Possession of a Controlled Substance in Columbus, Georgia
Possession of a controlled substance is a charge that can be applied if you are found to have a small amount of a drug on your person. Under the law, if the amount exceeds that for personal use, the charge could be elevated to possession with intent to distribute.
The penalties for simple possession in Georgia are:
Schedule I or II (except marijuana)
First offense: two to 15 years in prison
Second offense: five to 30 years in prison
Schedule III, IV and V
First offense: one to five years in prison
Second offense: one to 10 years in prison
Possessing Drug-Related Objects
If you have any of the following in your possession, you can also be charged with possession of drug-related objects:
Cultivation or growing materials
Packaging, storage, or containers for controlled substances
Items used to conceal controlled substances
Items used for ingestion (pipes, needles, etc.)
This offense is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. If you are facing a charge of possession of a controlled substance, you need a competent criminal defense attorney.
