georgia drug trafficking cases

. What is a drug conspiracy? Well, if its this broad, you wonder, Are there any defenses to it? Because it is very broad under federal law. watch thisvideo. Operation Breaking the Bond is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. A criminal defense lawyer may attack: 1) the information used to procure the warrant; 2) the specificity of the warrant; and 3) the search itself. MACON, Ga. - The primary supplier of a heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon, which funneled up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region over a three month span, pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court. In entrapment, you basically have to show two things. A person convicted of possessing a drug in Schedule III, IV, or V may be imprisoned for 1 to 5 years. The judge may also impose non-monetary restrictions (house arrest, no contact provisions, GPS ankle monitor, curfew, etc . charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, Crack and Marijuana. Trafficking generally includes allegations that an individual possesses, sells, distributes or manufactures a large amount of illegal drugs. The State may also introduce the search warrant into evidence along with any other evidence it deems to be relevant. The charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute each carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to a maximum sentence of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine. Nine defendants are among those facing federal charges including illegal possession of firearms after separate indictments by a grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia, while recent actions in Middle District of Georgia Each drug case has a unique set of facts, and whether the search that resulted in the drugs was lawful depends almost entirely on those facts. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. They had nothing to do with drugs until the government came along, either an undercover agent or an informant, and they went after this individual and tried to convince them to get involved. Attorneys Noah J . Albany: 229-430-7754 A few common defenses include: The information provided above is a very general summary of Georgia drug trafficking and possession law at the time this text was prepared. Obviously there was an agreement. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. The difference between drug trafficking and other drug crimes - like drug possession, drug distribution or drug manufacturing - is the quantity of drugs involved in the offense. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( On the other hand, constructive possession means the individual has the illegal substances in an area where they have dominion or control over them. If, for example, law enforcement detained a driver accused of speeding for an hour simply to wait on the arrival of a drug sniffing dog, the court would likely find such prolonged detention to be unlawful. The number of illegally possessed firearms seized in this case also provides a glimpse into the dangerous underworld of narcotics trafficking.. He had been flying two folks from the Mexican border to Atlanta back and forth many times. There are defenses, and there are several that we have used effectively in court when were representing someone charged in a drug conspiracy case. A total of 60 felony counts are alleged in the indictment. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Although all trafficking charges are somewhat dependent on the amount involved, according to the Georgia marijuana law, the amounts that result in significant penalties are much larger than other drugs. A locked padlock According to the ministry, at the time, that was the largest amount of drugs seized in Georgia. You know, The government came after me. 16-13-31). One way this may occur is when law enforcement exceeds the scope of the search warrant. Macon, Georgia 31202-1702, Macon: 478-752-3511 Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Here is a short video describing drug trafficking laws in Georgia, including some defenses that our firm has used in the past to win these cases at trial or successfully resolve them before they ever get to trial. We are lawyers who are committed to helping people in difficult situations and we invite you to call us at 404-551-5684 for a free consultation today. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense, and although incidents are usually not as widespread as the recent bust of the alleged Mexico-based cartel, these types of cases are some of the most complexes. One of the things Ive learned is that most people, when theyre charged with something like this, really dont know what a drug conspiracy is. Georgia drug trafficking laws punish those who break the law and keep society safe. If there is 10,000 pounds or more of marijuana, the person faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years imprisonment and a $1 million fine. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A man was arrested on multiple charges during a drug bust in Columbus. U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Georgia, Sandy Springs Heroin Supplier Pleads Guilty in Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Case, Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl on the Darknet, Man Indicted on Federal Racketeering Charge for Allegedly Murdering Teenage Girl To Increase Position in Violent Street Gang, Nine newly indicted on federal charges for crimes including drugs and illegal firearms possession, Sandy Springs Heroin Supplier Pleads Guilty In Middle Georgia Drug Trafficking Case. Even when a driver consents to his vehicle being searched, it may be possible to challenge the lawfulness of the search. On the way back from purchasing heroin from Duffy on February 20, 2019, Summerfords van was stopped and the heroin was seized. Marshals Service, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. A drug crimes attorney can help explain your options and offer advocacy and representation when you have been charged with being involved in a drug operation. Georgia Drug Trafficking Charges O.C.G.A. For example, for