Chattanooga Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Experienced Defense Against Drug Crimes in Tennessee

According to Tennessee’s Bureau of Investigation, 80 percent of crimes committed in the state are drug-related. Due to the deep-rooted social and criminal problems connected with the use of illegal drugs, drug offenders are vigorously pursued and prosecuted in Tennessee courts. The state maintains seven drug “schedules,” involving all types of narcotics, drug precursors, and illegally-obtained prescription drugs, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, Adderall, and fentanyl. Being found in possession of such drugs can lead to severe criminal penalties.

Why Hire Us?

At Speek, Turner & Newkirk PLLC, we understand the high stakes involved in drug charges. You need a legal professional on your side as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure fair treatment. Our attorneys bring more than 70 years of combined experience, along with a team-based approach to criminal defense, to each and every case. With vast trial experience and favorable relationships with local judges, our team is well-equipped to fight for you.

Arrested on drug charges? Contact one of our Chattanooga drug crime defense attorneys at (423) 799-3030 and request a free consultation.

Understanding the Consequences of Drug Convictions in Tennessee

All drug crime convictions in the state of Tennessee carry an array of penalties, including but not limited to:

• Required counseling
• Probation
• Jail or prison time
• Substantial fines
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Community service
• Forfeiture of possessions related to the offense

Tennessee drug crimes include not only simple possession but possession with intent to sell, illegal drug sales, drug cultivation or manufacture, and drug trafficking. All Tennessee drug crimes other than simple possession are charged as felonies. With intent to sell, you can face up to 60 years in prison and $500,000 in fines based on the weight of drugs that were found to be in your possession.

If you are convicted if either a misdemeanor or felony drug crime, you will also be left with a permanent criminal record that can be detrimental to future opportunities for employment, housing, professional licenses, and more. As a convicted felon, you will lose certain rights and, if you are a non-citizen, a conviction can lead to deportation and other immigration consequences.

Navigating Drug Possession Charges in Tennessee

Drug charges in Tennessee will depend on many factors, such as the type of drug found in your possession, the quantity of drugs involved, whether it is your first offense or a repeat offense, and other factors. Simple possession of an illegal drug is the lowest level drug offense, typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor and punishable by up to a year in jail and/or fines up to $2,500.

First and second drug possession charges carry the above misdemeanor penalties, while a third or subsequent drug possession or possession of half an ounce or more of any drug is charged as a felony. A felony is punishable by one to six years in prison and fines up to $3,000. An additional fine up to $10,000 will be levied if your offense occurred within 1,000 feet of a school, park, recreational area, or library.

Marijuana Possession & Drug Paraphernalia

Unlike many other states, Tennessee has not legalized the recreational use of marijuana. You can be charged with a misdemeanor for a first- or second-offense simple possession no matter how small the amount. Furthermore, you can be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with marijuana, as well as other drugs. Drug paraphernalia can include pipes, bongs, hookahs, rolling papers, roach clips, and more.

Felony Drug Charges

You will be charged with a felony if you are found to be selling or making illegal drugs in Tennessee. The class of felony you will face will depend on the schedule of the drug involved. For example, it is a Class B felony for selling 0.5 grams or more of cocaine, punishable by up to eight years in prison and fines up to $100,000. Trafficking in even larger amounts will result in steeper fines and longer prison sentences.

Contact Our Drug Crime Defense Attorneys in Chattanooga Today

Drug crimes are serious legal matters that call for serious legal representation from a trusted attorney. Our Chattanooga drug crime lawyers are prepared to work quickly to defend you against all types of drug charges. We know the law, the legal procedures, how to challenge evidence, and how to negotiate and litigate in search of helping resolve your case in the best possible way.

Learn more about how our criminal defense lawyer in Chattanooga can help by contacting us at (423) 799-3030.