How Can I Defend Against Drug Possession Charges in Nashville?
The key to defending yourself against drug possession charges in Nashville is having a successful defense strategy. Developing a strong defense strategy requires ample experience, resources, and knowledge, which only a reputable Nashville drug possession lawyer can provide. Drug offenses are the most aggressively and commonly prosecuted crimes in the state. A conviction can lead to costly fines and a criminal record and land you in prison for many years.
Due to the severity of drug possession charges, you must get sound legal guidance from a credible Nashville drug possession lawyer who can ensure you understand the charges against you, the defenses applicable to your case, and the consequences of a conviction. If you’ve yet to talk to our Nashville drug possession lawyer about your case, here are common tactics used to defend against drug possession charges in Nashville.
Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment provides every individual the right to privacy. This means that unreasonable searches and seizures are prohibited by law. If the drugs are in a visible location, with no warrant, probable cause, or the accused’s consent, the police are not permitted to carry out a search. If the authorities retrieve evidence unlawfully and infringe on your rights, the court will dismiss that evidence during trial. This reduces the strength of the prosecution’s case against you. If they lack important evidence for a conviction, your case might be dismissed.
The Drugs Don’t Belong to You
A typical defense tactic used in drug possession cases is to contend that you do not own the drugs. For example, if an officer has you stop your car at the side of the road for inspection and sees drugs in your vehicle that are owned by another individual or friend, you may reason that you were unaware of the presence of those drugs.
Entrapment
While the police have the power to conduct sting operations or drug raids, entrapment occurs if an informer or officer persuades an individual to do a crime they would not have done in the first place. This means that if an informant or undercover officer has you deliver drugs to another individual or pressures or intimidates you into perpetrating a drug offense, you can use entrapment as a potential defense.
You Were Not Carrying an Illegal Drug
Even if something appears like cocaine, it doesn’t automatically mean it is. The prosecution must verify that a substance they hold is an illegal drug by delivering the evidence to a crime laboratory for assessment. The defense can have the crime lab analyst present in court should there be any problems.
You should also know that marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee. It is a misdemeanor to possess a tiny amount of marijuana. This is punishable by imprisonment of up to one year. However, individuals diagnosed with qualifying health conditions can use low-THC oil.
Get Legal Advice From Our Credible Nashville Drug Possession Lawyer Now
Dealing with drug possession charges in Nashville? Our Nashville drug possession lawyer at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is ready to fight for your rights in and out of court. Find out how our Nashville drug possession lawyer can assist you by booking your free consultation by phone at 615-620-5803 or online.