Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 02, 2018
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Drug trafficking refers to the manufacture, distribution, delivery, sale, or possession of large amounts of a controlled substance. Georgia drug trafficking laws apply federal mandatory minimum penalties for trafficking offenses and as a result those convicted may face substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences.
When young people are associated with drug trafficking there may be an additional charge. Georgia drug trafficking laws punish anyone hiring or engaging a person under the age of 17 to distribute or otherwise assist with controlled substance trafficking. This is a felony offense and can result in 5-20 years in prison.
There are some situations that clearly amount to trafficking activity. If you are caught producing or selling drugs you will likely be charged with trafficking. Often, however, a person is charged with drug trafficking when they are caught in possession of a quantity of drugs that suggests distribution and sale rather than personal use. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to determine the quantity that will result in a trafficking charge since this is dependent on the type of drug in question, its purity, and whether it is in a suspension or other secondary medium (usually a fluid, used to preserve and transport a drug, but not itself intoxicating.) Georgia drug trafficking laws provide methods for determining the amount of drug minus impurities and suspensions.
The following is an overview of Georgia drug trafficking laws:
| Statutes | Georgia Code, Title 16, Chapter 13. Controlled Substances |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Georgia drug trafficking laws divide controlled substances into "schedules" as follows:
|
| Penalties | Georgia drug trafficking laws punish offenses as a felony. Penalties are as follows:
|
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Georgia drug trafficking laws carry significant penalties and there are many potentially aggravating factors. If you've been charged with drug trafficking in Georgia, it's in your best interests to contact a local drug crime attorney who can help you understand and potentially challenge the most complicated aspects of the charges, such as determining whether the quantity of drugs amounts to trafficking.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
Experienced Federal And State Attorneys Who Achieve The Best Possible Outcome For Every Case! Call Palmer Legal Defense Today!
Virtual Appointments
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Georgia attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
