Rutledge Drug Crimes Attorney

In Rutledge and throughout Grainger County, local law enforcement officers and regional drug task forces actively pursue narcotics cases. Because Rutledge is located on Highway 11W and is a short drive from Jefferson City, Morristown, and Interstate 81, officers may suspect that people in the area are moving methamphetamine, fentanyl, or other drugs through East Tennessee.

A person can be arrested after a single small bag is found in their coat pocket, or months of surveillance could lead officers to conduct raids and charge them with serious drug crimes. Either way, a drug charge could threaten a person's freedom, damage their career, and affect their standing in the community. The proper response to these charges can be crucial, and legal representation is a must.

At The Baker Law Firm, our attorney works with clients in Rutledge to respond to accusations of drug crimes and develop successful defense strategies. He understands Tennessee's drug laws, the procedures officers are required to follow during investigations, and the ways prosecutors may try to turn small amounts of drugs into serious felonies. He will listen without judgment, explain what a person is up against, and work to achieve a dismissal, a reduced charge, an acquittal, or other solutions that will help a person put drug charges behind them.

Understanding Tennessee's Drug Schedules

Like other states and the federal government, Tennessee has classified controlled substances into several schedules based on their potential for abuse and whether they may be used for medical treatment. A drug's schedule often determines how serious a drug charge will be. Examples of drugs in different schedules include:

• Schedule I: Heroin, LSD, and other drugs with no accepted medical use.
• Schedule II: Cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
• Schedule III: Anabolic steroids, ketamine, and some codeine combinations.
• Schedule IV: Xanax, Valium, and similar medications.
• Schedule V: Certain cough syrups with small amounts of codeine.
• Schedule VI: Marijuana and some THC products.

Simple Drug Possession Charges

Knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription will often lead to Class A misdemeanor charges. A person may face drug possession charges based on accusations that they possessed pills that were prescribed to someone else, even if that person was a family member. The casual exchange of small amounts of certain drugs between friends without payment may also lead to charges of drug possession.

While a misdemeanor may sound like a minor offense, the punishments that may apply for a person who is convicted of drug possession can include nearly a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Repeat convictions for drug possession can be elevated to felonies, which makes defending against a first-time charge important to prevent the possibility of more serious charges in the future.

When Possession Becomes Possession With Intent to Distribute

Prosecutors may charge people with possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell or deliver even in situations where there is no evidence that a sale occurred. These cases will often involve circumstantial evidence. Prosecutors may argue that a large quantity of drugs or the way drugs were packaged indicated that they planned to sell drugs to other people.

The difference between charges of drug possession and possession with intent can be significant. Simple possession is usually a misdemeanor, while possession with intent is a felony. For example, possessing Schedule II drugs with the intent to sell is generally a Class C felony offense, and a conviction could lead to between three and 15 years in prison.

Many people who struggle with addiction buy drugs in larger amounts. That does not make them dealers. Our lawyer will work to show the court the full context behind the evidence and argue for lenient treatment that will allow a person to address problems with substance abuse and avoid drug crimes in the future.

Other Drug Offenses in Tennessee

Drug Manufacturing

Tennessee law defines drug manufacturing broadly. This offense may include producing, preparing, processing, and even packaging or repackaging a controlled substance. Growing marijuana plants, operating a methamphetamine lab, or pressing counterfeit pills could lead to manufacturing charges. Even dividing large amounts of drugs into smaller containers could qualify as manufacturing.

Drug Trafficking

Cases that lead to charges of drug trafficking involving large quantities of substances can lead to serious penalties. The specific charges will often be based on the total weight of the drugs involved in a case. If a person allegedly transported or distributed hundreds of grams of certain substances, they could face Class A felony charges and decades in prison.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

In addition to charges related to actual controlled substances, people may be charged with offenses involving the possession or use of items related to using, growing, or packaging drugs. Pipes, rolling papers, syringes, scales, and small baggies may all qualify as paraphernalia. Possession of drug paraphernalia is usually a Class A misdemeanor offense, but selling or delivering these items could lead to felony charges.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Offenses