Interference with Custody – Georgia Criminal Attorney

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By: Mary Agramonte

            In most divorce and child custody cases, the Judge will issue an order or decree for parents to abide by as it relates to the parenting time, visitation, and responsibilities for each parent. When one parent fails to follow the order, a family law case can quickly turn criminal. In Georgia, the crime is known as Interference with Custody and is codified at O.C.G.A. § 16–5–45. A criminal arrest and prosecution can occur when one parent keeps the child past the visitation time that was ordered in the plan.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16–5–45, a person can be charged with Interference with Custody when they knowingly or recklessly take or entice the child away from the individual who has lawful custody. In this scenario, a felony Kidnapping charge can also occur. A person commits crime of kidnapping when they steal away another person without lawful authority to do so.

            However, the more common way Georgia parents find themselves being arrested for Interference of Custody is where one parent intentionally retains possession of he child past the lawful visitation time disclosed in the order. This can even happen when the parent keeps the child an extra day past their mandated week or day of visitation.

            A third way a person can be charge with Interference with Custody occurs when he or she harbors a child who has run away. This means you can be charged under this statute even if you are not the parent. If a child runs away from home and stays at your house, you can be charged for harboring the run away and be subject to criminal penalties.

The Interference with Custody statute in Georgia applies to all children under the age of 17, or children under age of 18 if they are alleged to be a ‘dependent child or child in need of services.’

What is the punishment for Interference with Custody in Georgia?

On a first conviction, the case is treated as a misdemeanor, with the penalties to include one to five months in jail, and/or a fine between $200 and $500. On a second conviction, the case is still treated as a misdemeanor but will include a minimum three months in jail, up to 12 months, as well as a higher fine in the amount of at least $400.00. The stakes get much higher on a third conviction of Interference of Custody. In this instance, the person accused of Interfering with Custody will be charged with a Felony offense. Felonies are treated more harshly in the justice system, and Judges can sentence up to five years to serve on a third conviction.

Interstate Inference with Custody has Increased Penalties

A person commits the offense of Interstate Interference of Custody when without lawful authority to do so the person knowingly or recklessly takes or entices any minor away from the individual who has lawful custody of such minor, and in so doing brings the minor into Georgia or removes the minor  from Georgia. This can apply in child custody issues where the person keeps the child longer than the period of lawful visitation.  Interstate Interference of Custody is a felony in Georgia with a punishment, if convicted of the crime, of 1 to 5 years imprisonment.

Defenses to Interference with Custody include challenging the venue where the case is brought, meaning that jurisdiction has to be the correct county to be able to prosecute the person accused of the crime. For example, when a parent lawfully removes child from state, but unlawfully retains custody out of state, the county of custodial parent, would be venue of any criminal prosecution. Oftentimes the police get involved where the child is taken, and the defense can lie in what county brings the charges. Additionally, the substance of the child custody order or decree can offer defenses. As in all cases, each and every element of the statute has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt in order to be convicted of any crime.

The purpose of the Georgia law criminalizing interference with custody is to protect custody interests of child’s lawful custodian from interference by another person. Child custody and divorce cases are not the only types of cases where the person can be charged under this statute. A person can be charged under this statute in child abduction scenarios, as well as situations where the child is in an unlawful physical relationship with an older person.

If you or a loved one has been charged with Interference of Custody, or have any questions about the crime in Georgia, call W. Scott Smith for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.

Georgia Criminal Law – Incest

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In major sex offenses, the person charged faces an uphill battle. These types of offenses are inflammatory in our society and many people rush to judgment, deeming the person guilty from the onset. The truth is there are people who are wrongly accused of committing these types of offenses. This article serves to explore the nature of the laws against incest, what the penalties are, and applicable defenses.

