Clinton, TN Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

When a person is arrested for a drug crime, their entire life may be affected. Law enforcement officers may find drugs during a traffic stop, a search of a person's home, or in another situation. They may perform detailed investigations into alleged drug crimes, claiming that a person was involved in manufacturing or distributing drugs. The penalties in these cases can be serious, and they may include lengthy prison sentences, high fines, and ongoing collateral consequences. Defending against drug charges will require legal help from an attorney who has experience in these matters.

Whether a drug charge involves simple possession or more serious allegations related to distribution or manufacturing, the team at The Baker Law Firm can provide effective legal representation. We know how these matters are investigated, how prosecutors build cases, and what defense strategies are most likely to be effective. We work to protect our clients' rights while fighting for outcomes that will avoid long-term penalties that could affect their lives.

Drug Possession Charges in Tennessee

Allegations of possession of a controlled substance may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges. The specific offense may be based on the type of drug that a person allegedly possessed, the amount in their possession, and other factors. "Hard drugs" like heroin or methamphetamine are more likely to lead to felony charges, while substances that are considered to be less dangerous or addictive may result in misdemeanor charges.

Our lawyer can help clients determine the defenses that may be available in a case involving drug possession charges. Some defense strategies that we may use include:

Challenging Constructive Possession

Charges of drug possession may be based on actual possession or constructive possession. Actual possession will usually involve carrying substances on a person's body or in a vehicle. Constructive possession may involve claims that a person knew about drugs and had control over them. In situations where drugs were found in a residence shared with others or a location where multiple people had access, our attorney may argue that a person had no knowledge or control over the drugs.

Challenging the Nature of the Substance

The prosecution must prove that the substance involved in a case is a controlled substance that a person was not allowed to possess. A laboratory analysis will usually be performed to identify a substance. Our lawyer can look at testing procedures and the chain of custody of evidence to determine whether the identification of a substance may be challenged.

Diversion Programs

People in Tennessee may be eligible for programs that will allow them to avoid a drug crime conviction. In many cases, these programs will be available for first-time, nonviolent offenders. A person may serve a term of probation, and if they meet all requirements, the charges against them may be dismissed. Our attorney can determine whether a person may be eligible for diversion and advocate for an outcome that will help them avoid long-term penalties that may affect their life.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

In some cases, a drug possession charge can be elevated to the more serious charge of possession with intent to distribute. In these situations, a misdemeanor offense could be increased to a felony charge. The factors that may determine whether to charge someone with simple possession versus possession with intent to distribute include:

• Quantity: A large amount of a controlled substance that exceeds what a person would usually be able to use on their own may indicate that they intended to sell or distribute drugs to other people.
• Packaging: Drugs that have been divided into multiple small bags or packages may suggest that they are meant to be sold on the street.
• Scales and Measuring Equipment: If a search found items that may be associated with drug distribution, this may support a charge of possession with intent to distribute.
• Large Amounts of Cash: Money found alongside drugs may be used as evidence that a person was involved in drug dealing.
• Communications: A person's text messages, phone records, or other communications that were allegedly related to drug transactions may be used as evidence of intent to distribute drugs.

Drug Manufacturing

A person who has allegedly been involved in manufacturing controlled substances may face serious drug charges. Offenses involving manufacturing may cover a wide variety of activities, such as:

• Operating a methamphetamine lab
• Growing marijuana plants
• Processing raw materials into drugs
• Packaging or preparing controlled substances for distribution
• Possessing chemicals that may be used to produce drugs

Drug manufacturing charges may be based on the possession of certain types of chemicals or lab equipment. Items such as scales or packaging materials may be used as evidence in these cases. The penalties may increase if a person operated a drug lab in a location where children were present or where people were placed at risk of harm due to fires, explosions, or exposure to toxic substances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges