Cobb County Drug Possession Defense Attorney

Have You Been Charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance? Contact Us

If you have been charged with drug possession, you face serious consequences. Georgia takes a tough stance on drug crimes, and convictions can result in harsh penalties. Even a small amount of an illegal drug may lead to felony charges and years behind bars in Cobb County courts.

At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, our drug possession attorneys are ready to fight for you. We know these charges can feel frightening and overwhelming. Drug possession cases in Georgia are often misunderstood, and widespread myths sometimes lead to wrongful convictions or unfair outcomes for people in Cobb County.

Get the facts about drug possession charges. Schedule your free initial consultation with our Cobb County drug possession lawyers today. Call (770) 599-5328 or contact us online today.

What Is Involved in a Drug Possession Charge?

In Georgia, a drug possession charge varies depending on the substance and the quantity involved. For instance, you could face a misdemeanor for a small amount of marijuana, but possessing larger quantities or certain controlled substances might lead to felony charges—especially if weapons or minors are present. Penalties increase significantly if prosecutors believe there was an intent to distribute.

At Smith, Schnatmeier, Dettmering & Kilgo, LLP, our drug possession lawyers in Cobb County are prepared to develop an assertive defense for those charged with possession of a controlled substance. We understand the law can be confusing, and our role is to fight for your interests every step of the way.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Georgia?

In Cobb County, courts follow state sentencing guidelines, but factors like your criminal record and case details play a role in final penalties. First-time offenders may qualify for alternative sentencing or diversion, while repeat offenders or serious substance offenders may face more traditional consequences. Our firm helps you understand every sentencing possibility available in Cobb County, including options like drug court, probation, or rehabilitation—each of which can drastically change your outcome.

The law draws a sharp line based on the quantity of marijuana possession:

• Misdemeanor: Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Felony: Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a felony, punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.

Additionally, the following is a list of some of the penalties for other types of drugs:

• Possession of Schedule I drugs (e.g., heroin, ecstasy, peyote, etc.) — misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and fines up to $10,000
• Possession of Schedule II drugs (e.g., cocaine, meth, morphine, etc.) — felony with 12-25 years in prison and fines up to $50,000
• Possession of Schedule III drugs (e.g., Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, etc.) — felony with up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000
• Possession of Schedule IV drugs (e.g., Xanax, Soma, etc.) — felony with up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000
• Possession of Schedule V drugs (e.g., cough medicine with codeine, etc.) — misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $1,000

When you are charged with drug possession in Cobb County, your employment, license, and family can all be impacted. Local consequences range from loss of professional licenses to ineligibility for certain types of housing or education. By recognizing the wider impact a conviction may have in Cobb County, our drug possession lawyer team tailors your defense to protect your future as much as your freedom.

What is the Legal Process for Drug Possession Cases in Cobb County?

Navigating a drug possession case in Cobb County involves several key legal stages, each with specific requirements. Usually, after an arrest, you will have an initial appearance where a judge sets bail and outlines your rights. Next, you'll encounter the arraignment and the discovery phase, where both sides exchange critical evidence. In Cobb County, law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s Office influence the pace and focus of these procedures.

One critical aspect in Cobb County is the importance of pretrial motions, especially those challenging searches or the seizure of evidence. The timeline can change depending on the court’s calendar and the availability of diversion programs or plea deals unique to local courts. 

Breaking down each step helps you feel informed and prepared throughout the legal process:

• Initial arrest and booking: Law enforcement takes you to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, where your charges are processed.
• First appearance/arraignment: You appear before the Cobb County Magistrate or Superior Court and hear the charges against you and the conditions of release.
• Discovery and motions: Our attorneys review all prosecution evidence, file pretrial motions, and look closely at any constitutional issues that may arise.
• Plea or trial: Depending on the path, we either negotiate or take your matter to trial, always focused on what is best for your case in Cobb County courts.

If you need a drug possession lawyer in Cobb County who will guide you at every stage, our team is ready to stand by your side. Our team supports you throughout each step—gathering documents, explaining Cobb County procedures, and making sure you are ready for every appearance. This hands-on guidance gives you peace of mind and reduces uncertainty.

Are There Drug Diversion and Alternative Sentencing Options in Cobb County?

Many people facing drug possession charges in Cobb County are eligible for diversion or alternative sentencing programs designed to address substance use issues and reduce long-term penalties. Available options include pretrial diversion, Drug Court, and probation with mandatory treatment. Each program has specific requirements, and many offer the possibility of dismissing charges upon successful completion.

• Pretrial diversion: Designed for many first-time offenders, this path can lead to dismissal of your case after you finish counseling and other requirements.
• Drug Court: A structured setting offering regular supervision, rehabilitation, and check-ins with the court and treatment providers.
• Conditional probation: Offers sentencing flexibility while still complying with important court conditions in Cobb County cases.

Our team evaluates your eligibility for alternatives based on the circumstances of your case, your criminal history, and current considerations from local judges and prosecutors. We have experience working with Cobb County Drug Court and are familiar with each program’s expectations. 

Participants in these programs usually agree to drug testing, counseling, and strict compliance with court orders. With completion, you may avoid a permanent record and preserve your future opportunities. By working closely with you and the court, our drug possession attorney team in Cobb County ensures you have access to every available opportunity for a fair result.