Knoxville Drug Possession Lawyer

Defending Clients in Knoxville, Nashville, Memphis, & Chattanooga

Being arrested for drug possession can be a very distressing experience. Our attorneys understand what you are going through and are here to help you fight the charges you face.

At Eldridge and Cravens, PC, we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible results. We provide aggressive and knowledgeable legal representation to individuals charged with all types of drug offenses, including drug possession.

Call (865) 544-2010 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation with a drug possession lawyer in Knoxville. 

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is a criminal offense that involves having illegal drugs or controlled substances for personal use. In Tennessee, it is illegal to possess a variety of drugs, including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and LSD. It is also illegal to possess certain prescription drugs without a valid prescription.

Drug possession is a serious crime that can result in severe criminal penalties. If you are convicted, you may be sentenced to jail or prison, ordered to pay expensive fines, and required to complete a drug treatment or rehabilitation program. A drug possession conviction can also have other long-term consequences, such as a permanent criminal record that can make it difficult for you to get a job, find a place to live, or obtain certain professional licenses.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession?

The penalties for drug possession in Tennessee depend on several factors, including the type of drug involved. The penalties for a drug possession conviction are as follows:

• Class A misdemeanor: Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500
• Class E felony: Between 1 and 6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $3,000
• Class D felony: Between 2 and 12 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000
• Class C felony: Between 3 and 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
• Class B felony: Between 8 and 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $25,000
• Class A felony: Between 15 and 60 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000

It is important to note that these are the basic penalties for a drug possession conviction. If you have a prior drug conviction, you may face enhanced penalties. If you are charged with drug possession with the intent to sell, you may face even more severe penalties.

How Do You Beat a Drug Possession Charge?

Being charged with drug possession does not mean you are automatically guilty. There are several defenses that may be available to you, depending on the circumstances of your case. A Tennessee drug possession lawyer can review the facts of your case and help you determine the best defense strategy.

Some of the most common defenses to drug possession charges include:

• Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence they obtained may be inadmissible in court. This could result in your charges being reduced or dismissed.
• Lack of knowledge: To be convicted of drug possession, the prosecution must prove that you knew the drugs were in your possession. If you did not know the drugs were present, you cannot be convicted.
• Drugs were not yours: If the drugs did not belong to you, you cannot be convicted of drug possession. However, you may be charged with a different drug offense, such as drug manufacturing or drug trafficking, depending on the circumstances.
• Crime lab analysis: The prosecution must prove that the substance in question is an illegal drug. A crime lab analysis is typically used to establish this. If the prosecution is unable to produce a crime lab report or the report is inconclusive, the charges against you may be reduced or dismissed.

These are just a few examples of the defenses that may be available to you. A drug possession lawyer in Tennessee can help you determine the best defense strategy based on the unique circumstances of your case.