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 free 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.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At Jeff Grimes & Associates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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- Lisa S.
I hired their law firm for a legal case and not only were they highly professional but always courteous and respectful. They exceeded my expectations and got me everything I needed. If I ever need legal services again I will definitely be choosing them in the future.
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- Brad H.
If you need legal counsel then I highly recommend you make an appointment with this firm. Mr. Sensing was my attorney and is very dedicated to his clients going to great lengths to provide the very best defense possible. Stays in touch with his clients always bringing them up to speed on what is being done in their case providing copies of everything to the client. HONEST, LOYAL, AND DEDICATED this firm gets 5 stars.
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- Spence W.
I took a trip out to TN and got in to some trouble in Clarksville and needed representation for a case while I was I back in my home state. I went to Grimes, Sensing & Clemons feeling distraught and like I had no hope, seeking a solid defense attorney that would actually fight for my case and get me the best possible deal. I left feeling comfortable and confident. I can honestly say I was not disappointed, the only time I needed to come back to TN was for the sentencing(mind you cases may differ) and unbelievably Jeffery Grimes was able to pull a rabbit out of a hat and get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor as well as talk down the court fines... I strongly suggest Jeffery Grimes as your defense attorney for any legal issues you may have, also their fees are very reasonable and they will do payment plans. Thank you very much Grimes, Sensing and Clemons.
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- Satisfied Client
Thank you so much Grimes, Sensing & Clemons PLLC!! I've been working with them for months and I couldn't be happier. Grimes helped with all of the little details I didn't even know I needed. He is always friendly and ready to answer all of my questions. Your attention to my case has allowed me to focus on what's important to me, healing and family. Thank you for helping me I know it’s your job but the peace of mind you gave me is priceless. Thanks again! ~ YC
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- Toni M.
I hired Mr Sensing to assist me with the modification of a parenting plan that just wasn’t working anymore. I hired another lawyer in the Clarksville area that did not do their due diligence. Mr Sensing and his team were great throughout the process. Emails and phone calls were actually returned in a timely manner! Which wasn’t the case with the lawyer I used before. I had access to all my court documents and was always kept informed on what was going on with my case. Lastly Mr Sensing is very experienced and knowledgeable in his field. The outcome for my request was better than I could have hoped for, and I honestly feel like that was due to Mr Sensing.
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- Dennis H.
Grimes is the best defense lawyer you could ask for. He was able to take what would generally be a felony for sure and get it down to a misdemeanor and a fine. If you have him as your lawyer, you won't have anything to worry about.
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- David L.
Mr.Grimes made my case go very smoothly and easily for me I was out of state for a good part of it he went out of his way to let me know if something changed and he was always very professional and fairly priced! I would recommend him a thousand times over!!
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- Satisfied Client
Mr. Sensing is an excellent attorney. He fought with me the whole 2 years my case took for me to get the time with my son I’ve always wanted. I will definitely recommend his services to anyone and I will be going back to him if I have any issues in the future. Also Pat and Amy are awesome!!