The Offense

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22, a person commits the offense of incest when such person engages in sexual intercourse or sodomy, with a person he or she knows he or she is related to by blood or by marriage as follows:

  • Mother and child or stepchild;
  • Father and child or stepchild;
  • Siblings of the whole blood or half blood;
  • Grandparent and grandchild of the whole blood or half blood;
  • Aunt and niece or nephew of the whole blood or half blood; or
  • Uncle and niece or nephew of the whole blood or half blood

The Penalty

Incest is a felony and a conviction will result in between ten and thirty year’s imprisonment. If the victim was under the age of fourteen, the prison term is between twenty-five and fifty years. Furthermore, a person convicted of incest will be required to register as a sex offender.

Defenses

Before we discuss applicable defenses, it is important to know what is not a valid defense to a charge of incest. It is not a defense that the intercourse was consented to by the victim. Consent is invalid where the victim is under the age of fourteen because that child is mentally incapable of giving consent.

One applicable defense to a charge of incest is that no sexual intercourse or sodomy occurred. But how does someone prove something didn’t happen? Evidence tending to establish issues with the victim’s credibility, bias, motives, or perception are beneficial to the defense. Also, one should consider obtaining an expert witness to analyze the case. An expert can assist in performing or rebutting forensic examinations of the alleged victim.

Another possible defense is that the parties involved simply do not meet the relationship required by law. The law is very strict as to which relationships apply and if the relationship falls outside of those stated under the law, a charge of incest will not stand.

Finally, the State has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knows he or she is related to the other person. The law requires proof the defendant knew or should have known they are engaging in intercourse with someone who meets the relationship requirements. However, one cannot simply ignore such a relationship when, under the circumstances, the defendant should reasonably know of such as relationship.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 for a free case evaluation. You’ll a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf.

Can you get in trouble for bringing cigarettes or a cellphone to an inmate in Georgia?

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By: Mary Agramonte

            Georgia law has made it a felony for someone to give an inmate certain illicit items. These include guns, weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and cellphones. If any of these items are given to an inmate without the warden’s permission, both the inmate and the person who gave it to the inmate, can be charged with a felony offense. This law is codified at O.C.G.A. § 42-5-18.

It is against the law for Inmates to possess certain items while in jail.

            If the inmate possesses a gun, weapon, alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, he or she can be convicted and imprisoned for 1 to 5 years (which can run consecutive to whatever sentence they are currently serving). Interestingly, if the person in jail is being held for a misdemeanor arrest or conviction, and is caught with a cell phone in violation of Georgia law, Georgia law can be more lenient as this offense is actually a misdemeanor. On the other hand, if the person is being held for a felony and is caught with a cell phone, it will be charged as a felony.

The person on the outside bringing the items can be punished more severely in Georgia.

            Another caveat is that Georgia law is that is treats more harshly the person bringing the items, than it does the inmate possessing them. If you are the one who brings the prohibited items in, or even attempts to do so, it is a mandatory minimum of two years to serve in prison (and all the way up to 10 years). The mandatory two years cannot be served on probation meaning it is a mandatory prison sentence. This includes weapons, drugs, and alcohol will all result in a mandatory two years in prison if the person is convicted of that crime. If it is only cigarettes or tobacco, then the sentence is slightly lighter in Georgia in that is a mandatory one to five years in that situation if the person is convicted at trial or plea.

What about drones?

            As technology develops more in the outside world, people are becoming creative in ways to bring prohibited items into jails and prisons. In this regard, the Georgia legislature has enacted laws to prevent the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft systems in either taking photos of jails and prisons, or using the unmanned aircraft to bring the banned items into the prison walls.  In this situation, it is a 1 to 5 year sentence to use the drone to take photos, and a 1 to 10 year offense to actually attempt to bring items into jail or prison. Both of these are considered felony offenses.

            Whether you or a loved one has been caught either possession the items while in prison, or bringing the items into the prison, there is hope. Experienced criminal defense attorneys can put together a defense to mitigate and protect your future. Call W. Scott Smith today for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.

