Although prescription drugs can help treat ailments, some can be abused like illegal drugs. Prescription drug abuse may not sound as bad as abusing controlled substances, but drugs like Adderall, OxyContin, Ritalin and Valium can be just as addictive as cocaine and...
Drug Crimes
The dangers of possessing fentanyl-laced drugs
Opioid abuse has been a major topic among health and law enforcement agencies in recent years. Overdosing on opioids has become such an issue that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that about 80,411 people died from overdoses in 2021. Among...
Is drug possession a felony?
Drug possession is a serious charge. It is usually a misdemeanor, but it can become a felony depending on the crime's extent and quantity of drugs found. A simple possession case usually comes with a year of jail time and a fine not exceeding $2,500. According to...
What are recovery courts?
In most states, the judicial system has developed a special court for low-level drug crimes. These drug courts help to provide treatment and rehabilitation over punishment for first-time offenders. In Tennessee, drug courts are called recovery courts and are part of a...
Job interviews, first impressions and your drug use
Preparing for a job interview when you know someone might ask about your criminal record can cause angst. Knowing how to discuss your past can make a considerable difference in your confidence. There are ways you can put a positive spin on your former experiences....
A look at the consequences of prolonged drug use
Using drugs does not have to be the reason people lose control of their lives and the relationships that matter to them. However, prolonged drug use with no effort to change habits may create long-term damage and costly consequences. When people understand the...
Hemp-derived THC acts as a legal alternative to marijuana in stores
Tennessee remains one of the few states where marijuana use is fully illegal. The possession or sale of cannabis, even in medicinal cases, risks heavy fines and jail time depending on the details. However, according to Knoxville's WBIR-TV, vape stores are selling the...
How do reasonable suspicion and probable cause differ?
Facing any charges related to drugs or alcohol can often feel like an inescapable negative change to your entire way of living. However, you can protect your rights by ensuring that all checks and searches happened in accordance with the upheld standards associated...
What is possession of drug paraphernalia?
Like most other states, Tennessee has some stiff penalties for those who possess controlled substances. Even though first-time offenders typically face misdemeanor charges, convictions may result in imprisonment. Even if you do not have drugs with you at the time of...
When can authorities search your car without a warrant?
Often, legal trouble starts with a Tennessee traffic stop. However, knowing and understanding your rights when authorities stop your vehicle may help you avoid unnecessary hardships. While law enforcement officers need to have a warrant before they may search your...