Hardin Valley, Tennessee Drug Crimes Lawyer

The "war on drugs" has led law enforcement officials at all levels to arrest people for different types of drug crimes. Because of the dangers that many drugs present to the public, the penalties people may face in these cases can be severe. A conviction on drug charges can affect nearly every part of a person's life, from jail time and fines to a criminal record that could limit their future opportunities.

At The Baker Law Firm, our lawyer can provide the representation needed to defend against drug charges. He works to protect the rights of clients and build effective defense strategies. With his courtroom experience, he knows how to challenge the evidence that may be used in drug crime cases. He can look at whether officers performed illegal searches, whether a person's rights were violated, and whether the substances involved in a case have been identified correctly. He focuses on achieving results for clients by helping them obtain reduced charges, alternative sentences, or dismissals/acquittals.

Substances That Can Lead to Drug Charges

The drugs that may be involved in a criminal case can determine the specific charges that may apply and the penalties that a person may face. Our attorney can help clients address charges related to substances such as:

• Methamphetamine: Because this drug is considered to be dangerous, the charges that may apply may be more serious than in other types of drug crime cases. Even simple possession of a small amount of methamphetamine can lead to a mandatory jail sentence. Larger amounts could lead to accusations that a person intended to sell or distribute the drugs.
• Powder or Crack Cocaine: This stimulant has also been recognized as a dangerous drug, and possession of small amounts can lead to serious penalties.
• Fentanyl: This synthetic opioid has become one of the most common drugs addressed in criminal cases. It has been responsible for many overdose deaths, and prosecutors may pursue harsh penalties against a person who is accused of possessing or distributing fentanyl.
• Heroin: This drug is considered to be harmful and addictive, and it can put people at risk of harm due to overdoses or dependency. The possession of a few grams of heroin can lead to serious consequences, and the charges can increase significantly in cases involving larger amounts.
• Marijuana: Some states have legalized marijuana, but the drug is still classified as an illegal controlled substance in Tennessee. Even though marijuana is not considered to be dangerous, criminal charges may apply if a person is accused of possessing a small amount of cannabis. Larger quantities can lead to more serious charges involving the intent to distribute marijuana.
• Prescription Medications: Many drugs that are prescribed by doctors may be misused, and some people may be accused of obtaining these drugs illegally or selling them to others. Criminal charges related to opioid painkillers, certain types of stimulants, or other medications may involve forged prescriptions, distribution schemes, or other illegal activities.

Possession of a Controlled Substance

People who are accused of drug possession may face misdemeanor charges in some cases involving small amounts of certain controlled substances. However, accusations of possessing certain substances, such as methamphetamine, may lead to felony charges. Previous convictions for drug possession can also lead to more serious charges for subsequent offenses.

Drug Manufacturing and Drug Trafficking Charges

A person may face more serious charges if they are accused of distributing drugs to others, manufacturing drugs with the intent to distribute them, possessing large quantities of drugs with the intent to distribute, or otherwise being involved in drug trafficking. In most cases, these accusations will result in felony charges. Prosecutors may argue that a large quantity of drugs indicated an intent to sell or distribute, or they may look at evidence such as scales or packaging materials, large amounts of cash, or other factors that may be related to the distribution of controlled substances.

The difference between a simple drug possession charge and a serious drug manufacturing or drug trafficking offense may depend on whether a prosecutor can prove an intent to sell or distribute controlled substances. Our lawyer will examine the evidence involved in a case and the arguments made by prosecutors. He can challenge weak or circumstantial evidence or take steps to reduce charges and minimize the penalties that a person may face.

Defense Strategies in Drug Crime Cases

Our attorney will look for opportunities to challenge evidence involved in a drug crime case and the claims made by prosecutors. He may argue that a person's constitutional rights were violated when a search was performed, which may prevent evidence gathered during a search from being used in a criminal case. He may also be able to challenge allegations of intent and show that a client did not know about drugs that were in a shared home or vehicle.

The evidence in a drug case may be challenged by looking at the chain of custody. If there are gaps in documentation at any point after evidence was seized, while it was being stored or transported, or when it was being tested by a lab, our lawyer may argue that there is no way to conclusively prove that a person possessed, distributed, or manufactured controlled substances.

Our attorney can also take steps to determine whether diversion programs may be available for a person facing drug crime charges. He may advocate for alternative sentencing that will allow a person to receive treatment rather than being sent to prison. He can work to negotiate reductions in charges when possible and help a person minimize the potential penalties that they may face.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crime Cases