Georgia Criminal Law – Possession of Tools

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Georgia law criminalizes the possession of tools for the commission of a crime. In fact, it is a felony offense. Not all tools in your possession will result in criminal charges. The law states it is unlawful to possession any tool, explosive, or device commonly used in burglary, theft, or another crime, with the intent to make use thereof in the commission of a crime.

Examples of tools that can result in criminal charges are crowbars, hammers, and glass break devices as these are all commonly used in burglaries and thefts. You could be arrested if found looking inside someone’s car windows late at night with a glass break tool in your hand, even if there is no theft. However, not only tools associated with burglary are criminalized.  For example, we routinely see pipes and scales charged as Possession of Tools, as these items are used to commit crimes of Possession of Drugs. In these instances, the rule of Lenity applies, which is discussed below under the Defenses section

What is the sentence for Possession of Tools in Georgia?

The sentence for Possession of Tools is a 1 to 5 year imprisonment sentence. (See O.C.G.A. § 16-7-20). Possession of tools is a felony offense, which means it is sentenced more harshly than misdemeanors. Felonies can take away your civil rights moving forward and can make finding employment very difficult. For example, if you are convicted of Possession of Tools, you immediately lose your right to vote and your ability to carry a firearm.

What are Possible Defenses to Possession of Tools in Georgia?

First, the mere possession of a common instrument is not a crime. A screw driver can be used to commit crimes, but it can also be used for numerous other lawful purposes. The same goes with wire cutters, flashlights, and gloves. These items are commonly used for all sorts of lawful and legitimate activities. The State must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that there was intent to use the tool to commit a crime. It is an incredibly high standard, especially since tools are used for so many other purposes.

Additionally, any time contraband is found, a thorough investigation must be conducted by a criminal defense attorney very quickly after arrest, into whether or not a valid, lawful, and constitutional search had occurred. We all have a right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. An officer cannot search your car without probable cause of a crime occurring, and then later charge you with a felony after finding a tool common in burglaries. In this instance, the tools found could be suppressed, and the case subsequently dismissed.

Other defenses fall on whether or not the tool is one that is commonly used for the commission of the crime. The State must not only prove that the accused actually possessed a tool, but the tool must be one that is commonly used to commit crimes. For example, Georgia law has held that body armor is not a tool commonly used in armed robbery, and thus there is insufficient evidence to show proof Possession of Tools in that situation. Georgia law has also held a two-by-four was not a tool for purposes of this statute in an Armed Robbery case for the same reason: it is not a device commonly used to commit that crime.

The rule of lenity may also apply in felony Possession of Tools cases. This means that even if you are charged with a felony, Georgia law may require you be given a misdemeanor sentence. For example, if the conduct alleged falls within both felony Possession of Tools and misdemeanor Possession of Drug Related Object, then the Lenity rule requires that person be subject to misdemeanor penalties.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for POSSESSION OF TOOLS in the State of Georgia, W. Scott Smith is here to offer a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.

Georgia Criminal Law – Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

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A felony conviction has serious consequences. It remains on your criminal record permanently, making jobs and housing extremely difficult to obtain. Aside from incarceration, probation, fines, counseling, and other conditions the sentencing judge may impose, a felony conviction also strips away certain constitutional rights. One of these rights is the right to possess a firearm. In enacting the below statute prohibiting the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, the General Assembly has sought to keep guns out of the hands of those individuals who by their prior conduct have demonstrated they may not possess a firearm without being a threat to society. This article will explain the three key components of the criminal offense, the punishment, and defenses.

The Offense

It is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-131.

Felony convictions include: any person who is on felony first offender probation, felony conditional discharge probation, or has been convicted of a felony in Georgia or any other state (also includes U.S. territories and courts of foreign nations).

A “firearm,” includes any handgun, rifle, shotgun, or other weapon which will or can be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or electrical charge. Therefore, toys or non-functioning replicas do not qualify as weapons. However, it is important to note that even disassembled firearms or even projectiles by themselves constitute “firearms” under the statute.

