Does Tennessee Have Strict Drug Possession Laws? 

 Posted on May 15, 2023 in Criminal Defense

Tennessee is an excellent example of a state with very strong drug laws. The state has strict laws governing the possession of substances that the federal government has restricted. As a result, anyone found possessing these drugs can face severe legal consequences, often more severe than in other states in America. Tennessee’s drug laws prohibit the possession of several illicit substances, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. The penalties for drug possession can be based on several factors, including the type of drug found in possession. 

Anyone facing drug-related crimes in Tennessee would be wise to contact a criminal defense attorney right away to fight the charges and defend their rights. 

What to Know About Drug Penalties in Tennessee   

Firstly, according to the law, Schedule I drugs are classified as the most severe form of the drug because they can more easily lead to addiction and dependency and have no accepted medical use. As a result, in Tennessee, even possessing a small amount of a Schedule I drug can lead to grave consequences. Examples of Schedule I drugs include Heroin, PCP, LSD, Peyote, and more. Additionally, if you are arrested for selling a Schedule I drug such as cocaine, even as little as .5 grams, it is a Class B felony and can land you in prison for a minimum of eight years and as many as 30 years, with fines up to $100,000.

In Tennessee, the least severe drug possession offense is referred to as simple possession, which is classified as a misdemeanor. If you are a first-time offender of simple possession, you may face up to 11 months and 29 days in prison, with fines of up to $2,500, regardless of what kind of drug it was. However, if you are caught a second time with drugs, the type of drugs you are caught with will matter. For instance, if you are caught a second time with drug possession and the drugs in question are Schedule I, such as heroin or LSD, you can face dramatically more severe charges, often felonies. 

What About Marijuana? 

Presently, while much of the country has started to become more lenient toward marijuana, Tennessee is not one of those states. In fact, Tennessee does not even have a medical marijuana program in place, which should give you an idea of their opinion on the drug. As a result, if you are facing charges related to marijuana, you need to act quickly and contact an attorney. 

Contact a Knoxville, TN, Drug Crimes Attorney

If you have been arrested for possessing or selling drugs, act fast to defend your rights and freedom. Contact the distinguished Knox County drug crimes lawyer with Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney. Call 865-281-1000 for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://discoveryplace.info/drug-laws-tennessee/