Drug Defense

Drug Defense Lawyer in Athens, GA 

Proven Trial Attorney in Clarke County, Madison County & Northeast Georgia

Being charged with a drug offense can carry serious consequences, regardless of whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony. A conviction can result in years of incarceration, hefty fines, loss of professional licenses, damage to your reputation, and long-term barriers to employment and housing opportunities. 

At Slider Law, we recognize the fear and uncertainty associated with these charges. That’s why we stand ready to defend your rights, challenge the state’s case, and protect your future. 

Talk to our Athens drug defense attorney about your situation in a free case evaluation. Call (706) 208-1514 or submit our online contact form. We offer convenient virtual consultations and are available 24/7.

Our Drug Defense Representation

With over 20 years of experience in drug-crime defense and with prior service as a prosecutor and staff attorney, Jason Slider has the knowledge and skills to defend you effectively. 

We review every detail of your situation, including the legality of the stop or search, the handling of evidence, and the qualifications of law-enforcement witnesses. Whether the allegation is simple possession or a complex trafficking charge, we work to explore all possible defenses, negotiate the best outcome, and, when necessary, fight for you at trial.

Types of Drug Charges We Defend

We handle a full range of drug-crime cases in Athens and the surrounding counties,  including:

  • Possession of illegal drugs, marijuana, or unlawfully obtained prescription medications
  • Possession with intent to distribute and/or sell
  • Drug trafficking
  • Possession of drug-related objects (paraphernalia)
  • Prescription medication crimes
  • DUI and drug DUI offenses

Georgia’s Drug Laws – An Overview

Under Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30, it is unlawful “to purchase, possess, or have under [one’s] control any controlled substance” unless authorized. 

The statute further prohibits manufacturing, delivering, distributing, selling, or possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute. Penalties vary greatly depending on the schedule of the drug, the quantity involved, and whether the offense is a first or subsequent one. 

For example:

  • Possession of a Schedule I or narcotic Schedule II drug may be a felony punishable by one to 15 years on a first offense. 
  • Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana in Georgia can elevate the charge to a felony, putting you at risk of one to 10 years in prison. 
  • Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs may carry one to five years for a first offense, and up to 10 years or more for subsequent offenses. 

Common Defenses We Use

We focus on protecting your constitutional rights from unlawful stops and searches, improper seizures, and coerced statements. We scrutinize whether you had actual possession (drugs found on your person) or constructive possession (drugs found where you had access or control). 

In constructive possession cases, we examine additional defenses, including lack of knowledge or equal access to the property. 

We also evaluate whether a first-offender plea or conditional discharge under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 or § 16-13-2 is available, options that could help you avoid a criminal conviction on your record.

Why Legal Representation Is Crucial

Drug laws in Georgia are complex, and the penalties are severe. Without an attorney who understands the nuances, from controlled substance schedules to Georgia’s conditional-discharge and first-offender statutes, you risk accepting a plea that carries more damage than you realize.

 At Slider Law, we offer flat-fee pricing (with no unexpected hourly costs), direct access to an experienced attorney, and a proven track record of protecting clients’ rights and futures.

Call (706) 208-1514 or connect with us online for your free initial consultation with our Athens drug defense attorney today. 

Continue Reading Read Less

Have Questions?

  • What is first offender, and can I use a first offender plea for a drug charge?

    In Georgia there is a general first offender pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 and a conditional discharge pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 16-13-2, both of which are potentially available to a person that is charged with certain types of drugs offenses. Whether first offender or conditional discharge is allowed will be determined by the specific charges and the individual's criminal history. The benefit of either option is that an individual that successfully completes either a first offender or conditional discharge sentence can avoid a criminal conviction for those charges under Georgia law. That means that a person can potentially avoid having a drug or felony conviction on their permanent criminal history. 

  • What defenses are available in my case?

    Anytime anybody is facing criminal charges, including drug offenses, they want to know what kind of defenses are available in their case. An experienced defense attorney will look through the State's evidence to examine whether the stop or seizuire of the individual was lawful, was the search of the individual, house or vehicle was legal, and whether any statements made may be admissible against them in court. These are just some of the basic defenses, however, each case is unique and different and has differenct defenses that will need to be examined or explored. This is exactly why a person will want an experienced criminal defense lawyer that has years of experience examing, researching and evaluating these and other defenses.

  • Will I go to jail if I am convicted of a drug offense?

    A drug offense could be a misdemeanor or felony offense, either type of offense carries a risk of jail or prison time. The facts of the case and the individual's specific circumstances will determine how significant the risk of confinement if convicted of a drug offense. Also, what offense the person is charged with can determine the risk of confinement. A criminal defense attorney will examine the charges, the facts of the case, and all potential defenses to determine the risk to that individual. Additionally, even if a person is convicted there are alternatives to confinement and even alternatives to a conviction appearing on their criminal history for the rest of their lives.

  • What is the difference between actual possession and constructive possession of drugs?

    Actual possession of drugs is the term used when police officers find drugs in a person's possession, such as in their hand or the pockets of their clothing. Constructive possession is the term used when a person has access to drugs or exercises control or has knowledge about the drugs, such as drugs in a bag in a car or in the room of a house. Either constructive possession or actual possession of drugs could result in a conviction for a drug offense, however, any time there is constructive possession there are multiple defenses that could be examined, including an equal access defense. Additionally, any time drugs are found seizure and search are issues that need to be fully investigated.

Why Choose Slider Law?

Clear Guidance. Strong Defense. Always on Your Side.
  • Former Prosecutor on Your Team
    With our prior experience, we know what the other side is thinking.
  • Available Day or Night
    Don't hesitate! Give us a call whenever you need legal help.
  • Meet with Us Virtually
    You don't need to come to our office. We can meet virtually!
  • Free Phone Consultations
    Talk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Slider Law at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Slider Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

      “He Communicated Well.”
      “Jason did an excellent job and he is a good person to work with.”
      - Steve L.
      “Very Professional and Hard Working.”
      “Working with Baker and Slider was a great experience!”
      - Alan H.
      “Thank You So Much for All Your Hard Work!”
      “Jason Slider was amazing for our case AND he answered my calls on a HOLIDAY!”
      - Brittany K.
      “Steered Us in the Right Direction.”
      “It was a pleasure having Mr. Baker as our attorney. He was outstanding in every aspect as he represented us in our case.”
      - Thesa B.
      “Well Worth the Money to Have a Piece of Mind!”
      “Mr. Slider great attorney he helped me tremendously with my case!”
      - Trevor W.
      “Y’all Think the Same as I Do He Is the Best!”
      “If your looking for someone to fight and defend you this is the man for the job.”
      - Cynthia J.
      “I Commend His Attitude and Ethic.”
      “Mr. Slider not only does his job, he cares. I got very lucky and randomly found him on the web when my son got into some trouble in Athens.”
      - Eddie H.
      “He Goes Above and Beyond for His Clients.”
      “Mr. Slider is an outstanding attorney.”
      - Alex W.