Knoxville Drug Crimes Lawyer

Aggressive Defense Against Drug Charges

Drug charges are extremely serious allegations. Tennessee law is not friendly to those convicted of possession, sale, or intent to distribute banned substances. Common drugs that lead to these offenses may include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Methamphetamines
• Heroin
• Prescription pharmaceuticals

If you have been arrested for a potential drug offense, it is important not to admit to anything. Though an officer may claim to offer reduced charges for an admission of guilt, this may not be genuine. An admission of guilt will make it more difficult to have your charges dismissed or reduced, so it is vital that you speak with a Knoxville drug crime lawyer like ours at Menefee & Brown, P.C. as soon as possible. Only your independent counsel will put your interests first.

Contact us about how we can fight for you against drug charges in Tennessee. Call Menefee & Brown, P.C. today for a FREE phone consultation!

Illegal Stops or Searches & Seizure May Be Grounds for Dismissal

The circumstances under which drugs were discovered to be in your possession have a strong bearing on your potential charges. If you were stopped without proper suspicion or searched without your consent, any evidence confiscated may not be admissible in court. For instance, if you were pulled over without cause and marijuana was found in your vehicle, this may be improperly secured evidence and the charges against you may be baseless.

Similarly, unless you have already committed a crime, have given consent to a search, or are subject to a search warrant, any items found may also not be admissible as evidence against you. It is vital that you share this information with your attorney to determine the best course of action for defending your case in court.

Possession, Distribution & Trafficking Charges in Tennessee

Drugs are classified into seven schedules. The penalties for each charge vary, depending on the schedule of the drug, but also on whether you are charged with possession, distribution, intent to distribute, or trafficking.

The schedules are determined as follows:

• Schedule I -- These drugs are most dangerous and have a high risk of dependency and no legitimate medical use. Drugs included under this heading include LSD, heroin, and mescaline.
• Schedule II -- These substances carry a high risk of abuse, but may also have legitimate medical uses. Examples include methadone, oxycodone, methamphetamines, opium, cocaine, and amphetamines.
• Schedule III -- These drugs have a moderate risk of abuse. Schedule III substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, some forms of hydrocodone, Tylenol with codeine, and some depressants.
• Schedule IV -- These drugs have just a slight risk of dependency and carry medical uses. Examples include clonazepam, alprazolam (Xanex), tranquilizers, and sedatives.
• Schedule V -- Substances that have a very low risk of dependency are Schedule V and include things like codeine-boosted painkillers and some cough preparations containing codeine (Robitussin AC etc.).
• Schedule VI -- This level is highlighted by marijuana and has a very low risk of physical dependency. (note that marijuana remains a schedule I substance in the federal system)
• Schedule VII -- This schedule includes only butyl nitrite.

Are These Classified as Misdemeanors?

Possession and casual exchange are generally misdemeanors, depending on the substance, but distribution, intent to distribute or trafficking are very serious charges. If you are charged with any of these, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Menefee & Brown, P.C. is an experienced Knoxville drug crime law firm that is ready to protect you in court against drug charges.