Nashville Drug Crime Lawyer

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

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 today to schedule a consultation with our drug crime lawyer in Nashville!