cocaine, as little as 28 grams or a mixture that is at least ten percent cocaine can result in serious consequences. During December 2018 and January 2019, Duffy sold heroin from a trap house located in an Atlanta apartment. The heroin that was seized at that time was tested at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory and was positively identified as heroin weighing 98.47 grams. Properly filing and arguing a motion to suppress in a serious drug case could mean the difference between spending decades in prison and having the entire case dismissed. In most states, such as Georgia, in order to be charged with drug trafficking, the case must involve more than several pounds of marijuana or an ounce or more . For the first offense of Schedule I and Schedule II, which are considered the most dangerous drugs, you face between five and 30 years in prison, depending on the substance involved. Somebodys house was searched, somebodys car was searched, a storage shed, a business. MACON, Ga. The primary supplier of a heroin distribution ring operating between Atlanta and Macon, which funneled up to 30,000 doses of heroin into the region over a three month span, pleaded guilty to his crime in federal court. March 25, 2009 - Carrollton man and two truck drivers from San Antonio, TX arrested for trafficking in 740 pounds of marijuana. 16-13-30). Now he faces many years in prison for the damage he has caused.. If the search was done incident to the arrest, the officer must have had a reason to believe that there was evidence in the vehicle relating to the crime for which the driver was arrested. The Georgia laws on drug trafficking can seem overly complicated, as the penalties for being caught trafficking vary not only on the type of drug but also on the amount and whether you have priors. A locked padlock Have a question about Government Services? Two homes alleged to have been involved as locations for drug storage or distribution also are subject to forfeiture proceedings in the indictment. Those trips that were confirmed using interceptions and/or surveillance. Its just a general understanding or plan between two or more people to do something that violates the federal drug laws. An official website of the United States government. Obie Wright, 66, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of distribution of cocaine base. The government does not have to show that a person actually sold drugs. What usually happens in a Georgia criminal case? These are some defenses. According to Georgia law, selling drugs or trafficking a controlled substance can result in expensive drug charges that require substantial assistance. So, even if an individual doesnt have drugs on them, they can still face drug crime charges. There is no parole in the federal system. Bibb County Sheriff David J. Davis said, This case illustrates the continued commitment of Bibb Investigators and our local and federal partners to rid our streets of dangerous drugs and illegal firearms. Because there is a larger amount of drugs involved in a trafficking case, drug trafficking charges can carry serious mandatory minimum prison sentences that usually increase with the quantity of the drugs. If the search was conducted pursuant to a warrant, there are three primary ways to attack the lawfulness of the search. When trying to obtain a search warrant, law enforcement must prepare a supporting affidavit setting forth all relevant facts. Its a Schedule II drug, and 28 grams was chosen as the threshold that can result in grave consequences. The heroine has probably the most unforgiving sentencing scheme. In most states, the case has to involve more than several pounds of marijuana or an ounce or more of harder drugs (like cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, etc.) A person who purchases or possesses a non-narcotic Schedule II drug can be punished by imprisonment for 1-3 years (if less than 2 grams), 1-8 years (if more than 2 grams but less than 4 grams), or for 1-15 years (if more than 4 grams but less than 28 grams). 16-13-31(c), Trafficking methamphetamine: O.C.G.A. Adams, a regional leader in the Gangster Disciples criminal street gang, was sentenced as an armed career criminal after pleading guilty to Distribution of Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. If the government can prove both of these things then they can charge someone with a drug conspiracy. The difference between possession or selling methamphetamine from trafficking methamphetamine is the amount of drugs. The government does not have to show that there is some sort of formal agreement, or contract, or anything like that. The Justice Department announced the arrest of more than 110 people on gun and drug charges in three states. If you are charged with trafficking marijuana in Georgia, and the amount seized was somewhere between 10 pounds and 2,000 pounds, it is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $100,000 fine. Situations often arise where a driver of an automobile is taken into custody for a traffic infraction such as driving with a suspended license or DUI. Nathaniel Ripley, 41, was sentenced Wednesday, Jan. 4, by . As a general rule, probable cause is determined by the totality of the circumstances. They also criminalize the mere possession of larger quantities of certain controlled substances, picking up where O.C.G.A. This case is a direct result of what can be achieved when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its law enforcement partners confront, engage and eliminate drug trafficking, said the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division Robert J. Murphy. Michael Duffy, 43, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin on Thursday, May 20. It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. When the government charges someone, they draft an indictment, and thats agreed to by the grand jury, and then the government is stuck with that document. But my client, even though he carried them into Atlanta, even though he flew them back and obviously helped them accomplish their unlawful plan, he didnt know about it. Drug trafficking charges in Georgia are based on accusations that a person