I smoke two joints in the morning.  I smoke two joints at night.  I smoke two joints in the afternoon, it makes me fell alright.  I smoke two joints in time of peace, and two in time of war.  I smoke two joints before I smoke two joints, and then I smoke two more.

“Smoke Two Joints” –The Toyes

 

I was gonna go to court before I got high.

“Because I Got High” -Afroman

 

If you’ve been charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession here is some important information you should know.

First, what is misdemeanor marijuana possession?  Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §16-13-2(b), possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $1,000.00.

Second, other than up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine, what else can happen?  Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-75, the driver’s license of anyone convicted of possession of marijuana shall by operation of law be suspended.  Upon a first conviction within 5 years (as measured by arrest dates), there is a 180 day suspension.  A second conviction within five years, the period of suspension is three years.

I know.  You are saying to yourself, “I got caught with a joint and I’m looking at possible jail time, a fine, and a license suspension? I should move to Colorado!”

Before you pack your bags for the West Coast, there are a few things to remember about a misdemeanor marijuana charge.  In many counties, such as Fulton County, there are programs called Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI).  The PTI program is normally done on a case by case basis but could include: a program fee, class participation (such as a drug awareness class), or community service.  Upon successful completion of the PTI program, the case will be dismissed and you will be able to apply for record restriction pursuant to O.C.G.A. §35-5-37.  It’s like it never happened.  Also, by going through the PTI program, the license suspension never comes into play.

What happens if you weren’t offered PTI?  Conditional Discharge: Pursuant O.C.G.A. §16-13-2, if you have not previously been convicted of a drug possession charge, the court may withhold adjudication (refrain from making a decision) and place you on probation.  While on probation, you will likely have to complete a drug/alcohol evaluation and perform community service (note: this list is not exclusive and the probation can include “such reasonable terms and conditions as the court may require”).  Upon successful completion of the terms and conditions, “the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings.  Conditional Discharge may be used once.  As with PTI, by using Conditional Discharge, the license suspension never comes into play.

The important thing to remember with any pending criminal charge is to first contact an attorney.  The attorneys at W. Scott Smith, P.C. have handled thousands of misdemeanor drug cases and are able to help you get the best result possible.

If you’ve been charged with any kind of drug charge, call W. Scott Smith, P.C. today at 404-581-0999.