In Atlanta, Georgia, like anywhere else in the country, anyone who is charged with a crime is entitled the best defense possible, no matter what the crime. Even those charged with felony drug charges are entitled to clear their names however possible.
Recently, a Georgian dentist who serves on a state board and is politically connected was charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor charge for allegedly writing illegal prescriptions for Valium and other strong painkillers for profit. If he is convicted on either of the felonies, he would lose his license. All of the hard work he had done to help people over the years would be nullified. He faces penalties of up to 13 years in prison and being fined up to $75,000.
However, there are many defenses that can be brought against these crimes. Some of the ones that could apply to this man’s case are that there was an unlawful search and seizure, or entrapment. Some other defenses that could used are that the drugs were planted on the defendant, they belonged to someone else or that the crime lab analysis was incorrect or inconclusive. Any of these defenses, if successful, would be enough to overcome even the most drastic drug charges.
In this country, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. If a man is wrongfully accused or the evidence is insufficient to prove the man’s guilt, then that man will not face the penalties he is accused of. Everyone deserves the best defense that can be mustered for them.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “State board member arrested on drug charges,” Aaron Gould Sheinin, Oct. 10, 2012