Drug Crimes

Alpharetta Drug Crimes Attorney

Defending Against Drug Crimes in Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Fulton County & Forsyth County

The police arrested you, and the prosecutor charged you with a drug-related crime. Surprisingly, you're not alone. Statistically, most people use (or at least try to use) a recreational drug at some point. Some who do this get caught. Others don't.

We won't kid you. Any drug-related arrest in Georgia is severe, whether you're caught with pot in your car or busted trying to distribute narcotics. One conviction—even on a single charge for drug possession of marijuana—can devastate your freedom and future. Now is not the time to take risks.

Are you facing a drug charge in Georgia? Call Brian Hansford Law today at (678) 647-6444 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug crimes lawyer in Alpharetta!

Georgia Drug Schedule Classification

Drugs are broken up into 'Schedules' and include the following:

Schedule I: the most dangerous of drugs, including ecstasy, mushrooms, heroin, etc.
Schedule II: drugs that may be used for medical purposes, requiring a prescription, including opium, Codeine, cocaine, etc.
Schedule III: includes steroid drugs.
Schedule IV: includes Xanax and Valium.
Schedule V: must be prescribed and are commonly abused.

In addition to our Cumming office, we have a new location in Roswell in the Gilbert House at 38 Sloan Street which is available by appointment.

Types of Drug Crime Cases We Defend

At Brian Hansford Law, our commitment to excellence means we pursue every available legal way of protecting your freedom. As your representative, we will examine the evidence and how investigators collected it. If your rights were violated in any way, we would find out about it.

We defend people who are accused of the following drug crimes in the state of Georgia:

Possession of an illegal substance
Possession with intent to distribute
Smuggling drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances across state or international lines
Growing, cultivating, or manufacturing illegal substances
Gun or firearm arrests related to drug crimes

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?

In Georgia, the penalties for drug crimes can be severe and depend on the offense committed. Here are the penalties for some common drug-related offenses:

Possession of an illegal substance: In Georgia, possessing a controlled substance is a felony offense. The penalty depends on the type of drug involved and the amount in possession. For example, possessing less than one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
Possession with intent to distribute: Possession with intent to distribute is a more serious offense than simple possession. The penalty depends on the type and amount of drugs involved and any prior convictions. For example, possession with intent to distribute less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 30 years.
Smuggling drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances across state or international lines: This offense is a federal crime and can result in significant penalties, including a sentence of up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
Growing, cultivating, or manufacturing illegal substances: The penalty for growing or manufacturing drugs in Georgia varies depending on the type and amount of drugs involved. For example, growing fewer than ten marijuana plants is a felony offense and can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Gun or firearm arrests related to drug crimes: In Georgia, it is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony drug offense to possess a firearm. This offense is a felony and can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

It's important to note that these penalties are subject to change and may be influenced by other factors such as prior criminal history and the judge's discretion. It's also worth noting that drug crimes in Georgia can have long-term consequences beyond legal penalties, such as difficulty finding employment and housing.

What Makes a Drug Charge a Federal Offense?

Basic possession may be kept at the state level, while offenses such as drug trafficking, manufacturing, or intent to distribute are more likely to be charged at a federal level. Any criminal acts that suggest that the individuals may be performing a severe criminal business and making substantial earnings will deal with federal charges.

Contact Our Alpharetta Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

People convicted of narcotics-related crimes in Georgia are often subject to mandatory sentencing. This means lengthy prison sentences, fines, and the loss of other personal rights for any drug-related conviction.

Attorney Hansford believes you should be able to make things right after your arrest. Whether you go into an alternative treatment program or we aim to get the drug charges dismissed, we can work relentlessly to help minimize the impact a drug-related arrest has on your life. Sometimes, our drug crime lawyer in Alpharetta can even have the drug charges expunged from your criminal record.

Contact Brian Hansford Law today to schedule a FREE consultation with our drug crimes attorney in Alpharetta!

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Schedule a Free Consultation

You deserve an advocate who will fight aggressively to protect your rights. Attorney Brian Hansford has decades of experience working in the criminal justice system. We understand that being accused of a crime does not make you a criminal. We are prepared to do everything possible to raise doubts about allegations made by the prosecution. Get an aggressive advocate to protect your future. Call now and get started.

What Sets Us Apart

4 Reasons that Make Us the Right Choice

First Class Representation
At Brian Hansford Law, you get a defense team that will give you their undivided attention to your case. We take the time to understand your situation and meticulously prepare your case in an effort to achieve the best possible result.
Former Prosecutor
Having been a former prosecutor, Brian Hansford understands both sides of the criminal justice system. This experience helps him design an effective defense for his clients.

