Clarksville Drug Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Attorney Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Montgomery County, Tennessee

Drug crimes have become a serious situation in the United States, not only on the state level, but on the federal level as well. National attention is drawn to drug crimes, due in no small part to the fact that drug crimes often lead to other crimes such as assault, robbery/theft, DUI, and various other offenses.

Drug crimes can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. Drug crimes are not limited to adults. Children under the age of 18 are also being prosecuted for juvenile crimes relating to drugs.

In cases of drug crimes, an accused individual could be facing heavy fines in addition to extensive jail or prison time if they are convicted.

Drug-related offenses can include the following:

• Possession
• Possession with intent to sell
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Cultivation
• Trafficking

Depending on the volume of drugs involved in the case as well as the prior criminal record of the accused, a conviction could lead to life imprisonment in some serious cases.

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Tennessee?

Depending on the severity of the drug crimes, charges can range from misdemeanors for simple possession to felonies for crimes such as trafficking and distribution. In Tennessee, a misdemeanor drug charge is punishable by fines up to $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail. Felony drug charges carry much harsher penalties.

Understanding the Impact of Drug Crime Charges on Your Future

Facing drug crime charges can be a daunting experience, not only due to the immediate legal consequences but also because of the long-term effects on your life. At Grimes & Warren PLLC, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding how a drug conviction can impact your future is crucial in making informed decisions about your defense.

Here are some potential long-term consequences of drug crime convictions:

• Employment Challenges: A drug conviction can hinder your ability to secure employment, as many employers conduct background checks.
• Educational Opportunities: Convictions may affect your eligibility for scholarships, student loans, and other educational programs.
• Housing Issues: Many landlords require background checks, and a drug conviction could limit your housing options.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Certain professions require a clean record; a conviction could jeopardize your career.
• Social Stigma: The societal perception of drug offenses can lead to personal and social challenges, impacting relationships and community standing.

By working with an experienced attorney at Grimes & Warren PLLC, you can explore your options for minimizing these impacts. Our dedicated team is committed to crafting a strong defense tailored to your unique situation, helping you safeguard your future.

Your Rights When Facing Drug Charges

Understanding your rights is crucial when facing drug crime charges. At Grimes & Warren PLLC, we believe that every individual deserves a fair chance to defend themselves. Knowing your rights can empower you during this challenging time and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Here are some important rights you should be aware of:

• The Right to Remain Silent: You have the right to refuse to answer questions from law enforcement without an attorney present.
• The Right to Legal Representation: You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you. Our experienced lawyers are here to ensure your rights are protected.
• The Right to a Fair Trial: Every individual is entitled to a fair trial, which includes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
• The Right to Challenge Evidence: You can challenge the evidence presented against you, including how it was obtained, which can lead to a dismissal of charges.

Our dedicated team at Grimes & Warren PLLC is committed to guiding you through the legal process and ensuring that your rights are upheld at every step. If you or someone you know is facing drug charges, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. We’re here to help you navigate this complex situation with confidence.

What if I'm Found with Drugs that Aren't Mine?

Even if you do not own whatever drugs or drug paraphernalia that an officer finds with you, you are still considered legally "in possession" of those items, which is a crime.

All too frequently a scenario like the following occurs: You are in a your car and you give your friend or acquaintance a ride. He puts his bag of weed and pipe, lighter, and grinder down in your cup holder as he gets to his location. When he gets out and says, "Hey wait a minute, I'll be right back. Hold on to my stuff." A minute later a law enforcement officer walks up and sees it through you window and you get charged. Even if you tell the officer the drugs do not belong to you, the law does not care. Possession means possession.

In such cases, you might be charged with what is technically known as "constructive possession," which refers to drugs being present on or in your property with your knowledge, regardless of whether the drugs belong to you or whether you intended to do anything with them. If drugs are found in a vehicle, an officer will typically charge everyone in the car with possession and then leave it up to the courts to sort out who is guilty.