Blog

Chamblee Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession

Posted by Richard Lawson | Sep 19, 2019 | 0 Comments

The city of Chamblee just released that their City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that eliminates the possibility of jail time as well as reduces the fine for possessing one ounce or less of marijuana.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I have seen this occur in several different jurisdictions in Georgia. Chamblee is the 11th local government to decriminalize the possession of marijuana.

In today's post I will outline the offense of possession of marijuana in the state of Georgia. People mistakenly believe that since certain jurisdictions have decriminalized marijuana possession that it is no longer a crime in the state of Georgia. This is incorrect, and I will outline the offense below.

Marijuana Possession in Georgia

Georgia Law lays out the criminal offense of possession of marijuana in Georgia in O.C.G.A. §16-13-30 as:

It is unlawful for any person to possess, have under his or her control, manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, purchase, sell, or possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

The penalty for being caught with less than one ounce of marijuana is up to $1,000 in fines and a prison term of up to one year. The crime is classified as a misdemeanor. However, the penalty for being caught with greater than one ounce of marijuana will be classified as a felony, and the consequences will include fines and possible confinement between one and ten years in prison.

Many people are under the impression that marijuana criminalization is decreasing in the state of Georgia. This is very incorrect. Marijuana is still an illegal substance in our state - regardless of its status in other states. If caught in possession of marijuana, you are facing legal penalties.

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I am familiar with all crimes related to DUI in Georgia. This includes traffic violations to drug crimes.

If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices now. We can help you with your case as well as determine the best defense for your case. Call today.

About the Author

Richard Lawson

Managing Partner at Lawson & Berry:

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Georgia DUI Defense Attorneys

At the Law Office of Richard S. Lawson, we have offices conveniently located throughout metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. If we do not have a convenient office, we will come to you. We practice throughout Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. If your case is in an area we do not serve, we will find you an attorney in your area free of charge. Our office is part of a State-wide network of Georgia DUI Lawyers. Contact us 24/7 for immediate legal help. Our attorneys are standing by. Your DUI Case will not defend itself. Your Best Georgia DUI Defense Begins Here!

Menu