A drug crime conviction in Tennessee drug crimes carries many penalties and fines. Even if you face a minor charge like simple possession of a small weapon, the penalties and fines can be shocking. The charges for drug crimes in Tennessee can result in going to jail or an extended prison time. However, it all depends on the charge’s severity and specifics.
Before going into details, it is essential to learn the types of drug charges. There are five types of drug charges you can face in Tennessee:
- Simple possession
- Possession with intent
- Sale of a controlled substance
- Drug trafficking or conspiracy
- Drug manufacturing
The severities of these charges vary, and so do the consequences. So, here is a description of the consequences of all these charges.
Simple Possession
Simple possession might sound like a minor incident, but the offense is a misdemeanor according to Tennessee Code 39-17-418. The punishment is either no jail time or an entire year in jail, and the fine for simple possession is $2500.
Possession with Intent
This crime can result in severe charges in Tennessee. All such charges are taken as felonies. The punishment can be as short as a year in jail to as long as over 30 years in state prison, and you’ll have to pay the fine based on the felony you committed.
The classes of felonies are stated below:
- Class E Felony: 1 to 6 years
- D Felony: 2 to 12 years
- C Felony: 3 to 15 years
- B Felony: 8 to 30 years
Sale of a Controlled Substance
The sale of such substance is also considered a felony in the state. So you have to pay a good amount of fines and spend time in prison if you are caught. The minimum penalty is the suspension of your license. And the prison time is based on the category your crimes lie in.
Drug trafficking or Drug Manufacturing
Both of these are unforgivable crimes in Tennessee, and the minimum punishment is 10years in jail. However, if you can prove your innocence, the state may decrease your prison time, but prison is mandatory if you deal directly with drugs. Apart from state penalties, you may have to deal with a falling reputation if caught as a drug dealer.
You might also have to pay charges for keeping workers for such work, which might extend your visit to jail or increase the amount of fine you are paying.
Fight Your Charges
On the other hand, you can always rely on professional lawyers to get you out of trouble. If you happen to be facing such a debacle, make sure to contact the criminal defense lawyer in Knoxville TN, they can help to a great extent. Let them know as soon as this tragedy be falls, and the help will arrive instantly. They’ll do their best to present a strong defense and get you out of the situation.