In Tennessee, it is against the law to be found in possession of certain drugs. Depending on the weight and type of drug seized, together with other pieces of evidence like scales, cash, and baggies, you could be facing significant jail time.
Drug-related crimes can threaten your professional image, personal life, and freedom. Convictions worsen depending on the quantity, your criminal background, and other factors proving the drugs were meant for distribution.
The nature of the drug crime determines if it will be classified as a felony or misdemeanor. Drug manufacturing, trafficking and sales are charged as felonies and can carry a mandatory jail time.
Tennessee takes a hard stance on drug crimes and has imposed stringent penalties for anybody found guilty.
If drug-related charges have been brought against you, you’ll want to enlist a Nashville drug crimes lawyer who understands Tennessee drug laws and how to build a solid defense.
At Byron Pugh Legal, we take drug charges very seriously as well. We are aware that drug convictions can have destructive ramifications on a person’s life beyond serving a prison sentence and a fine. So don’t handle drug charges by yourself.
If you’ve been apprehended over a drug violation, our Nashville drug crime lawyers have the resources, skills and experience to help protect your rights and ensure your freedom.
We will review the charges, ensure due diligence was upheld and provide you with possible case outcomes. Contact our crime defense attorneys today at 615-255-9595 or fill out our online form to arrange a FREE initial consultation.
Types of Drug Crimes in Nashville, Tennessee?
Tennessee drugs are considerably more elaborate than you may presume. Even though any sort of drug offense can place your future in jeopardy, a person can be charged with many types of drug crimes.
The exact charge will be contingent on the sort of drug involved and what your intentions with the drug were. The top drug crimes our Nashville Drug Crimes attorneys can help defend against include:
- Possession: This charge suggests that you’ve been found with a controlled substance, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, ecstasy and so on. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: This charge refers to distributing or selling controlled substances in quantities too large to be considered for personal use. It is classified as a felony offense. Intent is included in the offense because the quantity suggests that the possessor has the aim of selling the controlled substance.
- Sale of a Controlled Substance: Any sale of a controlled substance in Tennessee is classified as a felony, regardless of quantity. It is usually charged when a confidential informant or officer witnesses a drug sale.
- Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy: It is typically charged when an individual is alleged to be part of the large-scale production, distribution, transportation, and sale of a controlled substance. There are mandatory minimum penalties for this charge.
- Drug Manufacturing: This is among the worst drug crimes you can be accused of. It refers to the cultivation, production, or synthesis of controlled substances, like manufacturing meth or growing marijuana.
Tennessee Drug Possession Laws
Drug possession laws in Tennessee vary depending on the kind and quantity of controlled substances confiscated.
Understanding Tennessee Misdemeanor Laws for Drug Crimes
For many first-time offenders in Tennessee, being charged with simple possession of drugs is categorized as a Class A misdemeanor.
This misdemeanor drug charge can result in severe legal consequences, including a prison sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days and a fine of up to $2,500. Given the serious nature of these penalties, it is crucial to have an experienced Tennessee criminal attorney to help navigate the charges.
If convicted of misdemeanor drug crimes, you may be required to participate in a drug offender education class or perform community service. These additional requirements aim to rehabilitate offenders and reduce the likelihood of future drug crimes.
It is important to note that in Tennessee, simple possession is the only drug crime classified as a misdemeanor. Other drug crime charges, such as possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, or trafficking substances like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or prescription drugs, are classified as felony charges and carry much harsher penalties.
Given the potential consequences of a misdemeanor drug charge, it is essential to seek the guidance of a knowledgeable Nashville criminal attorney or Nashville drug crime lawyer. An experienced drug crime defense attorney can help you understand the specifics of your charges, explore your legal options, and build a robust defense strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of the charges on your life.
Felony Drug Crime Laws in Tennessee
Possession with the intent to sell or distribute a controlled substance, drug manufacturing, and drug trafficking are considered serious offenses and are categorized as felonies under Tennessee drug crime laws.
These felony drug crimes come with harsher penalties compared to misdemeanor charges.
A felony conviction for drug crimes often leads to severe consequences, including property forfeiture, prison time, fines, license suspension, probation, and community service.
The specific fines and penalties for felony drug charges depend on the nature and seriousness of the crime.
In Tennessee, felony drug crimes are classified from Class A to Class E felonies, with varying degrees of penalties:
- Class A Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 15 to 60 years.
