Former Falcon Sentenced for Cocaine
In a story on March 13, 2009, Ken Tippins, former Atlanta Falcons player from 1990-1995 will serve four years in jail after pleading guilty to a cocaine charge according to Charles Stines, Alapaha Chief Assistant District Attorney. A marijuana possession with intent charge was dropped in exchange for a guilty plea. A motion has been filed to reconsider the notion of drug possession with intent to sell in Georgia. It is scheduled for April 15 and will be heard by Alapaha Judicial Circuit Judge Howard McClain.
The Controlled Substance Act is a consolidation of laws that regulate the possession, manufacture, and distribution of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroids, and chemicals used in the illicit production of controlled substances or illegal drugs.
The Act breaks down narcotics into 5 different categories or “schedules”, the most serious being “Schedule 1” offenses for drug crimes in Georgia.
Some examples of “Schedule 1” narcotics are:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Ecstasy
- PCP
- LSD
Penalties for schedule 1 narcotics offenses are severe and may require the assistance of a top criminal defense attorney in Georgia. Depending on the amount of narcotic seized, a first-offense conviction could mean a prison term of up to 20 years plus fines; and, if you have been convicted of 2 previous offenses, you could be facing life in prison.
Marijuana laws vary slightly from the above and are generally based on the amount of marijuana or hashish seized. However, the penalties for marijuana and hashish can be equally as severe, depending upon the quantity.
If you have been charged drug possession with intent to sell in New York or Georgia, you are facing serious charges and should hire a skilled Georgia or New York drug charge attorney. Depending on the number of narcotics seized, you could be facing a long jail term and heavy fines. Do not fight these charges on your own.