Possession Of Marijuana In Georgia
Possession of Marijuana in Georgia is illegal despite recent legislative changes. Possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor. Possession of an ounce, or more, is a felony. This page to focuses on Possession of Marijuana in Georgia less than an ounce. Felony possession of marijuana in Georgia carries more severe penalties.
Your Driver’s License Is No Longer At Risk Of Being Suspended
Georgia Law has recently changed and a conviction of Possession of Marijuana less than an ounce will no longer suspend your driver’s license.
The Penalties for Possession Of Marijuana In Georgia
Possession of Marijuana in Georgia less than an ounce is a misdemeanor in Georgia. This means this offense is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and 12 months in jail. Keep in mind this is the maximum punishment, and most people do not receive this harsh penalty. However, most judges will impose extra penalties such as DUI School, a drug and alcohol evaluation, community service, random drug screens, etc.
The Hidden Dangers of Possession Of Marijuana In Georgia From Yeargan & Kert, LLC
In addition to the punishment levied by the court Possession of Marijuana in Georgia has many hidden consequences. A conviction for Possession of Marijuana in Georgia can have a serious impact on future employment, school admissions, scholarships, military enlistment, and professional licensing.
Don’t let this charge jeopardize your future. An aggressive and experienced criminal defense lawyer from Yeargan & Kert, LLC can protect your future.
How To Handle A Possession Of Marijuana In Georgia Charge From Yeargan & Kert, LLC
Diversion Program/Pretrial Intervention
There are many ways to handle a charge for Possession of Marijuana. Depending on your criminal history you may be able to participate in a diversion program/pretrial diversion. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges against you will be dismissed, and the arrest removed from your criminal history. To learn more about diversion programs in Georgia please watch my video here.
Conditional Discharge
A conditional discharge plea is very similar to diversion, but with a few differences. One major difference is you must enter a guilty/no contest plea to the charge. Once your plea is entered the court holds your plea, and does not submit it.
As long as you complete the requirements of your conditional discharge plea i.e. community service, a drug and alcohol evaluation, etc. the court throws your plea away, dismisses the charges against you, and the charge is removed from your criminal history. If you don’t complete the requirements of your conditional discharge plea the court enters your guilty/no contest plea and imposes sentence.
As you can see a conditional discharge plea is very similar to a diversion program both in its requirements, and benefits. To learn more about conditional discharge please click on this link.
First Offender Plea
If you cannot participate in a diversion program, or enter a conditional discharge plea, you may use a First Offender Plea if the judge will accept it. The First Offender Plea was originally intended for felony charges but may be used for misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana in Georgia.
A First Offender Plea is extremely similar conditional discharge plea in both requirements and benefits. To learn more about the First Offender Act in Georgia please click on the following link.
Nolo Contendere/No Contest
If none of the options above are available to you then you may try to enter a Nolo Contendere/No Contest plea to this charge. Like some of the other options above the judge must accept this plea. After pleading no contest the judge will sentence you to a fine, community service, jail, probation, etc. depending on your record.
O.C.G.A. 16-13-30 Possession Of Marijuana
You may read the code section making Possession of Marijuana in Georgia illegal by clicking here.
More Information On Possession Of Marijuana In Georgia From Yeargan & Kert, LLC
To learn more about Possession of Marijuana in Georgia please watch my video here. Please feel free to contact Yeargan & Kert, LLC with any questions you may have.