Georgia’s Strict Heroin Laws—What You Need to Know

Georgia’s laws against heroin use are among the strictest for any drug offense in the state.

Legal Consequences of Heroin Use and Sale

A charge of simply possessing less than 4 grams of heroin can land you with 2-15 years of jail time. If you get caught a second time, you’ll be sentenced anywhere from 5-30 years.

Being convicted of selling heroin will result in 5-30 years of imprisonment. Being charged again with selling heroin can get you an automatic life sentence.

Trafficking heroin means being busted with more than 4 grams of the drug, which indicates an intent to pass it along or distribute it. Depending on the amount you’re found with, jail time could range from 5-25 years and fines of $50,000 to $500,000.

Why So Strict?

Georgia takes a hardline stance against heroin.

Heroin is extremely addictive. It creates a particularly dangerous usage problem since first-time users can become quickly dependent on the drug. Selling heroin is a serious crime since it enables others to get addicted. While merely possessing and using the drug yourself ends the line of distribution, selling it leads to more widespread consequences for more people.

The effects of heroin use are far-reaching. Addiction, overdose, and functioning under the influence of heroin negatively impact kids, family security, and communities and puts a strain on limited healthcare resources and facilities.

A lack of funds can even push heroin users into other criminal activities in order to feed and fund their intense addiction.

To find out the most current heroin laws in Georgia and overturn charges of heroin use, contact the experienced Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney Jeff Manciagli.