Murfreesboro Drug Crimes Lawyer

Our defense practice includes the following drug crimes:

• Simple Drug Possession: When you knowingly possess a controlled substance without the legal right to do so, the severity of the charge often depends on the quantity of the drug and its classification under Tennessee drug schedules. Simple possession generally involves small quantities for one’s own use.
• Possession with Intent to Sell: This charge typically involves larger quantities of drugs that suggest the individual intends to sell or distribute the controlled substance. Evidence such as packaging materials, large amounts of cash, or a scale can be used to prove intent to sell.
• Sales/Distribution: This involves the selling, delivering, or providing a controlled substance to another person. The penalties for this offense are typically more severe than simple possession and often depend on the quantity and type of drug involved.
• Manufacturing: This crime pertains to the production of illegal drugs, which can include growing, processing, or synthesizing them. It’s considered a serious offense and carries heavy penalties.
• Drug Trafficking: This serious offense involves the transportation, importation, or exportation of large quantities of controlled substances. Charges of trafficking can result in lengthy prison sentences and steep fines.
• Drug Paraphernalia: This relates to any equipment, product, or material that is used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body.
• Conspiracy: This involves an agreement between two or more people to commit a drug crime. You can be charged with conspiracy even if the planned crime was not carried out. The severity of a conspiracy charge often depends on the nature of the intended crime. 

What If the Drugs Found Weren't Yours?

Being charged with drug possession when the drugs found weren’t yours can be a daunting experience. However, a key element the prosecution must prove in such cases is that the individual had knowledge of the drugs and control over them. This means that the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused was aware of the presence of the drugs and had the intent or ability to exercise control over them.

In situations where drugs are found in a shared space, such as a vehicle or a home, constructive possession may come into play. Constructive possession refers to a scenario where an individual did not physically have the drugs on their person, but the circumstances suggest that they had control or access to them. For example, if drugs are found in a car, proximity alone is usually not enough to establish possession. The prosecution may need to show evidence like the location of the drugs, fingerprints, or other connections that demonstrate control.

A strong defense in these cases could involve arguing that the drugs belonged to someone else, that there was a lack of knowledge about their presence, or that law enforcement officers violated rights during the search and seizure. If the search was conducted without a proper warrant or probable cause, it might be possible to challenge the admissibility of the evidence.

A skilled drug crime lawyer will work to dismantle the prosecution's case by examining the evidence, the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and any procedural violations. It's important to remember that just because drugs were found near or around you, this does not automatically prove guilt. Building a solid defense is critical to protecting your rights and seeking the best possible outcome in your case.