To prove possession, the prosecution must establish has two requirements, a culpable mental state and the act of possessing a firearm. First, the prosecution must establish the person knowingly possessed  a firearm. Knowledge can be proven through direct evidence (person’s statement admitting possession) or through circumstantial evidence (firearm found on person’s bed side table and nobody else had access to the house). Possession can be further broken down into two categories, actual and constructive possession. Actual possession is what it sounds like. If you have a firearm in your hand (or holster, or in your waistband), you are in actual possession of a firearm. Constructive possession, however, is a situation where you have control or dominion over property without being in actual possession of it. For example, imagine you are seated in the front passenger seat of a vehicle along with the driver. The vehicle is pulled over, searched by police, and illegal drugs are found in the center console. Although neither you nor the driver was in actual possession of the drugs, you are both arguably in constructive possession of the drugs because of your mutual ability to access and control of the drugs.

Punishment

A person convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon shall be sentenced to no less than one year and no more than ten years. If this is a second or subsequent conviction, the person shall be sentenced to prison for no less than five and no more than ten years. If the underlying felony was a “forcible felony” the person shall be sentenced to five years imprisonment. A forcible felony is defined as, “any felony involving the use or threat of physical force or violence against any person . . .”

Defenses

There are several defenses available to a person charged with this offense. One is to challenge the underlying conviction. If the conviction is not a felony or was a felony but was discharged under the First Offender Act or conditional discharge sentence, then there is no underlying felony. This offense also does not apply to those who have been convicted but had their convictions pardoned by the state.

The next available defense is to challenge the required mental state; that the person was “knowingly” in possession of a firearm. You cannot be in possession of something that you have no knowledge of.

The defense may also challenge whether the person was in constructive possession. In Harvey v. State, the court found insufficient evidence the defendant was in constructive possession of a firearm (by a convicted felon) even though defendant’s name appeared on documents in closet of apartment where firearm was found; the gun was found on the floor next to an unidentified individual, defendant’s name was not on the lease, and defendant had no belongings inside the apartment. 344 Ga.App. 7 (2017).

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Criminal City Ordinance Violations in Metro Atlanta, Georgia

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More and more municipalities are beginning to charge their citizens with city ordinance violations instead of state law violations when they are arrested for breaking the law in Georgia. Especially in municipalities like Atlanta and Sandy Springs. These violations are similar to their state law counterparts, charges like Disorderly Conduct, Theft by Shoplifting, and Possession of less than an ounce of Marijuana, but they have a different impact on your criminal history.

Police Officers will tell you they are cutting you a break when they only charge you with a city ordinance violation. They will often say, “don’t worry, it won’t show up on your criminal history.” That statement is only partly true. Every time you get fingerprinted after an arrest, whether it’s a city ordinance or a state law violation, a cycle will be created on your Georgia Criminal History. That cycle may only say city ordinance non-fingerprintable offense, but it will by a cycle on your history. Also the clerk’s office in the municipality where you were arrested or cited will have a record of your charge in their office. Many private background check companies go to all of the municipal courts in your area and search your name and date of birth for cases.

Having an attorney to represent your city ordinance violation in cities like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Roswell will give you the best opportunity to make sure your case is dismissed and your record is restricted. Call us today for a free consultation, 404-581-0999.

Georgia Criminal Law: Stalking and Aggravated Stalking

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Statutory Law

O.C.G.A. § 16-5-90(a) provides that “[a] person commits the offense of stalking when he or she follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person at or about a place or places without the consent of the other person for the purpose of harassing and intimidating the other person.”

“Contact,” has been broadly defined as, “any communication including without being limited to communication in person, by telephone, by mail, by broadcast, by computer, by computer network, or by any other electronic device; and the place or places that contact by telephone, mail, broadcast, computer, computer network, or any other electronic device is deemed to occur shall be the place or places where such communication is received.”  

