Tennessee Drug Crimes: Possession And The Intent To Sell Or Distribute Drugs

Facing a drug possession charge in Tennessee is a serious matter. If you’ve been accused of a drug crime, you deserve a zealous defense. My name is attorney Brian Clay Johnson. I have over 20 years of experience in the Tennessee criminal justice system. This includes more than a decade as a prosecutor, which gives me an advantage now as a criminal defense attorney.

I have dedicated my firm, the Johnson Law Firm, to defending those accused of crimes in Jackson and the surrounding West Tennessee communities. I use my experience to anticipate the government’s case and aggressively advocate for my clients. If you are facing drug-related charges, like possession of a controlled substance or intent to sell, I am prepared to craft a comprehensive defense on your behalf.

Understanding Drug Possession Crimes In Tennessee

In Tennessee, drug possession charges can be serious and vary based on the circumstances. Generally, possession charges can be broken into two categories, including:

• Simple possession: Prosecutors charge simple possession when someone is found with a controlled substance for personal use. For a conviction, prosecutors need to prove that you knew you had a controlled substance in your possession. This might involve evidence like finding drugs on your person, in your vehicle or in your home.
• Possession with intent to distribute: A charge for possession with intent to distribute is more serious. It involves possessing drugs with the purpose of selling or distributing them. Evidence of intent to distribute can include the quantity of drugs (often larger than for personal use), packaging materials, scales, large amounts of cash or communications that imply selling activities.

As a former prosecutor, I understand the evidence required for possession or possession with intent to distribute. I am also familiar with the strategies prosecutors use to prove these cases. My goal is to challenge the evidence and build a robust defense to protect your rights.

Does The Type Of Drug Matter For Drug Possession Charges?

The type of drug significantly impacts the severity of possession charges in Tennessee. Different drugs are classified into schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use and safety. Some of the most common drugs include:

• Methamphetamine: Meth is highly addictive and considered very dangerous. Methamphetamine is treated as a serious offense due to its potential for abuse and the harm it causes to individuals and communities.
• Cocaine and crack cocaine: Both cocaine and crack cocaine are powerful stimulants, but crack cocaine often carries harsher penalties due to its association with severe health issues and social problems.
• Fentanyl: This synthetic opioid is extremely potent and can be lethal in small doses. Due to its high risk of overdose and misuse, fentanyl possession and possession with intent to distribute is treated with severe penalties.
• Marijuana: Although some states have legalized marijuana, it remains illegal in Tennessee. However, penalties for possession are generally less severe compared to other drugs.
• Prescription drugs: When possessed without a prescription, drugs like oxycodone and other opioids are treated seriously due to their potential for addiction and misuse.

The law provides for different considerations based on the substance involved because of the varying impacts the drug has on health and society. More dangerous drugs often result in harsher penalties to deter their use and distribution. An experienced drug crimes lawyer can help you better understand the distinctions between the different types of drugs and the severity of the penalties involved.

What Is A Plea Bargain?

Plea bargains are sometimes offered in drug cases. A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecutor. Oftentimes, you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge and receive a reduced sentence. This can be a strategic decision to avoid the uncertainty of a trial. For example, cases can sometimes be negotiated down to lesser included offenses or misdemeanors in exchange for pleading guilty.

When considering a plea bargain, it is important to evaluate the strength of the evidence against you, potential penalties and your personal circumstances. Together, we can evaluate possible defense strategies and their likelihood of success. If you are presented with a plea bargain, I will take a straightforward approach and advise you of all of your legal options.

Trial-Ready Aggressive Defense, Straightforward Advice

If going to trial is the best option for your case, I am prepared to fight on your behalf in court. No matter what types of possession or drug trafficking charges you are facing, I will not hesitate to take your case to trial if it is appropriate. However, I will always take a straightforward and realistic approach to your legal defense.

With a deep knowledge of Tennessee drug laws and my extensive experience, I am prepared to provide you with legal guidance so that you fully understand your options and the possible outcomes of each option so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

Consult A Jackson Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing drug possession charges, having an experienced drug crimes defense attorney is important. I offer initial consultations. To schedule an appointment, you can call my firm at 731-260-8235 or send me a message through my website. I look forward to telling you more about how I can help you defend the charges you are facing.