Drug Possession Charges for Juveniles in Georgia

Drug Possession Charges for Juveniles in Georgia

Getting charged with drug possession as a juvenile in Georgia can be really scary. It feels like your whole life is ruined and you’ll never get into college or get a good job. But don’t panic! Lots of kids make mistakes. With the right help from a lawyer who knows the system, you can get through this.

The laws around drugs in Georgia are pretty strict, especially for weed. Getting caught with any amount can mean jail time and big fines. But if it’s your first offense and you only had a small amount, a lawyer may be able to get you a better deal like probation or community service instead of jail. Let’s break it down…

Marijuana Charges

In Georgia, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor. That means up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000[1][3][4]. More than 1 ounce is a felony, which is more serious. You could face 1-10 years in prison[3].

Selling or distributing weed is a felony no matter how much you had. Even just giving a joint to a friend could be considered distribution. If they think you were selling, you’re looking at 1-30 years in prison depending on the amount[3].

Getting caught with weed at school or near a school, park, or playground can also mean harsher punishments[3].

Defenses for Marijuana Charges

There are a few main ways a lawyer might defend a marijuana possession charge[4]:

• The search was illegal – If the cops didn’t have a warrant or probable cause, any evidence found may not be allowed
• The marijuana wasn’t yours – If a friend left it in your car or bag without you knowing, you aren’t guilty
• You didn’t know it was marijuana – You thought it was oregano or something else harmless
• The marijuana was for medical use – Georgia does allow marijuana for medical use in very limited cases

A good lawyer will look at all the details of your case to figure out the best defense strategy. Don’t admit to anything before talking to a lawyer!

Other Drug Charges

Georgia has strict penalties for possessing other drugs too[5]:

• Possession of Schedule I or II drugs like heroin or cocaine is 2-15 years in prison
• Possession of Schedule III-V drugs like prescription pills without a prescription is 1-5 years in prison

Selling drugs is even more serious – up to 30 years in prison depending on the drug and amount!

Defenses for Other Drug Charges

The main defenses for other drug possession charges are similar[4]:

• The search was illegal
• The drugs weren’t yours
• You didn’t know the pills were a controlled substance
• You had a valid prescription for the pills

An experienced lawyer will evaluate if any of these defenses could get your charges reduced or dismissed.

Consequences Beyond Jail Time

A drug conviction can hurt you even if you don’t end up in jail. It can[4]:

• Suspend your driver’s license for up to 5 years
• Get you kicked out of school or sports
• Make you lose college scholarships and financial aid
• Show up on background checks and make it hard to get a job

Luckily, Georgia has a juvenile diversion program that can keep your record clean. If it’s your first offense, your lawyer may be able to get you into this program instead of being prosecuted. You’ll have to complete drug counseling, community service, etc. but then the charges are dismissed and nothing goes on your permanent record[4].

Getting a Lawyer’s Help

Having a good lawyer makes all the difference when you’re facing drug charges as a juvenile. A lawyer who regularly handles these kinds of cases will know the prosecutors and judges and have the best chance of negotiating a fair outcome for you.

Don’t wait to get help – tell your parents and start calling lawyers immediately after an arrest. The sooner you get legal advice, the better. Always have a lawyer with you for any meetings with police or prosecutors. Don’t say anything that could hurt your case.

With an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can get through this and move on with your life. We all make mistakes – you still have a bright future ahead if you handle this the right way.