Drug Defense Lawyer in Tennessee
Tennessee drug laws are some of the toughest in the nation, and a conviction can carry steep penalties, including jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record. You need a Tennessee drug crimes lawyer who understands the stakes and has the skill to fight for your freedom.
As a trusted Tennessee criminal defense lawyer, Byron Pugh Legal defends individuals accused of drug offenses across the state. We know how to challenge the government’s case and protect your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
Types of Drug Charges in Tennessee
Tennessee classifies drug crimes based on the type of drug involved, the quantity, and the alleged intent behind possession.
Simple Possession or Casual Exchange
This is the most common drug charge and typically applies to small amounts of illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or unauthorized prescription medications. It may also apply to the exchange of drugs between individuals without intent to sell or distribute.
Under Tenn. Code Section 39-17-418, simple drug possession is a Class A misdemeanor for first-time offenders, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Subsequent offenses may be charged as felonies.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
When law enforcement believes you intended to sell or distribute drugs—based on the amount found, packaging, scales, large amounts of cash, or text messages—you may be charged with possession with intent to distribute.
Penalty: This is a felony offense. The sentence depends on the type and quantity of the drug. Penalties range from 2 to 60 years in prison and fines up to $500,000.
Sale of a Controlled Substance
Selling drugs in Tennessee is a serious felony. The penalties mirror those for possession with intent but can be more severe if sales occur near schools, parks, or daycare centers, triggering mandatory minimum sentences.
Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy
Drug trafficking involves the movement, importation, or large-scale distribution of illegal substances. Even if you didn’t personally handle the drugs, you can be charged with conspiracy if prosecutors believe you were part of the operation.
Penalty: These are typically Class B or Class A felonies, carrying 8 to 60 years in prison. Federal charges may also apply, depending on the scope and nature of the crime.
Drug Manufacturing or Cultivation
Producing methamphetamine, growing marijuana, or creating synthetic drugs like fentanyl or ecstasy can lead to drug manufacturing charges. Tennessee aggressively prosecutes meth lab cases, and penalties can increase if children were present or if the manufacturing caused environmental damage.
Penalty: These are severe felonies, with penalties ranging from 8 years to life imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and prior convictions.
Penalties for Drug Offenses in Tennessee
Tennessee drug laws are some of the strictest in the United States. The penalties for drug offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the type of substance involved, the quantity, and whether there was intent to sell or distribute.
Even a simple possession charge can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and long-term consequences like difficulty finding employment or losing eligibility for federal student aid.
The exact penalty depends on several factors:
- The type of drug involved (e.g., Schedule I vs. Schedule VI)
- The amount of the substance
- Prior criminal history
- Proximity to schools or minors
- Whether weapons were involved
- Whether the offense is charged under state or federal law
Drug Schedules in Tennessee
Tennessee classifies drugs into seven schedules:
- Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, ecstasy – high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use.
- Schedule II: Cocaine, meth, fentanyl, Oxycodone – high abuse potential, some medical use
- Schedule III-V: Includes ketamine, steroids, and Xanax – lower abuse potential
- Schedule VI:Marijuana
- Schedule VII: Butyl nitrate and related substances
Drug Sentence Guidelines in Tennessee
- Class A Felony: Trafficking large amounts of Schedule I drugs, 15–60 years, up to $500,000 fine
- Class B Felony: Sale of Schedule I or II drugs, 8–30 years, up to $250,000 fine
- Class C Felony: Possession with intent (moderate amounts), 3–15 years, up to $10,000 fine
- Class D Felony: Manufacturing or sale of lesser drugs, 2–12 years, up to $5,000 fine
- Class E Felony: Repeat simple possession, 1–6 years, up to $3,000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor: First-time simple possession, up to 11 months, 29 days, $2,500 fine
Some drug convictions may result in mandatory minimum sentences, driver’s license suspension, probation, drug treatment programs, or asset forfeiture (e.g., cash, cars, property believed to be connected to the offense).
How a Tennessee Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Help
Being arrested for a drug crime can be terrifying. The legal system is confusing and overwhelming. At Byron Pugh Legal, we’re committed to guiding you through the process with experience, compassion, and skill.
Here’s how a Tennessee drug crimes lawyer can help.
Building a Defense Strategy
Every case is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all defense. We investigate every detail of your arrest and create a strong defense.
Common defenses against drug crime charges include:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during their search, evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
- Lack of Possession: Proving that you were not in actual possession of the drugs at the time of arrest can weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Entrapment: If authorities coerced you into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, this could be grounds for dismissal.
- Chain-of-Custody Errors: Any mishandling of evidence by law enforcement could result in its exclusion from trial.
Negotiating Plea Bargains
Sometimes, the best outcome involves negotiation. A Tennessee drug crimes lawyer may negotiate a plea deal to:
- Reduce a felony to a misdemeanor
- Avoid jail time through drug diversion programs
- Receive probation instead of prison
- Minimize fines and long-term consequences
We never pressure you into a plea. We’ll help you understand all your options and make the best decision.
Protecting Your Rights at Every Step
We analyze every detail of your arrest and the evidence against you. We’ll ask crucial questions like: Was there probable cause? Did the authorities present you with a valid search warrant? Were you properly informed of your rights upon arrest (Miranda rights)?
If your rights were violated, it could lead to the suppression of evidence or even the dismissal of the case. We will file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence and challenge any weakness in the prosecution’s case.
Why Choose Byron Pugh Legal?
At Byron Pugh Legal, we’re not just another law firm. We’re your dedicated ally in the fight for your future. We understand Tennessee’s drug laws inside and out, and we’ve earned a reputation for tireless representation.
As a former Nashville prosecutor, Mr. Byron Pugh has extensive experience. He knows how to build a robust defense based on the details of your case.
Resources About Tennessee Drug Laws
- Simple Possession and Casual Exchange in Tennessee: Simple possession and casual exchange are common drug charges for small amounts of controlled substances.
- Defending Against Drug Possession Charges: Learn about defenses for drug possession cases in Tennessee, from challenging illegal searches and seizures to questioning evidence.
- Drug Trafficking Charges in Tennessee: Drug trafficking carries harsh penalties in Tennessee, especially when trafficking occurs near schools or across state lines.
- Prescription Drug Fraud: Forged or altered prescriptions, stealing or selling prescription drugs that don’t belong to you, and doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions are all considered prescription drug fraud.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Tennessee, the time to act is now. Don’t navigate this challenging process alone. As a trusted Tennessee drug crimes lawyer, Byron Pugh Legal is here to fight for your rights and future.
Contact us today at 615-255-9595 for a consultation. Let us help you build a strong defense against these serious charges.
