Potential Penalties for Georgia Drug Offenses

SCHEDULE I & II SUBSTANCES

Purchase or Possess

Depending upon the weight of the substance, imprisonment for 1-3, 1-8, or 1-15 years. Punishment for a third or subsequent offense is twice the length of the applicable sentence.

Sell or Intent to Distribute (First Offense)
Imprisonment for not less than five nor more than thirty years.

Sell or Intent to Distribute (Second Offense)
Imprisonment for not less than ten nor more than forty years OR life imprisonment.

SCHEDULE III, IV & V SUBSTANCES

Purchase or Possess
Imprisonment for not less than one nor more than three years. A third or subsequent offense is one to five years.

Sell or Intent to Distribute
Imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years.

OCGA § 16-13-30

​

Definition of a Felony 
In Georgia, a felony is most commonly defined as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than twelve months. It can also mean a crime punishable by death or by life in prison.

See also the sections on repeat offenders and serious violent felonies.

In addition to prison, probation, fines, and restitution, some common punishment for a felony conviction are as follows:

• Community Service

• Banishment From The Appropriate Judicial Circuit

• Loss of the Right to Vote During the Term of the Sentence

• Loss of the Right to Own a Firearm for Life

• Loss of State and Federal Financial Aid for Your Education

• Denied Admission or expelled from State Colleges and Universities for up to a year

• Denied Admission to Certain Schools for Life (e.g. Law School)

• Precluded From Certain Job Opportunities

• Loss of Driving Privileges