Furthermore, “harassing and intimidating,” is defined as, “a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which causes emotional distress by placing such person in reasonable fear for such person’s safety or the safety of a member of his or her immediate family, by establishing a pattern of harassing and intimidating behavior, and which serves no legitimate purpose. 

A person who commits the offense of stalking is guilty of a misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 fine or both). If convicted of stalking a second time (or any subsequent conviction) the person will be punished as a felony and can be sentenced to at least one year in jail and no more than ten years in jail.

A person who commits the offense of stalking (as defined above) in violation of a bond to keep the peace posted pursuant to Code Section 17-6-110, temporary restraining order, temporary protective order, permanent restraining order, permanent protective order, preliminary injunction, good behavior bond, or permanent injunction or condition of pretrial release, condition of probation, or condition of parole in effect prohibiting the behavior described in this subsection is guilty of aggravated stalking.

Aggravated stalking is a felony punishable by imprisonment no less than one year, but no more than ten years and a fine not greater than $10,000.

Case Examples

In, Wright v. State, 292 Ga. App. 673, 665 S.E.2d 374. (2008), the evidence in this case was insufficient to support an aggravated stalking conviction. The defendant and the “victim” had a lengthy on-and-off relationship. The incident in question did not involve “a pattern of intimidating and harassing behavior that placed the woman in reasonable fear for her safety.” OCGA § 16-5-90(a)(1).

Similarly, in Autry v. State, 306 Ga. App. 125, 701 S.E.2d 596 (2010), the defendant was charged with stalking. The evidence showed that he was parked in a parking lot and watched a woman enter and then exit a store. He then followed her to another store, where she entered and exited. He then followed her briefly, but drove in a different direction eventually. This evidence did not suffice to sustain a stalking prosecution. The conduct did not amount to a pattern of harassing and intimidating behavior.

In a juvenile case, a police officer and the juvenile had a previous run-in. The juvenile, a passenger in a pick-up, was seen pulling into the officer’s driveway, waiting a few minutes and then leaving. This evidence did not support a stalking conviction. In re C.C., 280 Ga. App. 590, 634 S.E.2d 532 (2006).

In, Bradley v. State, 252 Ga. App. 293, 556 S.E.2d 201(2001), the defendant threatened the victim and was arrested. A restraining order was entered barring him from contacting the victim again. Subsequently, the defendant and the victim ignored the restraining order and contacted each other. Later, the victim called the police and complained that the defendant was at the apartment and threatened her. The defendant’s conviction for aggravated stalking was affirmed. The fact that the parties ignored the restraining order for a period of time did not vitiate the order or immunize the defendant from prosecution for violating the order. The violation of the restraining order was a “public wrong” that may not be condoned by the victim.

A person may commit the offense of aggravated stalking even if the victim is not aware of the defendant’s actions. In this case, in violation of the defendant’s bond order, he went to the victim’s house and looked in the garage. The victim was not aware that he had done so. Nevertheless, this conduct amounted to aggravated stalking. Jagat v. State, 240 Ga. App. 822, 525 S.E.2d 388 (1999).

In, Jerusheba v. State, 226 Ga. App. 696, 487 S.E.2d 465 (1997), the defendant’s conduct was sufficient to convict the defendant of stalking where the defendant sent numerous letters to the victim that were lurid, detailed and graphic descriptions of his sexual aspirations concerning the victim, with whom he had no prior relationship of any substance (they saw each other on the bus, occasionally).

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for stalking, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here

Georgia DUI Law: Binding Your Case Over

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A great deal of misdemeanor cases in Georgia, such as DUI, shoplifting, possession of marijuana, and minor traffic infractions begin in Municipal Court. This is because municipal courts exist separately from the State Court system. As an individual sovereignty, the various cities (or “municipalities”) across the state are free to adopt their own laws, called ordinances. These ordinances may or may not also be State law violations. This is the key determination in whether you are permitted to “bind your case over” to State Court. The law controlling whether a case may be bound over will be discussed below.

What does “binding a case over” mean?

