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What kinds of drug-related charges can you face in Tennessee?

On Behalf of | Jun 7, 2017 | Drug Crimes |

Tennessee has five drug-related charges. They include possession, possession with intent, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking and conspiracy and the sale of a controlled substance. If you’re charged with any of these crimes and convicted, you could be penalized with heavy fines or a prison sentence. For this reason, it’s vital that you defend yourself against the charges as soon as possible.

In a case of simple possession, you are being charged with the lowest drug offense in Tennessee. Simple possession is charged when you don’t have enough of a controlled substance on you to be charged with trafficking or felony possession. While it may seem that this is a minor offense, you still need to defend yourself carefully. Having a criminal record as a result of a drug crime can impact you well beyond the penalties you face in court.

If you’re convicted of simple possession, you may have to go to jail for up to a year and could pay fines of up to $2,500. That’s just for a first offense. If you are being charged with a second or greater offense, you’ll likely face felony charges that have heftier fines and harsher sentences of up to six years in prison.

On top of the penalties you could face above, you may also have to go to a drug education class or participate in community service. The judge has some discretion in the punishments you face, which is why having your attorney represent you is a good idea.

Source: Discovery Place, “Drug Laws in Tennessee,” accessed June 07, 2017