Knoxville Drug Crimes Attorneys
Charged with a Drug Crime in Knox County?
An arrest for a drug crime can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life. We defend Knoxville clients accused of selling, manufacturing, and trafficking narcotics in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding areas. It is not uncommon for individuals who have been arrested for drug crimes to feel anxious, frustrated, and concerned – we can help. You can count on our team of experienced defense attorneys for aggressive representation. Regardless of the complexity of your case, our attorneys will work hard to provide you with the best defense possible.
Drug charges in Tennessee are extremely serious and complicated. They can range from Simple Possession (a Class A Misdemeanor), all the way to Class A Felony charges, which can carry up to a minimum of 15 to 40 years in prison without the chance for probation or parole.
Drug charges are not always related to possession of illegal drugs. A person who possesses prescription drugs such as Xanax, Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, or other opioids may face serious felony charges. Anything considered a “controlled substance” is subject to the drug laws.
People can be charged with drug offenses individually, or as part of a larger conspiracy including multiple individuals. The charges can be the result of something as simple as a traffic stop, or from a lengthy investigation from law enforcement like the DEA.
When does a drug charge become a felony?
The majority of drug offenses in Tennessee are charged or indicted as felony offenses as a result of the amount and type of drug involved. According to Tennessee law, it is illegal to manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with the intent manufacture, deliver, or sell a controlled substance.
Schedule I Drugs – These are drugs including opiates, opiate derivatives, and hallucinogenic substances. Common examples are heroin, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or X), LSD, mushrooms, and peyote.
Schedule II Drugs – These are drugs that have a currently accepted medical use. Common examples are cocaine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Codeine, methamphetamine and other amphetamines, methadone, Ritalin, and PCP.
Schedule III Drugs – Common examples are anabolic steroids, suboxone, and medications which are mixed with a certain amount of other controlled substances (for example, Tylenol 3).
Schedule IV Drugs – This includes common narcotic drugs and antidepressants such as Xanax, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Ambien, Tramadol, Lorazapam.
Schedule V Drugs – This includes medicines mixed with certain amounts of other controlled substances.
Schedule VI Drugs – The most common examples are marijuana, THC, and synthetic THC.
**A drug’s amount and classification determine its severity.
Drug Free School Zone Enhancement
The penalties for drug-related offenses are already considerable, but there are also “Drug Free School Zones” that impose substantially higher penalties. These punishments can include additional incarceration, as well as lengthy minimum mandatory sentences with no possibility of probation.
Areas considered to be school zones are any area within 1,000 feet of any of the following:
- Childcare Facility
- Recreational Center
- Park
- Public Library
- Schools – public / private preschool, elementary school, middle school, or secondary school
If you are found guilty of a drug-related offense, you are going to face severe consequences. If you were charged with a felony drug offense, you should immediately contact an attorney with experience handling such cases.
Contact A Knoxville Drug Crimes Attorney
Contact us today to talk with a drug crimes defense attorney in Knoxville, TN. We know the state and federal drug laws inside and out and which defense strategies can effectively defend a drug crime case. We focus exclusively on criminal defense and family law and are prepared to provide the tailored representation and counsel that you need to get the best results possible. Contact us today to set up a consultation and case evaluation!