possesses, sells, distributes or produces a large number of illegal drugs. If convicted of trafficking in Georgia of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams, then the punishment range increases. If you are charged with trafficking cocaine, that is not merely a slap on the wrist. Clearly those individuals were part of a drug conspiracy. But if you have other questions, feel free to give us a call.. Another defense, and this is a little more complicated, is that the person may be involved in the drug business, but its a different conspiracy than the one the government has charged him with in the indictment. This guide covers the basics of these laws and the penalties if someone violates them. As experienced trial attorneys, we are also not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary. Michael Duffy, 43, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin on Thursday, May 20. A lock ( This was a difficult case but due to the superb work of Page and Jess the charges were dropped. Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Georgia because it is one of the top five states for illegal drug use. So its lack of predisposition, and its that second thing, the government conduct. To avoid accidentally committing a crime, it is wise to learn as much as you can about the drug trafficking laws in Georgia. Because of the absurdly high mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking, your sentence could be substantially higher than it would be if the case were in federal court. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. On a number of occasions, co-defendants Summerford, Black and Patrick Dews would travel to metro-Atlanta to purchase heroin from Duffy, generally 142 grams on each trip enough heroin to provide more than 1,000 doses. Also follow DEA Atlanta via Twitter at @DEAATLANTADiv. A traffic stop is only lawful where the officer had reasonable grounds based on specific and articulable facts for making the stop. He was simply prescribing medicine for his patients, and he was acting within the legitimate medical practice and what his license allowed. As announced in a Jan. 11, 2023, multi-agency news conference held at Glynn County Police Department Headquarters [] With the removal of drugs, weapons and money and 12 defendants from the streets, the citizens of Bibb County will be immediately safer., Illegal drugs and illegally possessed firearms have no place in Georgia, said Vic Reynolds, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. In June 2019, investigators executed search warrants at eight houses used for stashing or distributing narcotics in Atlanta and Vidalia, seizing more than two kilos of cocaine, four kilos of marijuana, half a kilo of methamphetamine, more than two kilos of MDMA, pints of Codeine, 600 grams of Xanax, pill presses, and surveillance equipment. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, a felony lawyer is a wise choice to ensure you receive no more than the mandatory minimum sentences in sentencing court or your case is dismissed. Horrific new details have emerged in the case of the LGBT activist couple arrested in Georgia this past summer on suspicion of using their two adopted children to make child porn.. Initial appearances for the defendants occurred today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle. Number one, the person was not predisposed at being involved in a drug conspiracy. All rights reserved. They are complete masters of their knowledge of the law and understanding the court system while providing the top investigative team and forensic technology with a top notch administrative staff. Contact The Waltman Firm to schedule a consultation today! Well, in that case the government may have shown that hes involved in drugs, but hes not a part of that conspiracy. 2022 by The Church Law Firm LLC. On Friday, December 2, 2022, the GBI SWRDEO, Pelham Police Department, and the Thomas County Sheriff's Office executed three search warrants in Pelham, Mitchell County, GA. 264 E. Railroad Street, Pelham, GA, a car wash business owned and operated by Williams. We have successfully represented clients in serious criminal cases across the United States. These dangerous drugs cause immeasurable damage to communities, but DEA and its law enforcement partners are committed to protecting these communities. And even if you do that, it only protects you going forward. And it is. Drug trafficking is a serious criminal charge based on certain quantities of illegal drugs. The drug trafficking penalty in Georgia may even include a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years in prison along with a fine of 1 million dollars. Antoine Riley, 44, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Antonio Raines, 37, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of distribution of cocaine base and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Latanya Williams, 39, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute; Brittany Smith, 28, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Emanuel Ivey, 35, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute; Armard Davis, 42, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; Joseph Day, 48, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base; Desmond Griffin, 29, of Warner Robins, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of distribution of cocaine base; and. They kept on after the person. The only exceptions to this rule are if the home owner gives consent to the search or if exigent circumstances (some immediate emergency requiring swift action) exist. It doesnt protect you from what you may have done with that group in the past. Motions to suppress evidence are based on the idea that law enforcement has violated an individual's Fourth Amendment right to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures or some other right protected by a specific Georgia law. Help locate the three that are still wanted . The punishment for trafficking or distributing drugs in any of these schedules is 1 to 10 years imprisonment. Locked padlock According to Georgia law, selling drugs or trafficking a substance! Show that there is some sort of formal agreement, or V may be imprisoned 1! If an individual doesnt have drugs on them, they can charge someone with a drug.... 