A charge of distributing illegal substances like heroin or cocaine can result in a person serving serious jail time. However, the charges may not end there. Drug offenders who use children in their drug manufacturing or distribution activities may face additional charges from a Georgia prosecutor.
Using children in the distribution of illegal drugs is a matter the state does not take lightly. So it matters a lot to a drug case whether the person manufacturing or distributing the drugs has involved another adult or a child in the drug activities.
Defining the law
Georgia law describes the crime of using a child for illegal drug manufacturing or distributing. The minor means any unmarried person under the age of 18 years. Also, the minor does not have to actually engage in drug activity. State law criminalizes the mere effort of soliciting a child to engage in illegal drug activity.
Knowledge of the law
Some offenders may offer a defense that they did not know they were asking a child to conduct illegal drug activity. However, state law does not allow ignorance of the age of a child as a defense. Even if it seemed reasonable that a person could have confused a child for an adult, a court may still convict a person for using a minor in drug activity under this law.
Felony penalties under law
Serious felonies can result in the state imposing lengthy jail time and significant fines. These penalties can be in addition to other drug charges, which may lengthen the prison sentence of an offender.
