There are two main types of drug possession charges in Tennessee: simple possession and possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. While simple possession involves carrying a controlled substance for personal use, possession with intent involves carrying drugs in order to commit a more serious drug crime.
Simple Possession
Simple possession is the least serious drug crime in Tennessee. If you have been arrested for simple possession or casual exchange, you could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum jail sentence of one year and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
You could also be arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, which is also a Class A misdemeanor. Common examples of drug paraphernalia include pipes, bongs, tin foil, needles, nozzles, bottles of aerosol cans, etc.
Possession with Intent
Law enforcement officials may arrest you for possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell if they believe you possess more drugs than exclusively for personal use. Other elements that indicate possession with intent includes other items such as scales to weigh controlled substances, plastic bags or small baggies used to package and resell drugs, large amounts of cash, and tools to manufacture narcotics.
Possession with intent in Tennessee is a felony offense. If you are arrested for possessing a Schedule I controlled substance (e.g., heroin, LSD, mushrooms, etc.), then you will be charged with a Class B felony, which carries a prison term between eight and 30 years and/or a maximum fine of $100,000.
Possession with intent involving less than 0.5 grams of a Schedule II controlled substance (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamines, opium, etc.) is a Class C felony, punishable by imprisonment between three and six years and/or a maximum fine of $100,000. Possession with intent involving more than 0.5 grams of a Schedule II drug is a Class B felony.
If you have been arrested for a drug crime in Knoxville, contact Eldridge and Cravens, PC today at (865) 544-2010 for a free case evaluation. Get a legal team with more than 55 years of combined experience on your side!