Drug Crime Penalties

Take Realistic Stock Of The Charges You Face

In 2012, Georgia changed penalties for many types of drug crimes. While the potential prison time for possession of small amounts of some types of drugs were reduced, penalties for other crimes are still harsh — particularly for possession with intent to sell. If you are convicted of a drug crime, you face the real possibility of prison time.

McCamy, Phillips, Tuggle & Fordham, LLP, in Dalton, Georgia, is a team of experienced drug charge defense attorneys. We aggressively defend people accused of possession of drugs, possession with intent to sell and other drug crimes.

Call us at 706-508-4292 for a consultation. When we defend you, we will fight for your rights and freedom.

Breaking Down The Penalties

State penalties for possession, sale and possession with intent to sell drugs are outlined in the table below. Federal penalties are much harsher.

  • Schedule 1 — Heroin, peyote, LSD, GHB, ecstasy
  • Schedule 2 — Cocaine, oxycodone, methamphetamine, raw opium, morphine, methadone
  • Schedule 3 — Steroids, ketamine
  • Schedule 4 — Clonazepam, diazepam, Phenobarbital
  • Schedule 5 — Drugs with low levels of opium, codeine or ethyl morphine
Type of Drug and Offense First Offense Second Offense
Possession
Marijuana — less than 1 ounce Up to 1 year Up to 1 year
Marijuana — more than 1 ounce 1-10 years 1-10 years
Schedule 1 and 2

< 1 gram or milliliter

1-4 grams or milliliters

> 4 grams or milliliters

1-3 years

1-8 years

1-15 years

1-3 years

1-8 years

1-15 years

Schedule 3 1-3 years 1-3 years
Schedule 4 1-3 years 1-3 years
Schedule 5 1-3 years 1-3 years
Sale or Intent to Sell
Marijuana — less than 10 pounds 1-10 years 1-10 years
Marijuana — 10-2,000 pounds 5-30 years 5-30 years
Marijuana — More than 10,000 pounds 15-30 years 15-30 years
Schedule 1 5-30 years 10-40 years
Schedule 2 5-30 years 10-40 years
Schedule 3 1-10 years 1-10 years
Schedule 4 1-10 years 1-10 years
Schedule 5 1-10 years 1-10 years

In addition, conviction for possession of drugs can result in the suspension of your driver’s license.

To schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers, call McCamy, Phillips, Tuggle & Fordham, LLP, at 706-508-4292 or contact us online.