Knoxville Drug Possession Lawyer

Arrested for drug possession? Don't fight your charges alone!

For possession of drugs in this state, the type of drug has no bearing on the penalties. Tennessee lawmakers have kept it simple. The first offense for possession of any drug is charged as a Class A misdemeanor, and the second or subsequent offense is charged as a Class E felony. The exception is marijuana, which is not charged as a felony until the third possession offense.

If you have been arrested for drug possession, you need the services of a Knoxville criminal defense attorney. With Robert R. Kurtz, Attorney at Law, you will get big firm service and resources with the personal attention of a boutique law firm, and you will be working directly with your attorney, rather than being shuffled off to an assistant or paralegal.

Attorney Kurtz has helped many clients facing criminal charges in both state and federal courts. He has been practicing criminal defense since 1998 - for 18 years.

Overview of the Penalties for Drug Possession in Tennessee

Although controlled substances are classified into seven different schedules in decreasing order of dangerousness, the penalties for possession are the same from one drug to the next. The exception is possession of marijuana, which is charged as a felony for third and subsequent offenses, while possession of other drugs is charged as a felony for a second offense. For a first offense of simple possession of drugs, penalties include up to one year in jail and $2,500 in fines.

For second offense Class E felony possession of drugs (except marijuana), potential penalties are one to six years in prison and up to $3,000 in fines. If you are charged with possession and this is your first offense, it may not seem like a serious problem. However, conviction of a drug crime will remain on your record and impact your future prospects. You will also face harsher penalties for a second offense. You need a Knoxville criminal lawyer to help you fight the charges.