- Class B Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 8 to 30 years.
- Class C Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years.
- Class D Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 2 to 12 years.
- Class E Felonies: Carry sentences ranging from 1 to 6 years.
Not only will getting a guilty verdict on any number of drug violations lead to legal consequences, but it will also result in career-based, social and familial penalties.
Your career goals, qualification for student aid, housing, and ability to buy a firearm may be impacted by a felony conviction.
Considering the severe legal ramifications associated with drug-related charges, it is crucial to hire trusted Nashville drug crimes defense attorneys from Byron Pugh Legal.
Our drug crime lawyers will take on an aggressive approach to contest the validity of the charges or compile supporting evidence to prove your innocence. In case you are convicted, we will negotiate with prosecutors to get you a less damaging case outcome.
Our Strategy of Defense of Drug Crimes
Facing drug-related charges can completely upend your life in several ways – the social stigma, weight of public opinion, and complex web of evidence can be too much.
It’s important to remember that you’ve got rights during such uncertain times – the right to a fair trial and the right to a defense attorney.
During the initial consultation, we provide a non-judgmental environment for our clients to express themselves and explain their involvement, be it through coercion, addiction, or merely being the victim of circumstance (wrong place, wrong time).
Byron Pugh Legal acknowledges the gravity of drug charges and will leave no stone unturned when it comes to formulating your defense strategy.
Possible defenses we may use include:
No Probable Cause
Everybody is assured due process of the law under the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This includes lawful seizure and search procedures, which are common grounds for drug crimes.
Police are only allowed to violate your personal space and freedom if they believe you are about to or have committed
The law doesn’t allow officers and prosecutors to benefit from unlawful searches. Contesting that the officer didn’t have probable cause to search you, your house, or your car is a potential defense strategy.
If your rights were infringed during the arrest, we will push for dismissal and make sure the drugs aren’t presented in court as evidence.
Not Guilty in Simple Possession Cases
Pleading not guilty is another common defense strategy in drug possession cases. You can argue the drugs don’t belong to you or that you didn’t know they were in the vehicle or house at the time of arrest.
In simple possession cases, we can use this defense approach to prove you didn’t know about the drugs and, therefore, not yours.
How Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Can Help You
Although being the suspect of or getting arrested for a drug-related violation can be intimidating, keep in mind that it isn’t a conviction. The moments following the arrest are integral.
Contact a qualified drug crime defense attorney before saying anything to law enforcement. Whatever you say in these moments will be used against you.
Enlist a skilled drug crime lawyer who scrutinizes evidence and looks at the circumstances surrounding the case from different angles.
Involving a drug crime defense attorney from Byron Pugh Legal early on really matters; it can unearth new evidence and assist in developing a proactive defense approach. Trials need robust preparation. Here’s how we can help:
- Evidence Evaluation: Crime defenses usually depend on the quality and authenticity of evidence. Our legal team will thoroughly review the details of the evidence – from the seizure and arrest to how they were handled.
- Questioning the Arrest: A considerable number of drug arrests can, at times, be stemmed from questionable practices. Were there reasonable grounds for the traffic stop or initial search? Were you presented with a search warrant? Were you read your rights upon arrest? We will look into the nitty-gritty aspects of your arrest.
- Plea Bargains: If heading to court isn’t in your best interests, we will spearhead negotiating a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor that lessens the punishment.
- Motion to Suppress Evidence: A big part of our defense approach will entail evaluating the authenticity of the evidence brought against you. If we find things not up to par, we will contest its admissibility.
- Trial Defense: If negotiations fall through, our legal team is not afraid to take the case to court. We have extensive experience providing robust and unyielding defense in courtrooms and know the nuances of Tennessee drug laws that may help get you a favorable case outcome.
Consult Our Experienced Nashville Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers Today!
If you are either being investigated or have been arrested for a drug-related crime, the defense attorney you enlist to protect your rights may be the difference between your freedom and incarceration.
Considering Tennessee’s harsh laws and the consequences of drug crimes, you cannot afford to be lax when these charges are brought against you. Ensure that you reach out to a seasoned drug crime defense attorney immediately.
You can rely on our Nashville drug crimes lawyers at Byron Pugh Legal to safeguard your future, clear your name, and secure your future.
Contact us now at 615-255-9595 or fill out our online form to arrange a no-cost initial consultation and case review.
