Illegal and Prescription Drug Crimes

Talk to a Memphis Drug Crimes Lawyer

WE DEFEND AGAINST DRUG CHARGES

Drug crimes are extensive throughout Memphis and the Mid-South. They are one of the most common crimes charged in the state of Tennessee. Lenagar & Barnes has defended individuals against drug charges throughout the Mid-South. A Memphis drug crimes lawyer at Lenagar & Barnes can defend you against any alleged illegal or prescription drug crimes including drug possession, drug distribution, and more.

If you have been charged with a Memphis Drug Crime contact Lenagar & Barnes PLLC by emailing or calling us at 901-322-8711 today!

Prosecutors in Tennessee are skilled at getting convictions for drug offenses and seldom offer plea deals. If you have been accused of violating a drug law you can guarantee that the state wants to get you convicted and see you in jail. That is why hiring a dedicated attorney that specializes in Memphis Drug Crimes is extremely important.

Laws in Tennessee surrounding illegal and prescription drugs are harsh and range from misdemeanors to felonies, but no matter what you are charged with, the repercussions are serious. In Tennessee, the law is simple and strict. If you are caught with drugs, you can be charged with:

- Simple Possession

- Casual exchange

- Possession with intent to sell, distribute, or manufacture

- Sale of a controlled substance

- Drug trafficking

- Drug manufacturing

Unlike other states, where marijuana is legal and drug laws are complicated, Tennessee often does not differentiate between type of drug, whether its marijuana, heroin, or any other controlled substance. You can face identical charges for marijuana possession as you would face for possession of heroin. If you have been caught for a second offense, the consequences are even greater.

Another issue that you have to be aware of in Tennessee is that a distribution charge can be added, or tagged on to, other drug charges even if there is no evidence for distribution. For example, if you have multiple marijuana cigarettes, or joints, in your pocket, in addition to being charged with possession you may also be charged with distribution. In these cases, the officer would not expect that you would be able to use all of the drugs, so you must have intent to distribute.

We Will Defend Your Liberty

You need protection from experienced, professional attorneys that will fight for your case. A Tennessee drug crimes lawyer from Lenagar & Barnes will fight the state all the way to trial if necessary! Your freedom and rights are at stake, and we will defend those on your behalf.

If you have been charged with a Memphis Drug Crime contact Lenagar & Barnes PLLC by emailing or calling us at 901-322-8711 today!

Consequences from A Drug Crime Conviction

In Tennessee, a simple possession charge is a misdemeanor, but all other violations of drug laws are felonies. The actual penalties of a drug crime will depend on numerous factors including criminal history.

Possible penalties include:

- Forfeiture of property

- Suspension of driver’s license

- Jail or prison time

- Fines

- Probation

- Community Service

Drug Crimes Explained

- Simple Possession: If you have a drug, and it is illegal, even if it isn’t yours, you are considered in possession and will be charged. If it is in your car, you will be charged. The most common type of possession cases are from vehicle stop and searches. If the search finds any controlled substance, you will be arrested on the spot.

- Possession with intent to sell: This involves two elements, the possession of drugs AND evidence of intent to sell or distribute. A defendant does not actually have to have sold anything in order to be charged with possession with intent to sell. Often, the police and the court system use circumstantial evidence such as having a quantity of drug greater than would be reasonable if the drug was for personal use.

- Sale of a controlled substance: Commonly referred to as drug dealing, a sale of a controlled substance, or drug, includes activities such as bartering, giving away, manufacturing, distributing, delivering, and exchanging. In some situations, you can be convicted without ever selling a drug to anybody.

- Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking laws penalize the selling, transportation, and import of illegal drugs and prescription drugs. Despite the name, trafficking has less to do with whether the drugs cross state lines, and more to do with the amount of drugs involved.

- Drug manufacturing: Under federal and state laws, the government can charge a person with

drug manufacturing for the cultivation and/or manufacture of a controlled substance. These include growing, possessing, or producing illegal drugs.