Fierce Trial Attorney
Many attorneys are afraid to go to trial - NOT US! We aggressively prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
25 Years of Experience
There's no substitution for experience. With 25 years of practicing law, our team has handled all kinds of charges from misdemeanors to some of the most complex and serious crimes.

Client Reviews

Don't Take Our Word For It

At Brian Hansford Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

"Brian and Erin were so patient and encouraging"
From the first phone call to the last e-mail, Brian and his Paralegal, Erin, promptly responded to and answered all of our questions, guiding us through both the legal and emotional aspects of our case. Even though our situation was repeatedly complicated, Brian and Erin were so patient and encouraging that we felt more like friends of the firm instead of paying clients. Not something I could say about other attorneys we've dealt with. It was a difficult situation and required some tough decisions that Brian was able to help us make through informed discussions. He was honest and forthcoming about both the pros and cons involved and is in my opinion, personally compassionate about what he does and about the future of his clients. We really feel like we've gotten the best outcome we could have under the circumstances and would definitely recommend his services and hire him again, if we ever had the need.

- Previous Client
"They were on top of my case from day one."
Brian and team were reassuring and certainly prepared to take my case! They were on top of my case from day one and followed through when some court-related documentation were not processed correctly. I would like to especially thank his paralegal Erin who was instrumental in keeping me informed and updating Brian when needed. Brian is honest and has years of experience with the Georgia court system. When I started this process he was just a name on a list at the end of this journey he will always be someone that I will always trust and provide a reference when needed.

- Previous Client
"I enjoyed working with him and Erin"
Brian and Erin were great from the outset. I initiated with them on a Sunday, got a call the same day and was in the office to chat the next day. Based on my discussion with Brian I hired him to represent me in a case involving multiple charges stemming from an incident on the road. Brian navigated me through the legal process making sure I was aware of my options. I enjoyed working with him and Erin to the end of my case.

- Justin
"Outstanding and efficient job."
Brian and his staff did an outstanding and efficient job in negotiating a fair outcome to my legal issues. I would highly recommend Brian to anyone seeking competent representation in legal matters.

- James
"His team did better than I could have ever expected"
I had a BUI case in Hall County and Brian and his team did better than I could have ever expected. He found several problems and mistakes the officer had made that allowed us to get evidence suppressed. He also recommended an expert witness that found many additional problems with the testing the officer did. This gave us a great case and it was reduced to a lesser charge.

- Bill
"Beyond competent, knowledgeable and worth 10x his fee"
Atty Hansford was hired to defend my son who was facing serious felony drug charges and extradition back to another state for previous probation charges. Atty Hansford and his staff were readily available for anything and were always in constant contact with us. My son was looking at serving time in a state prison for a few years and facing the same in another state. My son was absolutely guilty for the charges he faced. Instead of going to prison, Atty Hansford was able to get him in a 1-year drug treatment program and probation. I would highly recommend Atty Hansford for representation in any legal defense you needed. He is beyond competent, knowledgeable and worth 10X his fee. His staff always went above and beyond to contact us and answer any questions we had. We can't thank them enough for representing my son.

- John
"Excellent, caring representation and a good result."
I met Brian Hansford shortly after having been arrested based on a personal recommendation from a friend. From the first moment, Brian did everything he could to assist -- both with Legal advice and practical issues such as helping find arrangements for my family to provide bail.
The legal representation during my felony case was excellent. The fees were straight-forward and as expected. Brian worked hard both in and out of the courtroom (such as working hard to win over prosecutors) and we received a favorable plea deal. Within a few months, I was able to start putting my life back together. In the years since (including just a few weeks ago), I have voluntarily gone back to court twice to clear related issues. Both times I retained Brian and am pleased with the results.
I also retained Brian's firm for a civil matter a few years ago. Again, excellent, caring representation and a good result.

- Previous Client
"He will fight to make sure you are given a fair shake"
My son, who is now 16 years old, faced some serious charges. We expected the worst. This case involved felony charges, and the prosecutor was being tough. She did not want to work with us to settle, but Brian and his team worked a miracle in our favor. Brian is persistent, strategic, and resourceful. He thinks outside of the box on how to resolve difficult issues. We were impressed with his diligence. Brian is always calm under pressure. He did not waiver or give up or settle for less. He will fight to make sure you are given a fair shake. We were beyond pleased with the result. Brian and his team deserve all the credit for making sure my son will be able to go on with his life without these charges holding him back. I also have to mention Erin Bell, who was there every step of the way. She was a huge help to us on so many occasions. Erin was always patient when we were going through frustrations or roadblocks. I appreciate all Brian and Erin did for us. I highly recommend you give them a call!!

- Frankie

Let's Fight Your Charge

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