In Atlanta and elsewhere, individuals accused of drug offenses can face serious consequences. An individual convicted on drug charges faces jail or prison time, stiff fines and damage to a reputation that could affect the person’s life forever. Recently, two Georgia residents were arrested for various drug charges and may face these serious penalties.
According to reports, police responding to a noise complaint found a marijuana plant and cocaine in an apartment. Police say the investigators also found a firearm in the apartment. Two people in the apartment were arrested and charged with several drug charges, including possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The two individuals also face charges related to possessing a firearm while committing a felony.
In Georgia, penalties resulting from a conviction of a drug offense depend on the type and amount of the controlled substance involved. In some cases, a person accused of a drug offense did not commit the offense or committed an offense but it was a lesser offense than the offense the person was accused of. In a drug possession case, there are two classifications of possession. One classification is actual possession, which includes finding the alleged drug involved on the defendant. Another classification is constructive possession, which may occur when a drug is found in a vehicle and is not claimed by a passenger in the car. In this scenario, each person may be found to be constructively in possession of the controlled substance.
In Georgia, drug offenses are punished severely. A conviction of a drug charge could have present and long term effects on the convicted individual and their loved ones. However, it is important to remember that every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Source: WALB News 10, “Noise violation leads to drug arrests,” Stephen Abel, Dec. 31, 2012