Nashville Drug Crimes Lawyers

Simple possession is generally charged as a misdemeanor, while all other violations (manufacturing, delivery, sale, possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell) are felonies. The specific penalty range will depend on the defendant’s criminal history and the schedule of the drug. Schedule I and II drugs may include the following penalty ranges:

• Purchase or possession (1^st offense) – 2-15 years in prison
• Purchase or possession (2^nd offense) – 5-30 years in prison
• Sale or intent to distribute (1^st offense) – 5-30 years in prison
• Sale or intent to distribute (2^nd offense) – 10-40 years or life in prison

Schedule III, IV, and V drugs may include the following:

• Purchase or possession (1^st offense) – 1-5 years in prison
• Purchase or possession (2^nd offense) – 1-10 years in prison
• Sale or intent to distribute (1^st offense) – 1-10 years in prison

Marijuana Possession

Keep in mind that marijuana use remains illegal in Tennessee, both medicinally and recreationally. Generally, marijuana charges are punishable by the same penalties as other controlled substances. First-time possession may be charged as a misdemeanor, but subsequent offenses will be felonies. Additionally, possession of half an ounce or more of marijuana is also a felony.

If you have been accused of a drug crime in Nashville, let Stacey and Ballew advocate for your defense. We can combat the misdemeanor or felony charges against you, whether you have been alleged to possess or distribute drugs. We will work directly with you throughout the course of your case and provide the down-to-earth legal counsel you need to navigate the criminal justice system.

Tennessee Drug Schedules

It is illegal in Tennessee to possess, distribute, sell, or manufacture controlled substances. The penalties will depend on the nature of the offense, the amount of drugs in question, and the type of drug. Note that Tennessee classifies drugs into the following “schedules” based on their level of dangerousness, with Schedule I being the most severe:

• Schedule I (heroin, LSD, mushrooms)
• Schedule II (cocaine, morphine, amphetamine)
• Schedule III (anabolic steroids, ketamine)
• Schedule IV (Xanax, Valium)
• Schedule V (medicines with limited amounts of codeine and opium)
• Schedule VI (marijuana, THC, synthetic equivalents)
• Schedule VII (butyl nitrite)

Schedule a free initial 3-minute consultation with Stacey and Ballew today.