Luttrell Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

There are many reasons people may be arrested for drug crimes in Luttrell. Some people may be pulled over for minor traffic violations, and they may end up in handcuffs after police officers search their vehicles. Others may be arrested at home when officers arrive with a search warrant. Some may face drug charges after long investigations that they never knew were happening. Because a drug crime conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record, people facing these charges will need to understand their options for defense.

At The Baker Law Firm, our lawyer defends people in Luttrell who have been accused of drug crimes. Our team understands how local officers and prosecutors build these cases, and we know where those cases tend to fall apart. We will take the time to learn a person's side of the story, explain their options in plain language, and fight for results that will protect their freedom and their future.

Why Officers May Stop Drivers Suspected of Transporting Drugs

Several state highways pass through Luttrell, and as traffic moves through East Tennessee, law enforcement officers may be on the lookout for people who are suspected of moving drugs. However, officers need to have a lawful reason before they can stop a vehicle. Common reasons include:

• Traffic Violations: Speeding, drifting across a lane line, following too closely, or rolling through a stop sign can all justify a stop.
• Equipment Problems: A cracked windshield, a burned-out taillight, expired license plate tags, or window tint that may be darker than what is allowed under Tennessee law may give an officer a reason to pull a car over.
• Vehicle Details: Rental cars or other vehicles that are suspected of transporting drugs may draw attention from police.
• Tips and Ongoing Investigations: A stop may be planned in advance based on information from an informant or another agency.

Even when a traffic stop is legal, officers cannot hold a person for as long as they want. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that police cannot extend a traffic stop to wait for a drug-sniffing dog unless they have reasonable suspicion of a separate crime. The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches. Our team can review dash camera and body camera footage closely to determine whether a traffic stop lasted too long or a search took place without probable cause.

Drug Charges Based on Home Searches

Some drug crime cases may involve a search of a person's home or property. In these situations, police will generally need a warrant before they can search a home. To get a search warrant, officers must show a judge that there is probable cause to believe a drug crime has occurred. They must also describe the specific place to be searched and the items to be seized.

Warrants can be flawed. The information used to obtain a search warrant may have been outdated, or it may be based on statements made by an unreliable informant. Officers may search areas that were not covered by a warrant, or they may take other actions that violate a person's constitutional rights.

When drugs are discovered during home searches, questions may arise about who actually possessed the drugs. Prosecutors may charge a person with "constructive possession," which means they allegedly knew about the substance and had the power to control it. However, these claims may be challenged. For example, if pills were found in a kitchen cabinet in a house where four adults live, simply living there does not prove that the pills belonged to a specific person. Our attorney will look carefully at whether the evidence truly connects a person to what officers found.

Drug Distribution Investigations

Charges for selling or delivering drugs are addressed in T.C.A. § 39-17-417. A person may be charged with drug distribution or drug trafficking if they have allegedly sold or delivered drugs or if they possess controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. In some cases, a person may be accused of the intent to sell or distribute drugs based on the possession of a large amount of a drug or other items, such as scales, small baggies, or large amounts of cash.

The penalties a person may face may depend on the type and weight of the drugs that were allegedly in their possession. In cases involving less than half a gram of substances like cocaine or methamphetamine, Class C felony charges may apply. An offense may be increased to a Class B felony in cases involving more than half a gram of these substances. Larger amounts of substances can lead to harsher penalties, including fines that may be as high as $200,000.

Drug Manufacturing Charges

In East Tennessee, law enforcement officials may investigate people who are suspected of offenses related to methamphetamine. Manufacturing meth is a serious offense. A person could be accused of participating in manufacturing if they have allegedly bought or possessed ingredients or lab equipment used to make meth. Drug manufacturing charges may also involve accusations related to growing marijuana, synthesizing drugs, or processing and packaging controlled substances.

Possession and Related Offenses

Not every drug crime case involves large quantities of controlled substances. Many people may face simple drug possession charges. In many cases, the possession of a controlled substance is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and a conviction could lead to a sentence lasting for up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, as well as a fine of up to $2,500.

Repeat drug possession convictions could lead to felony charges. Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes or syringes, may also lead to separate misdemeanor charges. However, many first-time offenders who are charged with drug crimes may qualify for diversion programs. Our lawyer can provide guidance on when these programs may allow for the dismissal of charges after a person successfully completes probation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crime Cases