Simple Possession of Marijuana/Cocaine in Tennessee

Simple Possession in Tennessee – Class A Misdemeanor

T.C.A. 39-17-418 – Simple Possession or Casual Exchange

It is an offense for a person to knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance, unless the substance was obtained directly from, or pursuant to, a valid prescription or order of a practitioner while acting in the course of professional practice.

What happens if I am convicted of simple possession in Tennessee?

- Permanent Conviction on your record

- Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail

- Fines up to $2,500.00

- Community Service

- Drug Offender School

- $250 Drug Testing Fee for any agreement under either Pre-Trial or Judicial Diversion

CAN YOU KEEP THIS OFF MY RECORD?

Yes. There a number of ways to resolve simple possession charges to keep it off of your record. Pre-Trial or Judicial Diversion are two options. Some counties are willing to resolve simple possession citations by either what’s known as a ‘retirement’, which means that after a certain period of time, so long as you stay out of trouble, the charge is dismissed. Some counties may allow the completion of public service work to have your charge dismissed. Every county, judge and district attorneys are different.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR DIVERSION? 

Go here to see if you are eligible for diversion, either pre-trial or judicial.

Our criminal defense lawyers handle cases with the understanding that all criminal charges are serious.

 The costs associated with lost wages due to a prior criminal conviction far outweigh the costs of hiring a lawyer, particularly for a charge such as simple possession. If you are charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense in Nashville or a Tennessee county, do not make the mistake of resolving it without first having a qualified criminal defense attorney review the case. Contact our Nashville attorneys today to discuss the criminal charges you are facing.