Maynardville Drug Crimes Attorney

Tennessee has tough drug laws that can impose multiple types of harsh penalties on people who are convicted of drug crimes. In Union County, law enforcement officials have made efforts to target people who are accused of offenses involving methamphetamine, opioids, and other controlled substances. When a traffic stop or a search of someone's home uncovers drugs, a person could face charges that could lead to years in prison, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. The penalties can be even more serious if a person has allegedly been involved in selling or distributing drugs.

Anyone who has been accused of a drug offense will take the charges seriously. By taking the right steps to defend against a conviction with the help of a drug crimes defense lawyer, they can protect their rights and their future. At The Baker Law Firm, our attorney works with people in Maynardville and throughout Union County to address drug charges. He has handled cases ranging from minor possession to serious drug trafficking and drug manufacturing allegations. He works to achieve results that will help a person avoid serious penalties and move forward with their life.

Why Drug Arrests May Happen in Maynardville

In many cases, arrests and drug charges may occur after an encounter with police that originally had nothing to do with drugs. An officer may stop a car for speeding on State Route 33, respond to a noise complaint at a residence, or approach someone in a parking lot who seems suspicious. If the officer claims they notice an odor that could be caused by a drug, that they see a drug-related item in plain view, or asks for permission to perform a search, they may find controlled substances and arrest the person.

Police officers must follow specific rules when they conduct searches. The Fourth Amendment protects people against searches by law enforcement that are considered to be unreasonable. Officers may conduct searches without obtaining search warrants or receiving consent, and when a person's rights have been violated, any drugs or other evidence found in a search may not be used as evidence in court.

Drug Possession Charges

In many cases where officers find drugs during searches, they may arrest people and charge them with drug possession. A person who has allegedly possessed a controlled substance may face Class A misdemeanor charges, although more serious charges may apply in certain circumstances, including repeat offenses. The possession of materials related to drugs, such as pipes or syringes, could lead to drug paraphernalia charges, which are usually classified as Class A misdemeanors.

Charges related to drug possession may involve drugs that were allegedly found on someone's person, such as when they had some pills in their pocket or were carrying a bag that contained marijuana. However, many cases involve allegations of constructive possession in which a person had control over drugs on their property. For example, if officers find drugs in the glove box of a car with three passengers, everyone in the vehicle could potentially face drug possession charges.

Drug Distribution and Trafficking Charges

The charges a person may face are likely to be more serious if they have been accused of an intent to sell or deliver drugs to someone else. Felony charges will often apply in drug trafficking cases, and the level of the felony will usually depend on the type of drug and amount involved in a case. For example, possessing half a gram or more of cocaine or methamphetamine with the intent to sell it to someone can result in a Class B felony charge. Larger amounts of certain drugs, such as at least 150 grams of heroin, can lead to Class A felony charges.

While some drug distribution charges may involve evidence related to actual sales of drugs, a person could be accused of an offense if they allegedly intended to distribute controlled substances. Charges involving the intent to sell may be based on the amount of drugs found by law enforcement and other evidence involved in a case, such as cash, baggies, or scales.

Because Maynardville sits on a route that many people use to travel between Knoxville and communities to the north, police officers may be on the lookout for people who may be moving drugs through the area. Officers will often pay close attention to out-of-town vehicles, rental cars, and drivers who seem nervous. They may stop vehicles for alleged traffic violations, and a drug-detection dog may be brought to the scene to determine whether they can search a vehicle looking for drugs. Any controlled substances found could lead to arrests for drug trafficking.

Drug Manufacturing Charges

In addition to charges related to drug distribution, a person who allegedly possessed drugs could be accused of drug manufacturing. Under Tennessee law, drug manufacturing may include producing, preparing, or processing a drug, and charges may also apply in cases where people are accused of packaging or repackaging controlled substances. Someone who has allegedly divided a large supply of drugs into smaller baggies or containers could face drug manufacturing charges.

Methamphetamine cases will often receive special attention by law enforcement. Allegations of manufacturing meth may result in Class B felony charges. A person may also face charges if they have allegedly been involved in the manufacturing process, such as by possessing precursor chemicals or lab equipment or allowing someone else to use their property as a drug lab. Because meth labs can involve toxic chemicals, people may also face charges related to endangering children or damaging property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes