges, there are several possible defenses, including: 

Unwitting Possession 

It may be the case that you did not know that you were in possession of marijuana. For instance, a friend may have asked you to deliver a package but did not inform you that marijuana was inside the package. This could be used as evidence to demonstrate that you did not intend to possess the marijuana.

Illegal Stop 

Law enforcement officials are required to follow a particular set of rules regarding search and seizure. If the police conducted an illegal stop, detained you unlawfully, or violated your rights during their search when they discovered the marijuana, the evidence they have against you may be thrown out. This often results and case dismissals.

Lack of Possession 

You may be able to argue that you did not actually have possession of marijuana. Just because you were in close proximity to the marijuana does not necessarily prove that you possessed it. For example, you may have been riding in the passenger seat of your friend's vehicle, not knowing that there was marijuana under your seat. The prosecution would have to prove that the marijuana actually belonged to you. We can help you defend against those accusations.

Contact a Savannah Marijuana Crime Lawyer Today

When facing marijuana charges, you will want to work with an experienced legal team who is willing to fight to obtain a successful verdict. At Schneider Lerch, LLC, that is exactly what you can find. With over ten years of experience and thousands of cases handled throughout Georgia, we have your best interests in mind and are committed to helping you obtain the outcome you deserve.

Call (912) 417-5008 or contact us online now to schedule your free initial consultation.