Georgia Marijuana Possession with Intent to Distribute Explained

Georgia takes all drug possession crimes seriously – including marijuana possession. If you are facing a marijuana (pot) charge and are worried about jail time, fines, and other consequences, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

A marijuana possession with intent to distribute charge carries some especially severe penalties. This felony offense includes prison time as well as fines starting in the thousands.

So what constitutes drug possession with intent to distribute? If you possess a large quantity of drugs, you may be slapped with this charge even if you had no intention of distributing the marijuana. In this case, intent is based on the amount of marijuana in your possession.

If you were found to possess more than 10 pounds, but less than 2,000 pounds, of marijuana, your penalties include a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 dollars. Your driver’s license will also be suspended, even if you were not arrested while operating a motor vehicle. It may only be reinstated upon completion of a drug abuse program.

Possessing or distributing marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school or other drug free zone will result in even tougher sentences. You face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.

Did you know that you could be charged with marijuana possession even if it is not on your person? If you are in control of the marijuana, meaning that you could easily reach it and the average person would assume you had knowledge of it, you can be charged with possession. For example, having it under your car seat or stashed in a drawer in your residence can lead to a possession charge.

If you have been charged with marijuana possession with intent to distribute, not all is lost. The burden of proof in this case lies with the prosecution. They must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that your intent was to distribute marijuana. Just possessing marijuana is not enough to prove guilt in this case.

The attorneys at The Law Offices of Head and Kohn know how to defend clients in marijuana with intent to distribute cases. They will closely examine the facts in your case to find favorable evidence for you.

If you are interested in a free, no obligation consultation, please contact us today.