Cobb County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug Charges We Defend

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Marijuana possession
• Prescription drug offenses
• Drug trafficking
• Drug-related probation violations

How Drug Charges Are Defended

Marietta, Ga. Drug cases often turn on how the evidence was found. We examine whether the stop or search was lawful, whether any warrant was valid, whether you actually possessed what was found, and whether the lab testing holds up. Evidence obtained through an illegal search may be kept out of court.

Options for First-Time Offenders

Some people facing a first drug charge may qualify for conditional discharge, Georgia’s First Offender Act, or an accountability court program. When completed, these can lead to a dismissal or a restricted record. Eligibility depends on the charge and your history, so it is worth discussing early.

What a Drug Charge Can Mean in Georgia

Ranges set by Georgia law. Penalties depend on the drug, the amount and your record. Every case is different.

Marijuana, 1 ounce or less	Misdemeanor: up to 12 months and a $1,000 fine
Schedule I or II, under 1 gram	Felony: 1 to 3 years; Distribution 5 to 30 years
Schedule I or II, 1 to 4 grams	Felony: 1 to 8 years; Distribution 5 to 30 years
Schedule I or II, 4 to 28 grams	Felony: 1 to 15 years; Distribution 5 to 30 years
Cocaine trafficking, 28 to 200 grams	10-year mandatory minimum and a $200,000 fine
Beyond the sentence	Lost jobs, housing, student aid and professional licenses

How Austin Checks the State’s Story

Before law school, Austin Nelson was a newspaper journalist and editor. He reads a police report the way an editor reads a story: looking for what is missing.

• Was the search legal? We examine the warrant, the consent and the reason for the stop. An illegal search can end the case.
• Were the drugs really yours? Drugs found in a shared car or home do not prove possession. The State must show knowledge and control.
• Does the lab hold up? We review the crime lab testing, the weights and the chain of custody from seizure to courtroom.
• Who is the source? Cases built on informants deserve hard questions about who they are and what they were promised.

Drug Crime Frequently Asked Questions

Is marijuana still illegal in Georgia?

Yes. Possessing an ounce or less of marijuana is generally a misdemeanor, while larger amounts can be charged as a felony. Low-THC oil is allowed for registered patients in limited amounts, and the rules on hemp products are changing, so the details matter.

What is the difference between possession and intent to distribute?

Possession means having the drug for personal use. Intent to distribute is a more serious felony that the State may try to prove with things like packaging, scales, cash or the amount involved. These cases often depend on how that evidence is interpreted.

Will a drug charge stay on my record?

It depends on the outcome. Dismissals and completed first offender or conditional discharge sentences may be restricted from public view, while convictions generally remain. An attorney can explain what is possible in your case.

The drugs were found in my car, but they were not mine. Can I still be charged?

Yes, but being near drugs is not the same as possessing them. The State has to prove you knew they were there and had control over them. Shared cars and homes make that harder to prove.

How much does a consultation cost?

Nothing. Consultations are free and confidential, and payment plans are available.