Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer in Georgia | Legal.ge

DrugTraffickingDefense

Can I bring prescription meds to Georgia?

Strictly regulated. Many common painkillers (with codeine) or ADHD meds (with amphetamines) are illegal. You must have translated, notarized prescriptions and declare them.

What if I just shared a joint with a friend?

Legally, sharing drugs (even for free) is considered distribution/selling, which carries extremely harsh penalties compared to simple possession.

Is plea bargaining possible for trafficking?

Yes, especially if you cooperate with the investigation to expose suppliers, but the terms will be stricter than for simple possession.

What is "Control Purchase"?

An undercover operation where police or an agent buys drugs from a suspect to prove distribution. Defense often challenges this as entrapment.

Drug Trafficking and Distribution Defense: Protection Against Serious Charges

Drug distribution (selling) and transit (trafficking) are classified as particularly serious crimes under Georgian legislation. Unlike possession, where the law is relatively more lenient, the penalties for selling or transporting drugs across the border are extremely severe, often involving up to 20 years or life imprisonment. Charges are based on Articles 260 (distribution) and 262 (illegal import/export or transit) of the Criminal Code. Often, charges rely on "control purchases" conducted by police or covert investigative actions. In such cases, the involvement of an experienced lawyer is crucial to verify the legality of evidence collection and rule out police provocation.

On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in drug trafficking and distribution cases. Our experts are familiar with investigative tactics and are ready to defend your rights even in the most complex situations.

What Does Trafficking Defense Service Cover?

The service focuses on refuting or mitigating serious charges:

Challenging "Control Purchases": Analyzing procedural details of undercover buys conducted by police. Was there entrapment or provocation?
Reclassification of Charges: Working to prove that the act was merely transfer or assistance rather than distribution (which carries a lighter sentence).
Border Detention Cases: Defense during detentions at airports and customs checkpoints (e.g., importing medications).
Refuting Organized Group Charges: Prosecutors often aggravate charges by alleging an "organized group." The defense works to remove this qualification.
International Cooperation: Coordinating with foreign colleagues in transit cases to obtain evidence.

Common Scenarios and Dangers

Charges often relate to the following circumstances:

Postal Orders: Receiving packages containing narcotics from abroad.
Crossing Borders with Medication: Bringing in drugs that are banned in Georgia (e.g., codeine-based medicines) but legal in other countries.
"Dead Drops": Participating in internet distribution schemes (placing drugs at locations).
Giving to a Friend: Even giving drugs away for free can be legally qualified as distribution.

Georgian Legal Framework

Article 260, parts 4 and 5 (Distribution) and Article 262 (Import/Export) of the Criminal Code provide for the harshest penalties. For instance, distributing a large amount of drugs is punishable by 12 to 17 years in prison, while particularly large amounts can lead to 20 years or life imprisonment. The law does not distinguish whether the person sold the drug for money or gave it as a gift — both are considered distribution. When crossing the border, it doesn't matter if the person knew the medication contained a banned substance if they lack proper documentation.

Steps in the Process with a Specialist

Defense strategy includes:

Evidence Audit: Reviewing covert video/audio recordings.
Proving Provocation: Using Strasbourg Court practice to prove police entrapment.
Lack of Intent: Arguing lack of criminal intent during border crossings (mistake of fact).
Plea Bargaining: Attempting to minimize the sentence if a conviction is inevitable.

Why Legal.ge?

Trafficking and distribution charges directly threaten an individual with years of isolation. There is no room for error in such cases. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers experienced in the toughest cases who know how to protect a client under a strict system. Do not gamble with your freedom; turn to professionals.