Imagine yourself seated in a municipal courtroom appearing for a DUI charge. The judge will instruct you that when your name is called you are to make an “announcement” on what you want to do with your case. The judge will likely say your options are: (1) guilty; (2) nolo contendere; or (3) not guilty. If you answer (3) not guilty, the judge will normally tell you your case will be scheduled for a bench trial in municipal court where the same judge will be deciding your case (rather than a jury). What the municipal court judge often does not tell you is that one of your options in pleading “not guilty” is to request a jury trial on the case. When you request a jury trial, and the charge is eligible to be bound over, the case is then removed from the hands of the Municipal Court and is bound over to the State Court system to the county in which the Municipal Court resides.

For example, if your case begins in the Municipal Court of Atlanta, Municipal Court of Dunwoody, Municipal Court of Alpharetta, or any other Municipal Court within Fulton County, your case will be bound over to Fulton County State Court. Once the case is bound over, the case essentially hangs out in limbo for a while (could be weeks or several months depending on jurisdiction) unless or until the case becomes “accused” in State Court. When a case becomes “accused,” this simply means the State Court (through the prosecutor’s office) has picked up the case and charges have now been formally brought in State Court.

It is important to note that for misdemeanor cases in Georgia, the State has two years to accuse the case measured from the date of arrest. If the case is not accused within this two year period, the State is prevented from prosecuting the matter under the statue of limitations. Also, the State Court prosecutor has the authority to add, amend, dismiss, or reduce the charges. Therefore, the charges in State Court could be different than the ones you were facing in Municipal Court.

There is a great benefit to binding the case over to State Court. Not only are you entitled to a jury trial, but you also have a better opportunity to fight the case through motions challenges. These are largely unavailable in Municipal Court. Furthermore, State Court prosecutors seem to be more receptive to plea negotiations for more serious charges where their Municipal Court counterparts rarely budge. You also get two bites at the apple by starting the case in Municipal Court. If the Municipal Court prosecutor is unwilling to reduce or dismiss the charges, then the decision is easy, bind the case over to State Court and renew negotiations there.

Is My Case Eligible to Be Bound Over? 

Article I, Section I, Paragraph XI of the Georgia Constitution of 1983 guarantees a defendant in a criminal case the “inviolate” right to a “public and speedy trial by an impartial jury.” GA CONST Art. 1, § 1, ¶ XI. However, Georgia courts recognize that some cases are not eligible to be bound over to State or Superior Court by distinguishing crimes, “which are solely violations of local or municipal ordinances[,]” versus crimes where the offense is a violation of an ordinance as well as a misdemeanor under State law. Geng v. State, 276 Ga. 4825 (2002). Where the offense is both a violation of local ordinance and a state level offense, the State Court of the county where the alleged incident took place would have “concurrent jurisdiction” over the case. O.C.G.A. § 15-7-4. If the State Court has concurrent jurisdiction over the matter, then the case is eligible to be bound over.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for driving under the influence, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta DUI attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

Drug Trafficking in Clayton County Georgia – Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

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Imagine you have just flown into Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. You get off the plane and proceed to your luggage carousel. After you grab your bag, you are approached by several men who identify themselves as law enforcement. They ask to search your luggage and you agree. A search reveals a large quantity of drugs and you have no idea how they got there. You are now facing drug trafficking charges in Clayton County, Georgia.

Drug trafficking charges are different from other drug crimes, such as possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug distribution, and drug manufacturing. The key difference between drug trafficking and these other drug charges is quantity. Because of the large amount of drugs involved in trafficking charges, the punishment is significantly higher and may result in the imposition of a mandatory minimum prison sentence.

This blog serves to explain the drug trafficking laws and how these cases are handled in Clayton County, Georgia. Why Clayton County? Clayton County is a hotbed for drug trafficking because the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is located within its borders. Therefore, it is important to know what to expect from the prosecutors (District Attorney’s Office) and the Court itself when facing these charges.

