As a leading Georgia criminal defense attorney, Vic Wiegand has defended clients against a variety of drug offenses. If you are charged with sales, distribution, conspiracy, trafficking, marijuana drug crimes including just simple possession of marijuana, Attorney Wiegand can defend you.
In Georgia, a misdemeanor charge for simple possession of marijuana pertains to the unlawful possession of any amount of the drug for personal use or consumption.
The penalties for this offense are determined by state law and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. A misdemeanor is a less serious offense than felony and have typically lesser penalties.
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1. Fines: A conviction for misdemeanor possession of marijuana can result in a fine of up to $1,000. The actual amount of the fine imposed may depend on the judge’s discretion, the severity of the offense, and any previous criminal record the defendant may have. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is classified as a misdemeanor while more than one ounce will be a felony.
2. Jail Time: For a first-time offense, the maximum jail time for misdemeanor possession of marijuana is 12 months. However, a good lawyer can often influence the prosecution and judge to exercise discretion and impose lesser jail time or give probation instead, particularly for minor offenses.
3. Required Drug Programs: In some cases, the court may order the defendant to participate in a court-approved drug education or treatment program as part of their sentence. Successful completion of such programs may be considered during sentencing.
4. Community Service: The court may also order the defendant to perform community service as part of their sentence. The number of community service hours required can vary depending on the judge’s decision. Community service requires offenders to do voluntary work meaning no compensation/wages and you provide labor and talent. A common community service might be cleaning parks, roads, and other public spaces.
5. Probation: Instead of serving jail time, the court may impose probation as part of the sentence for misdemeanor marijuana possession. During probation, the defendant will be required to comply with certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and adherence to all laws. Violation of probation usually results in jail time.
In some cases, first-time offenders may have the opportunity to participate in diversion or pre-trial intervention programs. Attorney Wiegand will discuss this option with you. These programs in Georgia are designed to offer rehabilitation and education rather than immediate punishment. Successfully completing such programs can result in the charges being dropped or the record expunged, giving the defendant a chance to avoid a permanent criminal record.
Avoiding a criminal record is very valuable, as a criminal record can affect your ability, in the future, to obtain a job, obtain a rental apartment, obtain a loan including a home mortgage, and in some cases attend college.
A misdemeanor charge for simple possession of marijuana is still a major problem because if convicted, you will have a criminal record in Georgia.
Having a good criminal defense lawyer is critical. Vic Wiegand is a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with years of experience in defending clients against drug-related crimes. He will work hard to avoid a conviction. He has an in-depth understanding of the state’s laws and the intricacies of drug-related charges. He also understands the need to resolve cases quickly and discreetly and avoid a trial.
Advocating and negotiating for his clients charged with simple possession of marijuana is extremely important. Poor choices or misjudgment can often unfortunately result in such criminal charges.
Attorney Wiegand is committed to ensuring that his clients’ rights are upheld throughout the legal process and that they receive fair treatment under the law. His approach helps clients feel supported during what can be a challenging and uncertain time.
We are a full-service criminal defense law practice located in Cumming, GA, serving clients in Forsyth County and surrounding communities. We are committed to protecting our client’s interests. No matter what charges you are facing, almost all cases have the potential for a reduction in punishment or an acquittal.
Contact our office as soon as possible at (770) 886-4646 so we can review the circumstances surrounding your case and find a way to avoid a trial, conviction, and criminal record.
I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imaged by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.
– Thomas Jefferson
770-886-4646
Our Law office is located a few blocks from the Forsyth County Courthouse. Contact Us today for more information.
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