Savannah Drug Trafficking Attorney

Personalized Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Georgia

Being charged with drug trafficking in Georgia is a serious offense that is punished harshly. If you have been arrested for this type of drug crime, ensure you have a powerful Savannah drug trafficking lawyer on your side who is willing to fight to protect your rights. 

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we have successfully defended thousands of clients, including those facing drug trafficking charges in Savannah. We have won numerous jury trials and are confident that we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

To schedule your free initial case review, call (912) 417-5008 today or contact us online.

What Are Drug Trafficking Charges in Georgia?

The most serious crime involving drugs in Georgia is drug trafficking. What distinguishes a drug trafficking crime from other drug crimes in Georgia, such as possession of controlled substances and possession with intent, is the quantity of the substances that are involved. When substantial amounts of the substance are present, the mandatory minimum sentences are extremely high, and they just keep getting higher the greater the amount.

In such cases, the prosecution must prove several specific elements beyond the mere possession of a controlled substance. These elements often include the intent to distribute, the actual knowledge of the substance's presence, and the scale of the operation. Understanding these nuances can greatly impact the defense strategy, as each element of the charge provides potential opportunities for refutation or mitigation.

What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Georgia?

Some of the most common drugs that are trafficked and their mandatory minimum penalties in the state of Georgia include:

Cocaine Trafficking Penalties

Trafficking Cocaine consists of delivering, manufacturing, selling, or possessing 28 or more grams of the substance. The penalty for 28 to 200 grams is a minimum prison sentence of 10 years. Quantities ranging from 200 to 400 grams demand a sentence of at least 15 years in prison. Anything above that is punishable by at least 25 years in prison.

Morphine, Opium, or Heroin Trafficking Penalties

An individual may be charged with this type of trafficking offense when they sell, deliver, or possess four or more grams of the substance. Four to 14 grams will result in a sentence of at least five years. When an individual possesses 14 to 28 grams, the minimum sentence is 10 years. For amounts higher than 28 grams, the penalty is at least 25 years.

Marijuana Trafficking Penalties

When a person grows, manufactures, delivers, sells, or possesses more than 10 pounds of marijuana, they will be charged with trafficking. Ten to 2,000 pounds is punishable by a minimum five-year sentence. If the amount is between 2,000 to 10,000 pounds, the minimum prison sentence rises to seven years. If the amount exceeds 10,000, the accused will face a minimum of 15 years in prison.

Methamphetamine or Amphetamine Trafficking Penalties

A trafficking offense for these types of drugs occurs when an individual possesses, delivers, or sells 28 or more grams of the substance. A minimum 10-year sentence is required for amounts between 28 and 200 grams. When the amount is between 200 and 400 grams, the offender will face at least 15 years in prison. More than 400 grams results in a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years. Manufacturing these drugs is penalized separately. However, the only variation for the penalties above is that any amount under 200 grams will be punished with a minimum 15-year jail sentence.

When Drug Trafficking Becomes a Federal Charge?

Some drug trafficking cases are prosecuted at the federal level, especially when:

• Drugs cross state or national borders
• The case involves wiretaps or informants
• Federal agencies like the DEA or FBI are involved
• The operation is part of a conspiracy or organized crime investigation

Federal charges can significantly increase sentencing exposure. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines calculate penalties based on drug quantity, criminal history, and aggravating factors like firearm possession. An experienced Savannah drug trafficking lawyer understands how to navigate the federal system, challenge enhancements, and argue for downward departures where appropriate.

When you’re facing charges, call our Savannah drug trafficking attorneys at (912) 417-5008 or reach out here online today.

What Should You Do if You Are Charged With Drug Trafficking?

Once you have been arrested and charged, a drug trafficking charge will proceed through the justice system, moving inexorably toward conviction unless you take action to fight back. Once arrested, it can be assumed that the prosecutor believes there is sufficient evidence that you were involved in drug trafficking to convict you. To successfully defend against a trafficking charge, it will be necessary to comb through every detail of the evidence, seeking out the holes in the case.

The various errors that could be critical in your defense include the following:

• The initial police stop if pulled over or stopped on the street.
• The legality of the arrest warrant.
• An evaluation of an arrest without a warrant with regard to probable cause.
• A full review of the arrest process.
• A review of any search and seizure in the case, and whether rights were violated.
• The chain of custody of any evidence in the case.
• The reliability of any witness who provided information that led to your arrest.

There are many details that may be present in your case that could allow for a dismissal. You need to find out what can be done for you as early as possible after your arrest. Remain calm, don't argue with police, and exercise your right to remain silent. Schneider Lerch, LLC will move into action for you and will seek out the best possible strategy for your defense case.

Why Choose Our Savannah Drug Trafficking Defense Team?

Drug trafficking is one of the most heavily penalized crimes in the state. There is a great deal of attention focused on apprehending drug traffickers, and putting them away in state prison for as long as possible. You can expect to be aggressively prosecuted, and the maximum possible sentence will often be sought. As the prosecutor has the full support of the state in law enforcement, labs, and other resources, a defendant can be at a disadvantage if not represented by an equally powerful and well-connected law firm. 

At Schneider Lerch, LLC we have gained the respect of the legal community for our many successes in difficult cases, including trafficking charges.

As a defendant, you have the right to expect due process and a fair trial. We are extremely interested in hearing your side of the story, and the details about what happened. When your future is on the line, place your case in our capable hands. We have an extensive understanding of the laws that specifically apply to your case, and we know how to build a winning strategy.

Contact Schneider Lerch, LLC today by calling (912) 417-5008 or through the use of our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Trafficking in Savannah

What Are the Common Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges?

Defending against drug trafficking charges requires an in-depth understanding of both the law and the specifics of your arrest. Common defenses include challenging the legality of the evidence through improper search and seizure claims, disputing the ownership or intent to distribute the substances, or highlighting procedural errors in your arrest or warrant. Furthermore, discrediting testimony from informants or identifying breaches in the chain of custody can also play crucial roles in defending against these charges.

How Does the Location of Your Arrest Impact Your Defense?

The location of an arrest, such as a public area versus a private residence, can impact the legality of the police action and the evidence gathered. In public areas, police require probable cause, while private residences typically require a warrant or exigent circumstances to lawfully enter and gather evidence. Each scenario offers different avenues for defense strategies, with location-based arguments often influencing the admissibility of key evidence in drug trafficking cases.

What Is the Role of Federal Charges in Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking charges can be elevated to federal offenses if they involve interstate or international distribution, use federal communication lines, or entail large-scale operations impacting multiple states. Federal charges often carry stiffer penalties than state charges, including longer sentences and higher fines. Understanding federal implications is crucial, as it requires adept legal navigation across multiple jurisdictions and the effective coordination of a robust defense.

How Can Schneider Lerch, LLC Aid in Mitigating the Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Charge?

At Schneider Lerch, LLC, we work diligently to mitigate the consequences of drug trafficking charges through a multifaceted approach. By analyzing every detail from evidence handling to procedural accuracy, our legal team aims to identify any potential grounds for reducing or dismissing charges. Our attorneys strive to negotiate favorable plea agreements and offer guidance to educational or rehabilitation programs, thereby reducing the long-term impact on a client's life.

Can Rehabilitation Programs Play a Role in Your Defense Strategy?

Rehabilitation programs can be a pivotal part of defense strategies, especially in cases where addiction plays a significant role. Courts may consider participation in drug treatment or counseling programs as a sign of accountability, which could influence sentencing decisions favorably. Incorporating such programs into a defense not only addresses the root causes of drug offenses but also shows proactive steps towards personal rehabilitation and societal reintegration, which courts may view positively.