The Law

O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31, makes it a criminal offense to sell, manufacture, delivers, or brings into the State, cocaine, illegal drugs, and marijuana is guilty of drug trafficking. The code section separates the law by drug and by quantity.

Trafficking cocaine is defined as any person who sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state or knowingly possesses 28 or more grams[1] of cocaine. If the quantity of cocaine is between 28 grams and 200 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and shall pay a fine of $200,000. If the quantity of cocaine is between 200 grams and 400 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 15 years and shall pay a $300,000 fine. Lastly, if the quantity of cocaine is 400 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory prison sentence of 25 years and shall pay a fine of $1,000,000.

For morphine and opium (including heroin), a person is guilty of trafficking if they sell, manufacture, deliver, bring into this state, or possess 4 grams or more of the substance. If the quantity involved is between 4 and 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for 5 years and shall pay a fine of $50,000. For between 14 grams and 28 grams, the sentence is at least 10 years in prison and a fine of $100,000

Trafficking marijuana is defined as selling, manufacturing, growing, delivering, or possessing more than 10 pounds or marijuana. If the amount of marijuana is greater than 10 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, the law requires a mandatory minimum 5 year prison sentence plus a $100,000 fine. If the quantity involved is greater than 2,000 pounds but less than 10,000 pounds, there is a 7 year mandatory minimum prison sentence plus a $250,000 fine. Finally, if the quantity of marijuana is greater than 10,000 pounds, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least 15 years as well as a fine of $1,000,000.

For methamphetamine and/or amphetamine, any person who sells, delivers, or brings into this state or who possesses 28 grams or more is guilty of trafficking. If the quantity is greater than 28 grams but less than 200 grams the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and pay a fine of $200,000. For quantities greater than 200 grams but less than 400 grams, it is a 15 year mandatory minimum prison sentence plus a $300,000 fine. If the quantity is greater than 400 grams, the mandatory minimum prison sentence is 25 years plus a $1,000,000 fine.

Although the above sentences are described as “mandatory minimum prison” sentences, there are a few limited ways in which someone convicted of trafficking may be sentenced to less prison time than what is required by the mandatory minimums: (1) If the defendant provides “substantial assistance” to the government in identifying, arresting, and/or convicting other people involved in the drug conspiracy, the prosecutor may move the court to reduce or suspend part or all of the defendant’s sentence; (2) by agreement of the parties through a “negotiated plea”; or (3) the judge may depart from these mandatory minimums if certain mitigating factors exist (no prior felonies, no firearm used, defendant not head of conspiracy, nobody was injured as a result of criminal conduct, or if the interests of justice would not be served by imposing a mandatory minimum sentence).

Clayton County

If you have been arrested in Clayton County for drug trafficking, the first and most important step is getting a bond. Only a superior court judge may set bail on a trafficking charge. When considering whether to grant a bond the judge analyzes four factors, whether the defendant is a significant risk of:

  1. Fleeing from the jurisdiction of the court
  2. Posing a threat or danger to any person
  3. Committing a felony while on pre-trial release
  4. Intimidating witnesses

An experienced attorney may be able to get the prosecutor to consent to a bond in the case if you have ties to the community and meet the above factors. In Clayton County, bonds for trafficking range from $65,000 up to $125,000. The judge may also impose non-monetary restrictions (house arrest, no contact provisions, GPS ankle monitor, curfew, etc.). There is always the possibility, however, that a judge will deny setting a bond in the case, even if the bond was consented to. If the prosecutor will not agree to a bond, then the defendant will have to go before the judge and offer evidence of defendant’s ties to the communities (length of residence, family ties, employment status and history, history of responding to legal process – failure to appears or probation violations, lack of criminal history). The judge will normally set a “surety bond” where the defendant is only responsible for posting 10% of the overall bond amount and a bond company pays the rest (percentage varies depending on bond company).

