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Facing a simple possession charge in Tennessee can feel overwhelming, especially when you are worried about your record, your job, and your future. A focused Nashville drug possession lawyer can help you understand what you are really facing, what your options are, and how to protect yourself from a long‑term criminal record.​

What is simple possession in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39‑17‑418, simple possession or casual exchange generally means knowingly possessing a controlled substance for personal use, or casually exchanging a small amount, without evidence of intent to sell or distribute.​

• Simple possession of most drugs is a Class A misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and fines up to $2,500, plus court costs and mandatory assessments.​

• Even though it is the “lowest” level drug charge, a simple possession conviction can still carry mandatory minimum fines for certain drugs (like marijuana) and can be treated more harshly if there are prior convictions or aggravating factors.​

A Nashville simple possession attorney can explain how the law applies to your specific situation, including the type of drug, the amount, and any prior record.

What happens if I plead guilty to simple possession?

Pleading guilty to simple possession in Tennessee without talking to a lawyer can have serious and lasting consequences:

• A permanent drug conviction on your criminal record, which can show up on background checks for jobs, housing, professional licenses, and schooling.​

• Exposure to up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, probation, regular drug screens, fines up to $2,500, court costs, community service, and possible drug offender education or treatment programs.​

• Mandatory fines for marijuana and some other substances, which increase with second and third convictions, and potential enhancement to a felony for certain repeat offenses.​

What may feel like a “minor” charge can follow you long after any probation or classes are over. A Nashville drug possession lawyer can help you explore options that may avoid a permanent conviction.

Can you keep a simple possession charge off my record?

In many Tennessee simple possession cases—especially for first‑time or non‑violent offenders—there may be ways to keep a conviction off your record if you qualify and act quickly. Depending on your circumstances and the county, options may include:​

• Judicial diversion or pretrial diversion, which can allow you to complete probation and conditions, then have the charge dismissed and potentially expunged if you successfully comply.​

• Local agreements such as “retirement” of the charge, completion of community service, drug classes, or treatment in exchange for a later dismissal, depending on the judge and prosecutor.​

Eligibility for diversion and other outcomes depends on factors like your prior record, the specific charge, and where the case is filed, so it is important to speak with a Tennessee lawyer who regularly handles simple possession cases in that court.

How do I know if I qualify for diversion?

Diversion rules and procedures can be confusing, and there are separate requirements for pretrial diversion and judicial diversion. A Nashville simple possession attorney can:​

• Review your criminal history and the exact charge to determine if you may be eligible under Tennessee diversion laws.

• Explain the pros and cons of diversion compared to other options, including how it affects expungement and what happens if you do not complete the program.

• Help you apply for diversion, negotiate with the district attorney, and present your case to the court.

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

Talk to a Nashville simple possession lawyer today

At Shipman & Crim, the criminal defense lawyers treat every simple possession case with the understanding that a “small” drug charge can have big consequences over time. The long‑term costs of a conviction—lost opportunities, background check issues, and higher penalties if you are ever charged again—often far outweigh the cost of hiring a lawyer now.​

If you are charged with simple possession or casual exchange in Nashville, Cookeville, Murfreesboro, Gallatin, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, a Nashville drug possession attorney at Shipman & Crim can review the stop, search, lab results, and your history, then work to protect your record through dismissal, reduction, diversion, or other favorable outcomes where possible.​

Call (615) 829‑8259 today to discuss your simple possession charge with a Tennessee criminal defense lawyer.