Wiggins Casto Barrow | A Professional Association
Wiggins Casto Barrow | A Professional Association

Arrange Your Consultation Today | 706-842-6451

Wiggins Caso Barrow | A Professional Association

706-842-6451

Your Hometown Legal Allies

Get An Athens Defense Attorney If You Face A Drug Charge In Georgia

In Georgia, a drug charge is an extremely serious offense, often resulting in a suspended license and even jail time. Our Athens criminal defense attorneys at Wiggins Casto Barrow, PA, understand that every case is different. Sometimes, the criminal act is merely a symptom of a more pervasive issue that needs to be identified and addressed so that the client – and their family – has a chance at a joyful and fulfilling life beyond the criminal charge.

A Nonjudgmental Environment

Each case our attorneys take is different, and every client they represent is unique. At Wiggins Casto Barrow, PA, you will not be met with any judgment or prejudice. Our criminal lawyers are only concerned with one thing: aggressively and successfully defending you in the criminal arena.

Over Five Decades Of Combined Experience

Our experienced criminal lawyers handle a multitude of drug and alcohol-related crimes, including:

  • Drug possession
  • Drug possession with the intent to distribute
  • Drug trafficking
  • Underage possession of alcohol
  • Drunk driving
  • Civil forfeiture
  • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges related to alleged organized crime activity

Our seasoned criminal attorneys have over five decades of collective experience successfully defending clients in cases involving drug and alcohol-related crimes, including felony cases. They will vigorously fight for a positive outcome for you or your loved one, doing their best to minimize or eliminate the criminal case and its effects on you while providing guidance (when asked) in circumstances involving addiction.

We Are Here To Answer Your Most Asked Questions About Drug Charges

Navigating the laws around drug charges can be overwhelming, and you may already have questions about the matter. Here are our answers to the most common queries.

What should I do after a drug arrest in Athens, Georgia?

Your actions following an arrest matter, as a single misstep can incriminate your case. Here are steps you can consider as a guide on what to do next:

  • Exercise your right to remain silent and refrain from answering questions by law enforcement officers.
  • Secure your bond to be released from jail and wait for trial.
  • Inquire about diversion programs for options that can keep your record clean if this is your first offense.
  • Seek legal counsel from a criminal defense attorney.

Following these steps can help you learn more about your options for fighting your charge.

Will I go to jail for a first-time drug offense in Georgia?

Drug offenses in Georgia carry prison time, but a simpler path exists for first-time offenders. Under the First Offender Act, you may go through a deferred adjudication program that may allow you to plead guilty or no contest without a formal conviction being entered. Completing this program can result in a dismissal and a sealed criminal charge.

However, you must never have had a felony conviction in any state to qualify. Additionally, you must never have taken the First Offender Act previously.

Can I lose my driver’s license if the courts convict me of a drug charge in Georgia?

You can lose your driver’s license due to a drug conviction in Georgia, even if you were not driving at the time of the arrest. A first-time conviction for either standard drug possession or driving under the influence (DUI) involving drugs can trigger a mandatory 180-day license suspension. Unlike a standard alcohol-related DUI, a drug-related conviction results in a hard suspension, meaning limited driving permits, work permits and hardship exceptions are legally unavailable during this period.

What is the difference between marijuana charges and other controlled substance charges in Georgia?

The core differences between marijuana charges and other controlled substances include classification, weight thresholds and misdemeanor eligibility.

While federal law treats marijuana as a Schedule I drug, Georgia treats it as simple possession. Possessing under one ounce counts as a misdemeanor and possessing more than one ounce is a felony. Meanwhile, other controlled substances have stricter rules. Possessing any amount of Schedule I through V drugs automatically constitutes a felony.

It is important to note that the answers do not serve as formal legal advice. Because every drug case is unique, seeking legal counsel is wise.

Speak To An Athens Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you or a loved one has been arrested and accused of a minor crime, such as underage possession, or a much more serious offense, like drug possession with intent to distribute, you can feel confident putting your trust in our Athens criminal defense lawyers at Wiggins Casto Barrow, PA. They promise to adhere to their proven standard of treating each case with unique sensitivity and unmatched fortitude.