What are the Potential Consequences of a Drug Possession Charge in Nashville?

Possession of a controlled substance in Nashville can come with severe penalties, including extensive prison time and hefty fines. The penalties will vary based on the type of substance in your possession, the quantity, if you have a prior record, and if there are any aggravating circumstances (more on this later). Understanding potential penalties if found guilty and viable defenses is essential to grasping the seriousness of the charges against you. In this blog, our Nashville drug possession attorneys discuss everything you need to know regarding drug possession charges in the Volunteer State.

Drug Classifications in Nashville, TN

Not all controlled substances are created equally, with the severity of each drug based on its potential for abuse, risk of dependency, and its medical purpose. Below, we provide examples from each drug class:

Schedule I

Schedule I drugs have the highest risk of abuse, severe dependency, and no recognized medical purpose in the United States. Controlled substances in Schedule I include ecstasy, heroin, and LSD.

Schedule II

Schedule II drugs still have a high potential for abuse, with abuse leading to severe physical and psychological dependence. These substances have a medical purpose, but with severe restrictions. Schedule II substances include cocaine, morphine, and oxycodone.

Schedule III

Drugs in this category have a lower risk of abuse than the substances in Schedules I and II. However, abuse of these substances may result in moderate physical dependence and severe psychological dependence. Common Schedule III drugs include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and amobarbital.

Schedule IV

Schedule IV controlled substances have minimal potential for abuse, a low risk of physical or psychological dependence, and an accepted medical use. Common Schedule IV substances include lorazepam, Xanax, and Ambien.

Schedule V

Drugs in Schedule V have a low risk of abuse and limited potential for dependency, while serving a medical purpose. Schedule V substances include Lyrica, Robitussin with codeine, and gabapentin.

Drug Possession Charges in Nashville

Charges for simple possession, also known as casual exchange, may be brought against any person who has a certain amount of an illegal substance in their possession, except for substances prescribed by a physician. If the amount in your possession is above the statutory threshold, then an intent to distribute, manufacture, or drug trafficking charge may be triggered.

Drug charges in Tennessee largely depend on the classification of the controlled substance, the amount in your possession, and whether you have ever been convicted of any criminal offenses. Most possession charges of smaller quantities of less dangerous drugs are misdemeanors, with a maximum prison sentence of one year and a $2,500 fine. However, a charge may be elevated if you were found in possession of the substance near a school, public park, library, recreational center, or other drug-free zone. Additionally, if there were any injuries or fatalities in connection with your possession, then you may be facing a more severe punishment.

Sadly, the prosecution is more dedicated to finding evidence to increase your sentence, which is why you need a criminal defense attorney working for you. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our legal team will investigate and look at the entirety of the evidence in your case. This may include aggravating factors, as well as evidence that reduces the severity of your charges, known as mitigating factors. Mitigating factors make it more likely that we can strike a plea deal with the prosecution, helping you secure a more lenient sentence.

Contact a Nashville Drug Possession Lawyer Today

Being charged with simple possession or casual exchange comes with imprisonment and fines if convicted. This applies even if you have a small amount in your possession. If you are interested in learning your legal options, the legal team at Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, is ready to assist you. Offering 24/7 service to our clients, it is never too late to call or text. To discuss your drug possession case further, we can be reached online or by calling (615) 846-9889.