Clarksville Drug Possession Lawyer

Aggressive Legal Defense for the Accused in Tennessee

Drug possession charges can have serious consequences for your life, including the potential for a criminal conviction on your record. At the law firm of Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC, we understand that a drug conviction can have a lasting impact on your life and future. Our attorney will work hard to help you avoid conviction and the penalties that come with it.

Our firm represents those who have been accused of drug possession throughout Clarksville, including military personnel stationed at Fort Campbell. Call (931) 398-5308 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Clarksville drug possession attorney.

What Is Drug Possession?

Under Tennessee law, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, deliver, or sell controlled substances. A controlled substance is a drug that is specifically listed in the state’s controlled substances schedules. These schedules are divided into six categories, with Schedule I drugs being the most dangerous and Schedule VI drugs being the least dangerous.

Drug possession is a crime in Tennessee. The offense is defined as unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. Being in possession of a controlled substance can be “actual” or “constructive.”

• Actual possession is when you have the drug on your person, such as in your pocket or in your hand.
• Constructive possession is when you have the drug in an area that is under your control, such as in your home or in your vehicle.

Both actual and constructive possession can result in criminal charges. However, proving constructive possession can be more challenging for the prosecution, as they must show that you had knowledge of the drug, that you had control over the area in which the drug was found, and that you had the intent to possess the drug.

Drug Possession Penalties

Drug possession charges in Tennessee are serious. The penalties you face will depend on the type and amount of drug you allegedly possessed, whether you have a prior criminal record, and other factors. In either state, drug possession is a misdemeanor for a first-time offense. This means you can face up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

For a second or subsequent drug possession offense, you can be charged with a felony. In Tennessee, a second offense is a Class E felony, punishable by 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000. A third or subsequent offense is a Class D felony, punishable by 2 to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

These are just the basic penalties for drug possession. You can face enhanced penalties if you are found with large quantities of drugs, if you are caught possessing drugs near a school, and in other situations.

Defending Against Drug Possession Charges in Tennessee

Being charged with drug possession does not mean you will be convicted. There are several defenses that may be available to you, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

Some potential 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 found the drugs through an illegal search, the evidence may be suppressed and the charges against you may be dismissed.
• Unlawful traffic stop: If the police pulled you over without reasonable suspicion or probable cause, the traffic stop may be considered unlawful. If this is the case, any evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible in court.
• Drug testing errors: Police and crime lab technicians are not infallible. There are many opportunities for error during the drug testing process, from improperly handling the sample to contamination or mislabeling. If the drug test results are inaccurate, the charges against you may be dropped.
• Unknowing possession: You cannot be convicted of drug possession if you did not know that you were in possession of the drug. This defense may be available if someone else placed the drugs in your home or vehicle without your knowledge.

These are just a few examples of the many defenses that may be available to you. The best way to determine which defenses may apply to your case is to consult with an experienced drug possession lawyer in Clarksville.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC, we are committed to providing the aggressive and effective defense you need. Our drug possession attorney in Clarksville, TN, will work diligently to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

If you are facing drug possession charges in Clarksville, contact us at (931) 398-5308 to discuss your situation with our experienced attorney.