Chattanooga Drug Crime Attorneys

Helping the Accused Build a Strong Defense Strategy in Drug Crime Cases Across Hamilton County

Are you or a loved one facing criminal charges for a drug offense in Chattanooga, TN? Drug crime convictions can come with severe penalties, both legally and otherwise, for those convicted in state or federal courts. Depending on the drug crime charges, the defendant could receive substantial fines, a lengthy prison sentence, and more. Those with prior convictions stand to face even more severe potential penalties.

If you have been accused of illegal activity involving illicit substances in Tennessee, you must seek legal representation to ensure fair treatment and help you pursue a favorable outcome in your drug crime case. Even in cases of simple possession, those accused would strongly benefit from professional legal assistance, as a criminal conviction can result in a permanent record that forever diminishes their opportunities in the future.

Those accused of state or federal drug charges should not attempt to navigate the legal process of their criminal defense without serious representation from experienced attorneys. Do not put your freedom at risk. Schedule your initial consultation with our legal team today.

Is Tennessee Known for its Strict Drug Laws?

Tennessee is known for having some of the strictest drug laws in the country. Violating Tennessee drug laws can result in serious consequences for the accused. In Tennessee, possession, distribution, sale, and manufacturing of controlled substances are against the law. Whereas other states have begun to legalize certain drugs like marijuana, Tennessee still views weed as an illegal substance, and those who have the drug in their possession may be in dire need of legal assistance.

Even simple possession of marijuana for personal use can result in serious consequences. If law enforcement officers arrest you with a small amount of marijuana on your person, and this is your first offense, you are likely to be charged with a misdemeanor crime. The misdemeanor offense could result in up to a year in jail and fines of at least $250. Subsequent illegal possession of marijuana convictions come with harsher penalties.

Our attorneys have the legal experience necessary to assist you in your drug crime case, regardless of the illegal drugs involved. Those facing misdemeanor or felony charges are encouraged to contact our law firm to schedule a confidential case evaluation with our legal team today.

Will You Face Prison Time for Marijuana Possession in Tennessee?

Marijuana, THC, and synthetic equivalents of the illegal drug are considered Schedule VI illegal substances in Tennessee and are associated with unique penalties for drug distribution, possession, and manufacturing.

A marijuana drug possession charge wherein the accused has less than 0.5 ounces of the drug is likely to be charged as a misdemeanor offense. However, those with larger amounts of the drug and those involved in transporting marijuana across state lines, selling the drugs to others, and growing marijuana are likely to face harsher consequences.

Those caught with anything between 0.5 ounces and 10 lbs. of marijuana are likely to be charged with Class E felonies, which come with fines of up to $5,000 and up to six years in prison. 10 to 70 lbs. of marijuana is a Class D felony charge, punishable by fines of up to $50,000 and up to 12 years in prison. Cultivating between 20 and 99 marijuana plants is a Class C felony punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to 15 years of prison time. Cultivating between 100 and 499 plants or possessing between 70 and 300 lbs. of marijuana is a Class B felony offense punishable by fines of up to $200,000 and up to three decades in prison. 500 or more marijuana plants or upwards of 300 lbs. of marijuana is a Class A felony, which is punishable by fines of up to $500,000 and up to 60 years in prison.

It is worth remembering that, though many states have legalized marijuana and its derivatives, cannabis containing over 0.3% THC is still illegal under federal law. In this way, Tennessee is in line with federal policies. Current federal law does not even recognize a distinction between medical and recreational use of cannabis.

What Types of Drug Cases Do Our Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Represent?

There are several different drug crimes in Tennessee, and those accused face the possibility of becoming a convicted felon, which comes with severe restrictions on their freedoms and opportunities. Our Tennessee law firm has decades of combined experience representing defendants in complex drug crime cases across the Chattanooga area.

Examples of drug cases we represent include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conspiracy to commit a drug crime
Criminal drug charges for defendants with prior convictions
Cultivation or manufacturing of controlled substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines
Delivery of illegal drugs, regardless of whether money changes hands
Drug offenses that include the presence of firearms or other weapons
Drug trafficking, which involves the sale, distribution, and transportation of large amounts of illegal drugs, often across state lines
Federal drug charges
Possession of illegal substances with the intent to sell or distribute
Sale or manufacturing of illegal drugs near schools or public parks
Selling or possessing drug paraphernalia
Simple possession of a controlled substance for personal use without criminal intent to sell or distribute
The fraudulent obtaining, possession, or sale of prescription medications

If you are the target of a state or federal investigation, you must seek professional legal representation from experienced criminal defense attorneys. Please get in touch with us before it is too late.

