Many drug possession charges in Georgia carry a steep punishment with them.
Knowing more about the legal background of a charge against you can help you in understanding what consequences you may face.
Controlled substance law
The main statute used both nationwide and statewide is the controlled substance schedule. There are five total categories that detail the strength of each drug that could get abused. As the numbers increase, so does the severity of the punishment and seriousness of the illegal substance. Even a minuscule amount of a certain level of drug may lead to jail time or fines.
Drug schedules
Schedule 1 drugs are the least tolerated and most dangerous, due to the high level of potential abuse. Schedule 5 drugs are more common, and people are less likely to become seriously addicted to them. In fact, they are often used for medical issues or prescribed by doctors. However, abuse may happen in other illegal ways. In between the first and last schedules, there are Schedules 2, 3, and 4. All three of these categories also have legal medical uses, unlike Schedule 1 drugs.
Legal issues
The schedules dictate what kind of consequences you face. If you possess any Schedule 1 drug, your conviction is likely more serious. Once charged with this crime, this may lead to prison time or a fine. Schedule 3, 4, and 5 drugs also may carry a first-time punishment of up to multiple years in prison, although not as many as Schedule 1 or 2. In addition, there is a special legal circumstance for narcotic Schedule 1 or 2 drugs. If you possess those, you may find yourself facing even further time in jail.
