Knoxville Drug Crimes Lawyer Providing Legal Representation to East Tennessee Folks

According to the Drug Policy Alliance Organization there are over one million arrests for drug possession in the U.S. each year. Law enforcement charges and penalizes individuals for possessing illegal drugs in different ways, contingent on the type and amount of drugs found. At The Daniel Law Firm, our Knoxville drug crimes lawyers have extensive experience as Tennessee trial lawyers and are well-versed in all current drug laws in the state. We can help you defend yourself against charges of drug crimes in state or federal courts.

Drug crimes in Tennessee can include any illegal activity involving a controlled substance, prescription medication, or narcotic. In some cases, simply possessing a particular controlled substance is an offense in itself. In other instances, especially those involving prescription medications, an individual might face charges of fraud or illicit distribution, production, or retailing of these drugs.

We can defend you against accusations of drug-related offenses in both state and federal courts. Charges related to drug offenses include:

• Drug possession
• Trafficking of illegal drugs
• Drug sale or distribution
• Prescription fraud
• Drug cultivation
• Drug manufacturing
• Possession with the intent to distribute

Irrespective of the type of drug in question—steroids, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, or another—it is critical to have a knowledgeable attorney representing you in these grave circumstances.

Penalties For Drug-Related Crimes in Tennessee

Penalties for drug crimes in Tennessee vary based on the type and quantity of drugs involved, the federal or state jurisdiction, and the nature of the offense. Judges will impose harsher punishments on certain drug offenses due to their perceived danger.

While some drug offenses, like simple possession of marijuana, may only be prosecuted as misdemeanors, meaning that rehabilitation may be the preferred course of action over jail time, other drug offenses may result in mandatory state prison sentences of several years. Handling criminal accusations associated with drug-related offenses of any kind is a very serious matter. Certain drug offenses, like simple possession of marijuana, may be prosecuted as misdemeanors with light punishments and rehabilitation offered in place of jail time; however, other drug offenses may result in several years of mandatory state prison time.

What Significant Distinctions Exist Between State and Federal Drug Charges?

Under federal and Tennessee laws, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell certain controlled substances, such as marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. However, federal drug crimes typically involve criminal activities that cross state lines, meaning the crime occurs in multiple states.  If the crime takes place on federal property, like a national park, the federal court may also bring charges. Some important differences in being charged under federal or Virginia drug crime laws include:

• Drug Crime Charges. What kind of charges someone will be facing for drug offenses varies greatly between federal and state laws. For instance, possession of a controlled substance is a more common charge in the state of Tennessee and carries considerably lighter penalties than other offenses. If someone is charged with a federal drug crime, it is likely that they will also be charged with other more serious offenses, such as trafficking, which is far more serious than simple possession. 
• Drug Crime Penalties. The punishment for state and federal drug offenses differs significantly as well. If the same crime were prosecuted under federal law rather than Tennessee law, the punishment could be doubled or tripled. In Tennessee, drug-related offenses are typically misdemeanors. Even a first-time offender found guilty of a federal drug offense, though, might have to serve a long prison term. Sentences for federal drug crimes are mandatory and harsh. A person charged under federal law may also be found guilty of other crimes carrying severe penalties, such as tax evasion or racketeering, if they are found guilty of them. 
• Court system. If you are accused of a crime under state law, state laws and criminal procedure will apply to your case, and a state court will make the final decision. Federal law will be used to prosecute a federal charge, and federal criminal procedure rules will be in effect. A federal court would also decide the case.
• Drug Crimes Investigations. Even though the police have extensive jurisdiction to look into crimes committed in Tennessee, their investigations are typically restricted to crimes that took place inside the state’s borders. Large-scale criminal operations may be the subject of federal investigators’ investigations, and they are not restricted to looking into crimes that occur in a single state. 

Any drug-related offense is a serious charge that carries a potential prison term, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Federal and state courts are the venues for drug charges. The laws and penalties for drug offenses vary depending on the court. However, you might be able to have the charges against you dropped or reduced to a charge carrying far less punishment if you work with a criminal defense lawyer with experience representing clients in state and federal courts.

Tennessee Drug Crime Defense Attorney in Knoxville, TN Available 24/7

Do not take a chance with your future. Instead, Contact us and consult with an experienced Knoxville criminal defense lawyer who can give you the information you need to weigh your options and make the right decision about your case and your legal counsel.

The experienced Knoxville drug crimes attorneys at the Daniel Law Firm represent adults and juveniles in all types of drug cases in city, state, and federal court throughout East Tennessee. If you would like to learn more about your rights and options in the face of Knoxville drug charges, contact our firm today for a free initial consultation.