State And Federal Drug Crime Attorney In Macon, Georgia
Last updated on July 8, 2026
State and federal governments are continuing to fight the “war on drugs.” These days, technology has changed, but the idea remains the same: Arrest people for drugs of any kind and prosecute them to the fullest. Law enforcement may try to use a confidential informant or a wiretap to find out information. It’s possible that there will be a traffic stop with a dog search or maybe a search warrant for a piece of property or a house.
Regardless of how the investigation goes, I will thoroughly examine the evidence and prepare your case for trial. I’m Georgia criminal defense attorney Keith Fitzgerald, and I have over 15 years of experience defending people. When you work with Fitzgerald Law, we will discuss how to build your strongest defense given the circumstances. You can rely on my trial experience and negotiation skills.
I Handle All Types Of Drug Cases
A drug conviction in Georgia carries severe, life-altering penalties that can result in lengthy jail or prison sentences, massive fines and a permanent criminal record. I can defend you against any state or federal drug charge, including:
- Drug possession: This is an accusation of having illegal controlled substances or unauthorized prescription medications on your person, in your vehicle or within your home (often prosecuted as simple possession or constructive possession).
- Possession with intent to distribute: This escalated charge arises when law enforcement claims that the presence of scales, plastic baggies, large amounts of cash or divided packaging proves you intended to sell or distribute the substances.
- Drug distribution and sale: This is a more explicit charge for the transport, transfer or sale of illegal narcotics to another party.
- Drug manufacturing: This charge involves the cultivation of marijuana, the operation of a methamphetamine laboratory or the chemical compounding of controlled substances.
- Drug trafficking: The most severe drug classification in Georgia, this is triggered automatically when the weight of the recovered substance exceeds strict statutory limits (such as 28 grams of cocaine or 4 grams of heroin/heroin-analogues), carrying devastating mandatory minimum prison terms.
- Prescription fraud: The person charged utilized forged prescription pads, altered medical documents, “doctor shopping” across multiple clinics or carrying valid prescription drugs outside of their original, legally labeled bottles.
Prosecutors across Georgia pursue these offenses aggressively, often trying to inflate lower-level charges into major distribution felonies. I provide an aggressive, strategic defense to protect your rights, your freedom and your future.
Georgia Drug Crime Defense Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect the prosecution to pursue conviction aggressively for drug offenses in Georgia. If they succeed, you could face potentially devastating consequences. To help you understand what is at stake and clarify the severity of your situation, here are some common questions and their answers.
What should I do if I am arrested for drug possession?
An arrest for a drug crime is a high-stress emergency, but the actions you take in the first 24 hours will heavily dictate the trajectory of your entire defense case. Law enforcement officers are trained to exploit panic to gather incriminating statements. If you want to protect your future, you must understand and fiercely exercise your constitutional rights. You have:
- The right to remain silent
- The right to attorney representation
- The right to due process
- The right to freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures
Call an experienced drug defense lawyer like myself as soon as possible and do not speak with the authorities until your attorney is present.
Can I avoid jail time if this is my first drug offense?
Yes, it may be possible to avoid incarceration for a first-time drug offense. The Georgia First Offender Act allows eligible individuals to receive probation instead of jail time. If you successfully complete probation and meet all other required conditions, your charges may be dismissed or your record restricted.
What are the long-term consequences of a drug conviction?
They can be much more severe than most drug crime defendants expect. Beyond potential prison time and expensive fines, a conviction can impact your employment opportunities, housing options and educational prospects.
It can also result in a suspended driver’s license and mandatory participation in drug treatment programs.
How can I clear a drug conviction from my record?
Through the process of expungement or record restriction, you can clean your criminal record. Under the Georgia First Offender Act, if you meet the eligibility criteria and successfully complete your probation, your record can be restricted, meaning it will not be visible to most employers and the general public.
What are the penalties for possession of opioids in Georgia?
In light of the national opioid crisis, possessing Schedule II opioids in Georgia is a felony offense. Penalties can vary based on the type and quantity of the drug.
For example, possession of small quantities (less than 1 gram or milliliter) can result in one to three years of incarceration. Possessing larger amounts (four to 28 grams or milliliters) could lead to a prison sentence of one to 15 years.
Get The Legal Help You Need Today
I offer a free consultation to discuss your case, so call me at 478-787-4480 today. You can also contact me online.