Savannah Marijuana Crimes Lawyer

We’ve Successfully Handled Thousands of Cases

Buying, selling, using, and growing marijuana are 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 attorney as soon as possible. At The Lerch Law Firm, 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 to schedule a free initial case review.

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 normal punishments given for marijuana convictions can be seen below.

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

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.

Get the Right Legal Team on Your Side

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 The Lerch Law Firm, that is exactly what you can find. With over 10 years of experience and thousands of cases handled throughout Georgia, our Savannah marijuana attorneys have your best interests in mind and is committed to helping you obtain the outcome you deserve.

Call (912) 417-5008 now to consult with our reputable Savannah marijuana defense lawyer.