Stats show that there are over 1400 reported cases of cocaine abuse and over 3,654 prescription drug abuse cases in Knoxville in 2021. Drug possession and abuse charges have severe consequences in Knoxville, TN.
While medical and recreational use of marijuana has been legalized in Knoxville, TN, even simple possession or trafficking of other illegal drugs bear heavy penalties. An expert criminal defense attorney Knoxville can help minimize the legal consequences of any drug charges you are facing.
What are Drug Charges in Knoxville, TN?
There are two classifications of drug offenses in Knoxville, TN: misdemeanor or drug paraphernalia charges and felony drug offenses. Manufacturing or trafficking of illegal substances and rugs will fall under the category of felony drug charges.
The severity of the drug charge would depend on several factors like the type of drug involved, the number of drugs, the intensity of abuse, the consequences of the abuse, and the charge’s class. Type A felonies can charge a person with up to 60 years of imprisonment.
Simple possession of a controlled substance or drug can get you up to 6 years of imprisonment. Suppose the charges are limited to simple possession and self-administration. In that case, you may be able to negotiate your imprisonment term to a lower term with the help of an expert criminal defense attorney in Knoxville, TN. Type A felony charges have more severe consequences and are more challenging to handle. Your lawyer will try to prove that you were not in actual possession of drugs or that you were unaware of the fact that the drugs were on your premises.
The court cannot charge you with a felony merely because drugs were found in your possession. First-time offenders who face misdemeanor charges may be charged with a penalty as high as $2500 and one year of imprisonment. Trafficking or Type A felonies can lead to penalties and fines that may sum up to $500,000.
How a Lawyer Can Help
It would be impossible to get an acquittal in a drug possession offense without the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer can help you get plea bargains or less severe punishments. Drug offense charges can have a significant impact on the quality of your daily life. Being charged with a serious felony charge might get you fired from work and make it impossible for you to find new employment.
Your lawyer has in-depth legal knowledge of the legal provisions surrounding drug charges and understands how courts work. Your lawyer can help you collect relevant legal evidence to prove your innocence. Expert lawyers will also be able to build strong arguments in your favor to get you an acquittal or plea bargain.
The legal expert will study your case in detail to get a clear understanding of the facts and circumstances of the case. Besides providing expert legal consultation, your lawyer will also help you draft written submissions to plead “not guilty.” It’s critical to ensure that the evidence you submit is convincing and solid. Your attorney may also prove that the crime was a “casual exchange” of drugs that cannot be considered a Type A felony.
Find a reputed Lawyer
Drug offense charges come with life-altering consequences. An expert lawyer can help you minimize these consequences. Lawyers will also help you save the time and effort you will have to invest in the drug case.