Facing Drug Charges in Tennessee? A Skilled Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Protect Your Future
Drug charges in Tennessee can have life-altering consequences. Convictions for drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing carry steep fines, long jail sentences, and a permanent criminal record that can impact employment, housing, and personal freedom. If you’re facing these charges, you need a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer who understands the law and will fight aggressively to defend your rights.
At Byron Pugh Legal, our experienced team of criminal defense lawyers has a proven track record of defending clients against drug-related offenses. We know how to scrutinize evidence, challenge illegal searches or seizures, and build strong defenses tailored to your unique case.
A conviction isn’t inevitable. With the right drug crimes attorney, you have a partner who will guide you through the legal process, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if necessary, represent you in court to protect your freedom and future.
Don’t wait—contact Byron Pugh Legal today for a free consultation with a skilled drug crimes lawyer and take the first step toward safeguarding your rights.
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 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
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
- 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 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 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 involve small amounts of controlled substances. If you are facing these charges, a skilled drug crimes lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and provide strategic advice. An experienced drug crimes attorney can evaluate your case, help identify potential defenses, and advocate on your behalf in negotiations or court proceedings.
Defending Against Drug Possession Charges
Charges of drug possession can be complex. A dedicated drug crimes lawyer can challenge evidence such as illegal searches, seizures, or mishandling of substances. Meanwhile, a knowledgeable drug crimes attorney ensures your defense strategy aligns with Tennessee law, helping to minimize penalties and secure the best possible outcome.
Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking carries serious consequences, especially near schools or across state lines. A drug crimes lawyer can aggressively represent you in court and negotiate with prosecutors, while a criminal defense attorney provides legal guidance on reducing charges or seeking alternative sentencing options.
Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription drug fraud—including forging prescriptions, selling or stealing medications, or “doctor shopping”—can result in harsh penalties. A competent drug crimes lawyer can protect your rights and handle communications with authorities, while a skilled drug crimes attorney ensures every legal avenue is explored to build a strong defense.
Contact a Drug Crimes Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been charged with a drug offense, acting quickly can make a critical difference in the outcome of your case. Don’t face the legal system alone—having an experienced drug crimes lawyer on your side is essential to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
At Byron Pugh Legal, our skilled drug crimes attorneys are dedicated to providing aggressive and strategic defense for individuals accused of drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing. We thoroughly review your case, challenge improper evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if needed, represent you in court to fight for the best possible outcome.
Time is of the essence. Contact our team of Tennessee drug crimes lawyers today at 615-255-9595 for a free consultation. Let Byron Pugh Legal help you build a strong legal defense and guide you through this challenging process with confidence and expertise.
