




Savannah Drug Crime Lawyer

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug related charges you need a Savannah criminal defense attorney that knows the intricacies of drug investigation, drug enforcement, and drug prosecution on your side. Kurtis is a former Special Drug Prosecutor with CNT (Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team) where he had significant experience investigating and prosecuting a range of drug cases from standard possession cases, to intent to distribute cases, to even large scale drug trafficking and distribution organizations and conspiracies.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Georgia?
The penalties for drug crimes are severe and intricate, particularly if you are a recidivist. Every case presents a different set of problems. Kurtis took part in the prosecution and investigation of hundreds of drug cases.
His expertise and experience caused him to be invited to teach and train multiple law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and even a military drug task force on the law, investigatory techniques, and prosecution of complex drug enforcement cases.
Is Marijuana Legal in Georgia?
Marijuana is illegal for recreational or medical use in Georgia. However, the state has passed a limited medical marijuana law that permits qualified patients to use low-THC cannabis oil with a doctor's recommendation for treating certain medical conditions.
It's worth noting that although Georgia has a limited medical marijuana program, the law does not provide for the cultivation, sale, or distribution of cannabis oil within the state. As a result, patients must obtain the oil from out-of-state sources, which can be challenging and costly.
Contact our drug crime attorney in Savannah, GA for a consultation. Visit our FAQ page if you have any further questions.
What Are the Most Common Drug Offenses?
Possession of Marijuana:
- Less than an ounce (28.34 grams) is a misdemeanor punishable by 0-12 months in jail + fines.
- Greater than an ounce: is a felony punishable by 1 - 10 years in prison + fines.
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute:
- Need not be greater than an ounce
- Punishable by 1 - 10 years in prison + fines.
Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance:
- Examples: MDMA; Heroin; THC Derivatives
- Less than 1 gram/milliliters: 1 - 3 years in prison + fines
- 1 - 4 grams: 1 - 8 years in prison + fines
- 4 - 28 grams: 1 - 15 years in prison + fines
Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute:
- 1st Conviction: 5 - 30 years in prison + fines
- 2nd Conviction: 10 - 40 years in prison + fines
- 3rd or Subsequent Conviction: Recidivist Statute Applies
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance
- Non- Narcotics: Cocaine; Methamphetamine;
- Less than 2 grams/milliliters: 1 - 3 years in prison + fines
- 2 - 4 grams: 1 - 8 years in prison + fines
- 4 - 28 grams: 1 - 8 years in prison + fines
- Narcotics: Fentanyl; Oxy
- Less than 1 gram: 1 - 3 years in prison + fines
- 1 - 4 grams: 1 - 8 years in prison + fines
- 4 - 28 grams: 1 - 15 years in prison + fines
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute
- 1st Conviction: 5 - 30 years in prison + fines
- 2nd Conviction: 10 - 40 years in prison + fines
- 3rd or Subsequent Conviction: Recidivism Applies
Possession of a Schedule III, IV or V Controlled Substance
- First Conviction: 1 - 3 years in prison + fines
- Second Conviction: 1 - 3 years in prison + fines
- Third or Subsequent Conviction: 1 - 5 years in prison + fines
Possession of a Schedule III, IV or V Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute:
- 1 - 10 years in prison + fines
What Is the Penalty for Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking in Georgia carries a range in punishments depending on the weight/quantity of the marijuana or controlled substance at issue and can carry a minimum sentence of 10 years and a $200,000 fine to a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1 million dollar fine.
While the Use of Communication Facility to purchase or distribute or conspiracy to purchase or distribute marijuana or a controlled substance carries a sentence of 1 - 4 years in prison + fines in the amount of $30,000. With Conspiracy Charges carrying the same sentencing structure as the underlying charge.
What Is Considered Drug Paraphernalia in Georgia?
Georgia classifies any objects that assist in the manufacturing, concealing, or usage of illicit substances as drug paraphernalia. The state code § 16-13-32.2 details what this might constitute. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense.
Do First Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Georgia?
It depends on the category of offense. For first time offenders in Georgia, Conditional Discharge may be possible. This allows for a defendant to be sentenced to probation along with other terms, following a guilty plea. If all conditions are met, the charges can be dismissed. Consult with our experienced Savannah drug crime lawyer today to see if this may be any option for you.
In the state of Georgia, the First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) does permit certain first-time offenders of minor crimes to avoid conviction and be exonerated of charges, if all sentencing requirements are met. This may include probation and/or a period of confinement. However, it is important to note, that previous felony convictions and certain crimes (i.e., DUI) are not eligible under the First Offender Act. Additionally, if during the sentencing probation is violated by the defendant or they commit another crime, the judge can find them guilty.
If Drugs Are Found in Your Car Who Is Responsible?
Both the owner or driver of the car and any subsequent passengers could be arrested if police find drugs in a car. This can be further complicated by how the state determines possession, whether it be considered “actual possession” or “constructive possession”. This can be influenced by where the drugs were found in the car. For example, if they were within your vicinity, and could be deemed within your control, then it could be constructive possession.
What Are Schedule 1 and 2 Drugs?
The federal drug schedule categorizes the types of substances there are with the risk that is associated with them. Schedule 1 drugs are considered to be highly addictive with no medical purpose, while schedule 2 drugs are considered to be addictive with risk of abuse, but they can potentially be used for medical purposes.
Some common examples of schedule 1 drugs include heroin, ecstasy, LSD, and GHB. Examples of schedule 2 drugs are Adderall, codeine, opium, fentanyl, and morphine.
How to Get a Drug Trafficking Charge Dismissed?
If an individual’s rights were violated, such as the drugs being found through an illegal search and seizure, or there was a lack of adequate evidence, or an error being made on the part of police, or instances of entrapment may lead to the case being dismissed. However, to ensure your rights are upheld and protected, it’s best to first hire a qualified Savannah attorney who can help build your defense.
Get started on your case today by contacting our experienced drug defense attorney in Savannah, GA.

Dedicated Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney Who Genuinely Enjoys Helping People
When you work with Attorney Kurtis C. Bronston on your legal issue, you can expect the informed and knowledgeable guidance of an experienced leader. With a variety of legal experience in the DA’s office, as a prosecutor, and experience training other prosecutors and law enforcement officers, Savannah Attorney Bronston is well-prepared to handle your case.
Offering Experienced Legal Representation
During his time as a prosecutor he has tried several jury and bench trials while handling over 1,000 DUI's, several hundred domestic violence cases, and hundreds of complex drug cases. Every case is unique, and Attorney Bronston will develop personalized strategies for each situation. Our Savannah lawyer will orient your case based on your goals, and will take an educational approach to inform you of your situation every step of the way so you can feel confident about your choices.
Call The Law Office of Kurtis C. Bronston, LLC for legal help from our Savannah criminal defense attorney. Or contact us online to get started in a free consultation.
- Creative Solutions
- Former Prosecutor
- Educational Approach
- Personalized Attention
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Kurtis' expertise he helped guide us in uncharted territories!
“His knowledge and experience helped us change some of our wording in our contract and explained things about the laws to us.”
Cindy B.
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He has gone above and beyond
“He is responsive and honest which I find are two things hard to find in his field of work.”
Jojo N. -
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He gave me insight on what my case outcome would be.
“He Was on it right away and long behold the outcome was better than I expected.”
Anton B.
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