What Are the Different Drug Schedules for Controlled Substances in TN?

In most drug cases, the severity of the potential penalties will vary depending on the type of drug, the amount of that drug, and other enhancing factors. Tennessee law categorizes controlled substances into seven different categories that it calls drug schedules. Each schedule has varying levels of regulation and associated penalties for criminal offenses.

Schedule I is for illegal substances with a high potential for drug abuse and no known accepted medical value. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, ecstasy, LSD, and certain synthetic cannabinoids.

Schedule II substances include fentanyl, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and cocaine. These controlled substances are known for having a high potential for abuse and physical dependence.

Controlled substances included in Schedule III include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and some barbiturates. These substances are currently only accepted for medical treatment.

Schedule IV substances include prescription drugs like Valium, Ambien, and Xanax, and are currently accepted only for medical use.

Schedule V substances have a low potential for abuse and are currently accepted for medical use. They include some cough medications containing codeine or similar narcotics.

Schedule VI is exclusively for marijuana and its derivatives, including products containing marijuana extracts.

Schedule VI substances are controlled substances recognized by federal law that are not listed in any of the previous schedules. These substances include GHB, butyl nitrate, and certain drugs that are known for their hallucinogenic effects.

What Are the Potential Consequences of Chattanooga Drug Crime Convictions?

The penalties for a criminal conviction involving drug charges vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of illegal drugs and how much of those drugs were seized. Prior criminal history, as well as enhancing factors like committing other crimes or the presence of firearms, can also increase penalties.

Simple possession is generally a misdemeanor crime. Penalties for misdemeanor drug offenses include almost a year of jail time and fines of up to $2,500. Drug possession with the intent to sell or distribute can range in severity from misdemeanors to felonies.

Drug trafficking is classified as a felony charge in Tennessee. Penalties will vary depending on the quantity and type of drugs involved, but are likely to include costly fines and mandatory minimum prison sentences.

Penalties for manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs often include lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, especially if the manufacturing operations involve meth and other strictly regulated substances.

Prescription drug fraud can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the severity of the fraud. Possession of drug paraphernalia is often classified as a misdemeanor.

Can Our Chattanooga Drug Crime Lawyers Help You Build a Robust Defense?

Chattanooga drug crime defense attorneys can be a valuable legal force capable of building strong defense strategies and providing aggressive legal representation in and out of the courtroom.

As your criminal defense lawyers, we will explore several defense strategies and provide uniquely tailored legal services to assist you through your criminal case.

Legal services we provide in drug crime cases include, but are not limited to, the following:

Thoroughly investigating the facts related to your arrest and the subsequent drug charges. We will scrutinize all circumstances related to any supposed crime, including reviewing the conduct of law enforcement officers, the handling of important evidence, and looking for violations of your constitutional rights
After reviewing your drug crime case details, we will build a strong defense strategy using our deep knowledge of Tennessee’s strict drug laws. We will challenge the prosecution’s case by disputing drug test accuracy, proving lack of knowledge or lack of intent, questioning witnesses, raising the possibility of mistaken identity, and potentially even trying to prove entrapment
When appropriate, our lawyers will attempt to negotiate for a favorable plea deal with the prosecutors in hopes of reducing the criminal charges or seeking alternative sentencing options such as probation, rehabilitation, or diversion programs

Contact Our Law Firm to Discuss Your Drug Charges with Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Chattanooga

Our Chattanooga criminal lawyers have extensive experience representing defendants accused of state and federal drug-related offenses. Whether you are facing drug trafficking, possession, or other drug crimes, our law firm can help you build a strategic defense that looks for holes in the prosecution’s case and either reduces the charges against you or, hopefully, sees those charges dismissed entirely.

At Community Law Group, we save lives, we unite families, and we are the voice for those who don’t have one. We are warriors of justice, and we’re always advocating for our clients’ rights in and out of Tennessee courtrooms.

Contact our Chattanooga law firm to schedule your confidential case review with our legal team today by calling us at 423-373-7796.