If you have been charged with a drug crime in Tennessee, having representation from a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. At the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, our drug crime lawyers in Nashville are prepared to offer professional counsel and representation for any drug crime charge in Tennessee. With our knowledge of the state and federal courts, we will do everything possible to ensure that your rights and interests are protected while seeking the best outcome under the law. Our attorneys take the time to discuss your case with you so they can create a tailored defense strategy that helps you get through this complex process as quickly and as favorably as possible.
Are you facing drug charges in Tennessee? Call the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry today at (615) 604-6263 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Nashville drug crime attorney!
What Are Drugs Schedules 1- 7 in Tennessee?
Like many states, Tennessee classifies illegal controlled substances (CDS) into 7 different schedules, where Schedule I contains the most dangerous drugs with no recognized medical value.
Some common examples of drugs in their respective schedules are:
- Schedule I – heroin, LSD, mushrooms
- Schedule II – cocaine, morphine, opium
- Schedule III – anabolic steroids, ketamine
- Schedule IV – Xanax, Valium
- Schedule V – medicines with certain amounts of codeine and opium
- Schedule VI – marijuana, THC
- Schedule VII – butyl nitrite
To better understand this, feel free to contact our Nashville drug crime attorneys today.
Tennessee Drug Laws
Tennessee has strict drug laws, and violations of these laws can result in serious consequences. In Tennessee, the possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, is illegal.
If you are facing drug-related charges in Tennessee, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced drug crime lawyer in Nashville who can help protect your rights and defend your case in court. A knowledgeable lawyer can assess the evidence and circumstances surrounding your case and develop a legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Drug Possession Penalties in Tennessee
In Tennessee, possessing certain controlled substances without a valid prescription is considered a criminal offense. The severity of the offense and the potential penalties depend on the type and amount of controlled substance involved. Possession of smaller amounts of marijuana may result in less severe penalties than possession of more significant amounts of more potent substances such as cocaine or methamphetamine.
The penalties for possession in Tennessee will depend on a variety of factors, including the schedule of the drug in question and the defendant’s criminal history:
- First and second convictions for possession are Class A misdemeanors with up to 1 year in jail and up to $2,500 in fines.
- Third and subsequent convictions will be Class E felonies carrying up to $3,000 in fines and 1-6 years in prison. Offenders will also be required to attend a drug offender school and possibly perform community service.
- Note - that if certain behavior is committed within 1,000 feet of drug-free zones (school, library, park, recreational area), the defendant could also be fined an additional $10,000, according to Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-432.
Schedule a meeting with our Nashville drug crime lawyer and learn more about Tennessee drug laws and penalties!
Drug Manufacturing and Selling Penalties in Tennessee
The manufacturing or selling of CDS (or possessing CDS with the intent do these things) is also seriously punished, depending on the schedule of the drug:
- Schedule I CDS and 0.5 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine – Class B felony punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and 8-30 years in prison
- Schedule II CDS and 0.5 grams or less of cocaine or methamphetamine or any amount of flunitrazepam – Class C felony punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and 3-15 years in prison
- Schedule III and IV CDS – Class D felony punishable by up to $50,000 in fines and 2-12 years in prison
- Schedule V CDS – Class E felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and 1-6 years in prison
- Schedule VII CDS – Class E felony punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and 1-6 years in prison
It is also either a Class A felony or a Class B felony to make or sell (or conspire to make or sell) specified amounts of the following substances, with Class A offenses punishable by up to $500,000 in fines and 15-60 years in prison and Class B offenses punishable by a fine of up to $200,000 and 8-30 years in prison:
- heroin;
- morphine;
- hydromorphone;
- LSD;
- cocaine;
- pentazocine or tripelennamine;
- PCP;
- barbituric acid;
- phenmetrazine;
- amphetamine or methamphetamine;
- peyote.
Drug Crimes Involving Marijuana
Marijuana, THC, and its synthetic equivalents are considered a Schedule VI illegal drug and carry their own specific penalties for sale and possession, depending on the amount:
- 0.5 ounces to 10 lbs. of marijuana – Class E felony with $2,000-$5,000 in fines and 1-6 years in prison
- 10-70 lbs. of marijuana or 10-19 plants – Class D felony punishable by $2,000-$50,000 in fines and 2-12 years in prison
- 20-99 plants – Class C felony punishable by $2,000-$100,000 in fines and 3-15 years in prison
- 70-300 lbs. of marijuana or 100-499 plants – Class B felony punishable by $2,000-$200,000 in fines and 8-30 years in prison
- 300 lbs. or more of marijuana or 500 or more plants – Class A felony punishable by $2,000-$500,000 in fines and 15-60 years in prison
Understanding Drug Crime Defenses
When facing drug crime charges, it's important to understand that there are potential defenses that can be used to protect your rights and freedom. Our Nashville drug crime attorney has extensive experience in developing strong defense strategies for our clients. Some common defenses against drug crime charges include:
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Lack of possession
- Entrapment
- Violation of Miranda rights
- Inaccurate lab results
It's crucial to have a knowledgeable and skilled Nashville drug crime attorney on your side who can thoroughly review the details of your case and determine the best defense strategy for your specific situation. Contact our Nashville drug crime lawyer today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Defending Against Unlawful Search and Seizure
One of the most common issues in drug crime cases is the legality of the search and seizure that led to the arrest. The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, and any evidence obtained through an unlawful search may not be admissible in court.
At Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry, our Nashville drug crime attorney has experience in challenging the legality of searches and seizures in drug crime cases. We will thoroughly review the circumstances of your arrest and work to suppress any evidence obtained through unlawful means.
Our defense strategy may also include:
- Challenging the validity of search warrants
- Examining the conduct of law enforcement officers during the search and seizure
- Investigating potential violations of your constitutional rights
Don't let an unlawful search and seizure lead to an unjust conviction. Contact our Nashville drug crime attorney today for a free consultation.
Contact Our Nashville Drug Crime Attorney Today
Drug charges are no light matter, and the penalties could range from a simple misdemeanor to a serious felony for possession or distribution. However, Nashville drug trafficking lawyer Amanda J. Gentry is a passionate and experienced fighter who has defended clients in over 30 courtrooms across Tennessee. She delivers real talk and real results and is intimately familiar with the criminal justice system in Tennessee. She will provide honest, to-the-point legal guidance and won’t hold back as she defends you against the prosecution.
If you have been accused of drug possession, manufacturing, or sale, immediately contact an experienced Nashville drug possession attorney. Drug charges can be quite severe, especially if the charges against you involve large amounts for cultivation, for instance. You could be facing years behind bars and thousands in fines, but with the help of an attorney, you might have a chance at fighting this. Attorney Amanda J. Gentry can help you argue for reduced or even dismissed charges, if appropriate, and protect your rights within the criminal justice system prosecuting your drug charges.
Contact the Law Offices of Amanda J. Gentry online or call (615) 604-6263 today to schedule a consultation with our drug crime lawyer in Nashville!