If a bond is granted, the next step is fighting the case. Once all the evidence is gathered through the discovery process and our firm’s own independent investigation, we then communicate with the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office in an attempt to discuss a resolution. If these preliminary discussions are to no avail, we then proceed to file a “motion to suppress” illegally obtained evidence. If granted, the prosecution would not be able to proceed with the case. If denied, and the prosecutor is unwilling to dismiss or reduce the charges then we would be fully prepared to try the case before a jury. There are several defenses available to someone charged with drug trafficking:

  1. Insufficient Drug Quantity (a motion to inspect evidence could reveal the weight of the substance does not meet the quantity as required in order to charge trafficking)
  2. No Possession  – Actual or Constructive (this defense asserts the defendant did not knowingly possess the substance in question, directly or indirectly)
  3. Equal Access to Drugs (this defense relates to other individuals having access to the container or area in which the drugs were found, thereby raising doubt that the defendant knowingly possessed the drugs)
  4. Illegally Obtained Evidence (this is the basis of a successful motion to suppress)

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for drug trafficking, contact the law firm of W. Scott Smith at 404.581.0999 today for a free case evaluation. You’ll find a local Atlanta attorney ready to aggressively fight on your behalf. You can also find out more detailed information about Atlanta laws here.

[1] With a minimum purity of 10% or more of cocaine as described in Schedule II

Does a Marijuana Charge Stay on Your Record in Georgia?

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by Mary Agramonte

As more states in the United States legalize recreational marijuana use, you may wonder if Georgia still treats marijuana convictions the same as they used to. As of January 1, 2020, recreational marijuana was legal for adults in 11 states, and medical marijuana was legal in 33 states. Yet, while some has changed, the law in Georgia regarding misdemeanor marijuana has stayed the same. The short answer is that prosecutors and law enforcement still harshly penalize the use of marijuana in Georgia.

            In Georgia, you can still be arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Unfortunately, in most jurisdictions, if a police officer locates marijuana, you will be taken into custody. An arrest and fingerprints during the booking process is what triggers criminal history reporting. Any time you are fingerprinted, the Sheriff’s Office then forwards your charges to the Georgia Crime Information Center, which is responsible for maintaining criminal records in Georgia. 

Even if you are arrested for marijuana possession, there are options to keep the arrest off your record. In Georgia, any time a case is dismissed through the criminal process, whether it is for a diversion or pretrial intervention program, or because the marijuana was unlawfully seized, or for any other reason, the entire arrest will be restricted off your record (formerly known as expungement process). A dismissal is a necessity if your goal is to keep the marijuana arrest off your record.

            Diversion programs are typically offered to youthful or first time offenders and typically require some community service or classes. Once these items are completed, the case gets completely dismissed and is erased off the criminal history. First offender pleas http://www.peachstatelawyer.com/georgias-retroactive-first-offender-law-georgia-criminal-defense-lawyer/ and conditional discharge pleas are also available in this case. Jury trials and bench trials are always an option in marijuana cases, just as they are in all criminal cases.

            Another way that a marijuana possession charge in Georgia will not result in a criminal history is if the officer released you on a ticket or citation. If there was a ticket, then there were no fingerprints. Here, it is imperative that during the court process, they do not require fingerprints as part of any type of plea, or else it will in fact still go on your criminal history.

            In order for the State to prove you committed the crime of marijuana possession, they must also prove that the investigation was lawful. Our Constitution protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures. It is imperative that all vehicle stops, searches, and search warrants be closely scrutinized to ensure that your Constitutional rights were protected during the investigation. If there was an illegal search, the marijuana would be thrown out of evidence, and the case dismissed. This would ensure a clean criminal history.

            How long does marijuana possession stay on my record?

            Criminal histories in Georgia are forever. There is no aging off when it comes to crimes entered onto your GCIC. This is why it is imperative that the case be thoroughly investigated and defended in order to safeguard the person’s future and clean record.  There are options. If you or a loved one has been charged with marijuana possession in Georgia, the lawyers of W. Scott Smith are available 24/7 for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999.