Drug Distribution Defense Attorney

Your Defense Team for Drug Distribution Charges

Drug distribution charges carry severe consequences and demand a thorough legal strategy. At Crawford and Boyle, LLC, we bring decades of combined experience—including time as former prosecutors—to provide clients with attentive, strategic representation.

Local authorities dedicate significant resources to investigating, charging, and prosecuting these offenses. Accusations of distribution in this area often involve undercover officers, informants, or extended surveillance operations.

When you face a criminal allegation, our drug distribution attorneys work hard to safeguard your rights and your future every step of the way.

For immediate, strategic defense against drug distribution charges, contact Crawford and Boyle, LLC today. We offer free and virtual consultations—call (678) 680-5000 or reach out online.

Understanding Georgia Drug Distribution Law

Georgia law makes it unlawful for any person to “manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, sell, or possess with intent to distribute any controlled substance” (O.C.G.A. §16−13−30(b)).

Distribution vs. Possession with Intent to Distribute

• Distribution/Sale: The crime of actually selling or delivering a controlled substance to another person.
• Possession with Intent to Distribute (PWID): This crime does not require an actual transaction. The State only needs to prove that you possessed the drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them. This intent is typically inferred from circumstantial evidence.

For a PWID conviction, County District Attorney must prove beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Possession: That the accused was in actual or constructive possession of the substance.
• Knowledge: That the accused knowingly possessed the substance.
• Specific Intent to Distribute: That the accused intended for the substance to be sold or delivered to others.

Penalties and Consequences of Drug Distribution in Georgia

Drug distribution is considered one of the most serious felony offenses under Georgia law, especially when it involves Schedule I or II narcotics. A conviction brings lengthy prison sentences, mandatory license suspensions, and long-term consequences that can affect employment, housing, and civil rights. Even a first offense carries severe penalties that reflect how seriously Georgia courts treat these cases.

Direct Felony Penalties for Drug Distribution (First Offense)

• Schedule I or Schedule II (Cocaine, Heroin, Meth): Prison sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 30 years; mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least 6 months.
• Schedule III, IV, or V: Prison sentence of not less than 1 year and up to 10 years; mandatory driver’s license suspension of at least 6 months.
• Aggravating Factors: Distribution near a school, park, or public housing project carries mandatory sentencing enhancements (up to 20 years).
• Driver’s License Loss: A conviction for drug distribution results in a mandatory minimum six-month license suspension, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved.

Alternative Sentencing: Conditional Discharge

For eligible first-time offenders, we pursue Conditional Discharge (O.C.G.A. §16−13−2). This outcome allows the client to complete probation and treatment requirements, after which the felony charge is dismissed, preventing the permanent stain of a criminal conviction.

Key Defense Strategies Against Drug Distribution

Our team specializes in dismantling the circumstantial evidence the State uses to infer intent to distribute, often resulting in the charge being reduced to simple possession, which carries lesser penalties.

• Challenging Intent (Personal Use Defense): This is the most crucial defense. We argue that the quantity of drugs seized, even if large, was for personal consumption, not sale. We introduce evidence—such as a lack of sales records, packaging materials, or scales—to rebut the prosecutor’s inference of distribution.
• Entrapment: This defense is often applicable in cases involving undercover police or confidential informants. We argue that law enforcement induced the client to commit a crime that they were not otherwise predisposed to commit, thereby violating the client’s rights.
• Illegal Search and Seizure (Fourth Amendment): Many distribution charges stem from vehicle stops. We file aggressive Motions to Suppress all drug evidence if police lacked reasonable suspicion for the initial traffic stop or failed to obtain a valid warrant for the search. If the drugs are suppressed, the case is dismissed.
• Challenging Constructive Possession: For drugs found in a shared car or home, we argue that the client lacked the knowledge or exclusive control required for a finding of possession.

What To Expect With Drug Distribution Charges

When you’re charged with drug distribution, understanding the step-by-step process helps with planning and preparation. Each case moves through several hearings and deadlines—each with specific requirements and decision points for you and your legal team.

• Initial arrest and bond hearing: After your arrest, you appear before a judge to discuss bond and possible release conditions.
• Filing and review of formal charges: Prosecutors review all evidence to determine the charges pursued under Georgia’s controlled substance laws.
• Pre-trial motions: Attorneys may file motions to challenge the way authorities collected evidence or to protect your rights under Georgia law.
• Plea discussions: Your drug distribution lawyer may negotiate for a resolution before trial if it serves your best interests.
• Trial preparation: If your case goes to trial, the defense team builds a plan based on local court procedures, previous experience, and your case’s unique facts.

The timeline varies depending on several factors, including court scheduling, the complexity of the charges, and how many people are involved. When multiple defendants face charges, cases often require additional time for sharing evidence and addressing motions. Our drug distribution attorneys keep you prepared and informed at each step, with a plan for every possible development the court may present.

Why Clients Choose Our Drug Distribution Defense Lawyers

If you face a drug distribution allegation, you need a lawyer who understands the unique legal landscape. Our attorneys at Crawford and Boyle, LLC have more than 50 years of combined experience advocating in courts throughout Georgia.

Our background as former prosecutors gives us keen insight into court procedures, local prosecutors’ strategies, and the expectations of judges here.

• Prosecutorial insight: Our time serving as prosecutors allows us to anticipate legal tactics and construct a well-planned defense for you.
• Recognized for results: Our lawyers have received high Avvo ratings and recognition from well-respected legal organizations.
• Local familiarity: We know how courts operate—from court procedures to judges’ perspectives and local law enforcement practices.
• Personalized attention: We approach every case individually, building a strategy around your goals and the realities you face.
• Consistent communication: You always know your options, what to expect, and what comes next as we keep you informed throughout.

Clients often note that our drug distribution defense lawyers walk them through their options at a free consultation, helping calm anxiety from the very first conversation. We have cultivated strong relationships in the local legal community by practicing in Georgia courts for many years. We also encourage you to stay actively involved and informed so you can make the best decisions for yourself or your loved one.

Our Process for Defending Drug Distribution Cases

Defending against drug charges requires close attention to the details of the investigation. We examine the evidence, review law enforcement actions, and look for legal or procedural issues that could change the direction of your case.

Knowledge of local customs and court expectations gives our drug distribution attorneys a practical advantage when building your defense. Our strategies focus on protecting your rights and working toward the best possible result under the law.

• Review procedures: We investigate whether police followed proper procedures during searches, seizures, and arrests.
• Analyze evidence: We closely examine the reliability of laboratory results, witness statements, and the circumstances surrounding evidence collection.
• Explore alternatives: Our team evaluates if diversion programs, reduced charges, or resolutions short of trial may keep penalties down, depending on your situation.

Contact Our Drug Distribution Defense Attorneys for Guidance

Effective defense begins with informed action. When you reach out to Crawford and Boyle, LLC, you’ll receive a prompt review of your circumstances and clear, practical answers. We take time to address your concerns and help you understand every phase of the process in straightforward terms.

Call (678) 680-5000 or reach out online to schedule your consultation and gain the support you need to take the next step with confidence.