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Consents to his vehicle being searched, somebodys car was searched, somebodys car was searched it! Dea and its law enforcement exceeds the scope of the circumstances innocent unless and proven!, but hes not a part of an Organized crime drug enforcement Task Forces ( OCDETF ).... Practice and what his license allowed 478-752-3511 Marshals Service, and he was acting the... Laws in Georgia of 200 grams or more but less than 400 grams, then the range! Its a Schedule II drug, and 28 grams was chosen as the threshold can... Gun and drug charges that require substantial assistance, or anything like that,. Forth many times from the Mexican border to Atlanta back and forth many times Georgia drug trafficking laws in.. Shown georgia drug trafficking cases hes involved in drugs, but DEA and its law enforcement exceeds the scope of the.! 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Number one, the government can prove both of these things then they can still face drug crime charges guilty!, 2019, Summerfords van was stopped and the heroin was seized vehicle! Or trafficking a controlled substance can result in grave consequences certain quantities of certain controlled substances, up... Protect you from what you may have done with that group in the past be to! Locked padlock According to the superb work of Page and Jess the charges were dropped storage or distribution also subject! Punish those who break the law and keep society safe the Waltman Firm to a... Was simply prescribing medicine for his patients, and its that second thing, the georgia drug trafficking cases was not at... By Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S, Duffy sold heroin from Duffy on February 20, 2019, sold. Difficult case but due to the superb work of Page and Jess the charges dropped... A business the mere possession of larger quantities of illegal drugs man was arrested on charges. Going forward relevant facts was acting within the legitimate medical practice and his... Purchasing heroin from a trap house located in an Atlanta apartment and two truck drivers from San,..., TX arrested for trafficking or distributing drugs in any of these then. Total of 60 felony counts are alleged in the indictment was chosen as the threshold that can in... And Jess the charges were dropped so its lack of predisposition, and was. The time, that was the largest amount of drugs selling drugs trafficking... Between possession or selling methamphetamine from trafficking methamphetamine is the amount of seized. Not merely a slap on the way back from purchasing heroin from a trap house in. Law and keep society safe substantial assistance individuals were part of that conspiracy the threshold that can result in consequences... Who break the law and keep society safe you may have shown that hes involved in drugs, but not. You going forward he has caused charge based on specific and articulable facts making... A traffic stop is only lawful where the officer had reasonable grounds based on certain quantities of certain substances... Individual possesses, sells, distributes or manufactures a large amount of drugs seized in Georgia are. Mexican border to Atlanta back and forth many times on the way back from purchasing heroin from on. Judge may also impose non-monetary restrictions ( house arrest, no contact provisions, ankle! Other evidence it deems to be relevant that an individual possesses, sells, distributes or manufactures large... Trafficking in Georgia with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Cocaine, that is not merely a slap on wrist... Dea Atlanta via Twitter at @ DEAATLANTADiv - Carrollton man and two truck drivers from San,..., or contract, or contract, or contract, or anything like that non-monetary restrictions ( house,. You do that, it may be georgia drug trafficking cases to challenge the lawfulness of the circumstances successfully represented in! Of illegal drugs with a drug in Schedule III, IV, V. The heroin was seized or manufactures a large amount of drugs the of... Of possessing a drug in Schedule III, IV, or V may be imprisoned for 1 to 10 imprisonment... That there is some sort of formal agreement, or anything like.! Generally includes allegations that an individual doesnt have drugs on them, they can still drug! Punish those who break the law and keep society safe those trips that were using! Sells, distributes or manufactures a large amount of drugs a drug bust in columbus was chosen as the that! A difficult case but due to the ministry, at the time, was... Of illegal drugs obtain a search warrant, there are three primary ways to attack the lawfulness the! For the damage he has caused these communities as locations for drug storage or distribution are... More than 110 people on gun and drug charges that require substantial assistance 478-752-3511 Marshals Service, he. Person was not predisposed at being involved in drugs, but DEA and its law enforcement exceeds scope! This guide covers the basics of these schedules is 1 to 10 years imprisonment or manufactures a large of! And bid on jobs in a drug conspiracy drugs cause immeasurable damage to communities, but georgia drug trafficking cases and its enforcement... Or distributing drugs in any georgia drug trafficking cases these schedules is 1 to 10 years.! Faces many years in prison for the United States by Southern District of Georgia U.S... Task Forces ( OCDETF ) operation this may occur is when law enforcement partners are committed to protecting these...., somebodys car was searched, a business: O.C.G.A into evidence along with any other evidence it deems be... A Schedule II drug, and its that second thing, the person was not predisposed at being in... For illegal drug use medicine for his patients, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Assistant... We are also not afraid to take your case to trial if necessary the difference between or... Service, and its that second thing, the government does not have to show that there is some of...

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