Aggressive Defense When You Are Facing Drug Charges
Drug offenses are viewed very seriously by prosecutors and the public alike. Being charged with or convicted of a drug crime can also have a major impact on the rest of your life. If you have been arrested or charged, talk to me, attorney Brian Clay Johnson.
At the office of Johnson Law Firm in Jackson, Tennessee, I provide clients with dedicated, straightforward, experienced representation for all types of criminal charges, including drug offenses. I work tirelessly to protect my clients’ rights and preserve their futures through negotiating with the prosecution or taking the case to trial. Whether the case is a misdemeanor or felony, I am here to help.
Types Of Drug Crimes
There is a wide variety of drug offenses and degrees of these offenses that can be charged, depending on your specific situation. I confidently handle all types of state drug cases, including:
- Possession
- Possession with intent to sell or distribute
- Sale or distribution
- Drug trafficking
- Manufacturing or cultivation
- Prescription forgery
These crimes can involve any type of narcotic or controlled substance, such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, heroin and any prescription drugs, including oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin) and alprazolam (Xanax).
Consequences And Penalties
When it comes to a conviction on a drug charge, the punishments can range from probation and fines to years in jail. Even simple possession comes with a fine of $2,500. The consequences often depend on the type of crime, the drug in question and the amount of the drug that is involved. The more serious the crime and the more deadly the drug, the higher the amount and the more serious the punishments are upon conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes In Tennessee
Do you have questions about your illegal drug possession case? I, attorney Brian Clay Johnson, can answer your questions. Here are some of the ones I hear most often.
Do the police need a warrant to search a car or home?
A warrant allows the police to search a car or home under specific terms granted by a judge. While the police typically need a court-ordered warrant before searching a car or home, a warrant is not the only way law enforcement can conduct a search.
Frequently, the police gain the right to search a home or vehicle simply by asking the owner or occupants for permission. While it is never wise to consent to a search, people often do so because they either do not fully understand their right to refuse or they want to show the police that they have nothing to hide. That can turn very problematic if the police ultimately find something that leads to an arrest and charges.
Alternatively, the police may conduct searches without a warrant in various other circumstances, such as when evidence of a crime is “in plain view,” and during emergencies (exigent circumstances) that reasonably lead them to believe either a person is in danger or evidence is about to be destroyed. They are also permitted to conduct limited searches incident to a lawful arrest, such as searching a vehicle for weapons or drugs after someone is arrested for drunk driving.
Can you be charged for possessing a prescription drug without a valid prescription?
Yes. Many prescription drugs are considered controlled substances, which means they have the potential for abuse. If a person is caught possessing, selling or using a prescription drug without a valid prescription, they could face illegal drug possession or drug trafficking charges. These charges can carry incarceration, fines and other punishments depending on the classification of the controlled substance.
Removing a prescription drug from the original packaging when picking up and delivering medication to someone else or sharing a prescription drug with a friend may lead to criminal charges.
Will you always serve jail time for a drug offense in Tennessee?
In many criminal cases, the illegal possession of drugs in Tennessee will lead to jail time. However, there are alternatives – especially for first-time offenders who are charged with simple possession.
Pretrial diversion programs and drug courts offer certain defendants the ability to complete programs in lieu of a conviction and jail time, and many low-level offenders qualify for community service, court-ordered treatment programs and probation instead of jail.
Do Not Wait To Talk To A Lawyer
If you are facing charges on a drug crime, it is time to take action to ensure you are protected. For more information or to schedule an appointment to talk to me, call my office at CALL. You can also email me through my contact form.