Tennessee Drug Possession Lawyer
If you were arrested for drug possession in Tennessee, you are facing consequences that can follow you for years – even on a first offense. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, probation, loss of employment opportunities, and a permanent criminal record. When the stakes are this high, you need an experienced Tennessee drug possession lawyer on your side as early as possible.
At Shipman & Crim, our criminal defense attorneys defend people charged with simple possession, casual exchange, prescription drug offenses, and felony drug charges throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We know the courts, the prosecutors, and the alternatives that may keep a mistake from becoming a lifelong problem.
Drug Possession Charges in Tennessee
Most first‑time drug possession cases in Tennessee are charged as “simple possession or casual exchange” under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39‑17‑418. This statute makes it a crime to knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance without a valid prescription.
Common Tennessee drug possession cases include:
- Marijuana possession
- Possession of cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine
- Possession of pills without a valid prescription (opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD medications, etc.)
- “Casual exchange” – passing drugs between friends in a social setting
Even when the amount is small and clearly for personal use, you can still be arrested and charged.
Penalties for Drug Possession in Tennessee
A standard simple possession or casual exchange charge is usually a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 11 months and 29 days in jail
- Fines up to $2,500
- Probation, drug treatment, and court costs
Penalties can increase significantly if:
- You have prior drug convictions
- The allegation involves distribution, sale, or intent to sell instead of simple possession
- The offense occurs in a drug‑free zone (near a school, daycare, park, or similar protected area)
- There is a casual exchange involving a minor, which can be punished more like a felony offense
Beyond jail and fines, a drug conviction can affect student loans, professional licenses, housing, and immigration status.
Defenses to Drug Possession Charges
Every case is different, but a skilled Tennessee drug crimes attorney will look closely at the facts to find weaknesses in the state’s case. Common defense strategies include:
- Illegal search and seizure: Challenging the stop, search of your car, home, or person under the Fourth Amendment and Tennessee law
- Lack of knowledge or possession: Arguing that the drugs were not yours or that you did not knowingly possess them
- Questionable lab results or chain of custody: Examining whether the substance was properly tested and handled
- Amount and intent: Fighting attempts to elevate a simple possession case into an intent‑to‑sell or trafficking charge
- Diversion and alternative sentencing: For many first‑time offenders, seeking judicial diversion, drug court, or other alternatives to avoid a permanent conviction
Our job is to investigate the stop, the search, the lab work, and the state’s narrative – and then use those details to seek dismissal, reduction, or a result that protects your future.
Why Hire Shipman & Crim for a Tennessee Drug Possession Case?
When you are charged with drug possession, you need more than just someone who “handles criminal law.” You need a Nashville drug possession lawyer who regularly defends these cases in Tennessee courts and understands how local judges and prosecutors treat different substances, quantities, and criminal histories.
At Shipman & Crim, we:
- Focus our criminal practice on serious Tennessee offenses, including drug possession, DUI, and violent crimes
- Know how to challenge traffic stops, searches, and warrants that often lead to possession charges
- Work with clients to protect what matters most – their record, job, and family – not just the outcome on paper
- Communicate clearly so you always know what to expect at every court date
From the first consultation, we will explain the charges, possible penalties, and realistic options in your case.
Arrested for Drug Possession in Tennessee? Call for a Free Consultation.
If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession in Tennessee, do not try to handle it alone or just “see what happens” on your court date. The earlier you involve a defense attorney, the more options you may have to protect your record and your future.
Contact Shipman & Crim today to speak with a Tennessee drug possession lawyer about your case. We represent clients in Nashville and across Middle Tennessee and offer confidential consultations to review your charges and discuss how we can help.
