Knoxville Drug Conspiracy Lawyer
If you are facing drug charges in Tennessee, drug possession lawyers Knoxville TN at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP may be able to help. Call us.
Knoxville Drug Conspiracy Attorney
A drug conspiracy is when two or more people agree to commit a drug crime. Whether or not the crime occurred is irrelevant, so even if you have not distributed or manufactured any drugs, you may still be charged and convicted.
Illegal drug trafficking, manufacturing, and distribution may be charged as conspiracies, as they often involve more than one person. A conviction for one of these crimes carries a severe punishment. Even a simple possession charge may result in a sentence of up to one year and will stay on your record permanently, just like all drug offenses.
The penalties for drug conspiracy charges depend on the seized amount of drugs and other factors. They can also increase in severity if you are charged in a federal court, as federal sentencing guidelines are more severe than state laws.
Law enforcement can charge you with drug conspiracy if they suspect you are a co-conspirator in a drug crime. In this case, you may face strict fines and serious jail time. Working with a lawyer who understands federal and state drug laws will be beneficial to get the support you need.
Read on to understand the common drug charges and penalties and how experienced drug conspiracy lawyers can help you.
Common Drug Charges
There are various drug charges that can land you in trouble, not just in Knoxville, Tennessee, but across state lines. The severity of the drug crime will help a judge determine what punishment is appropriate if you receive a guilty verdict.
Common drug crimes include:
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Drug conspiracy
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Drug trafficking and manufacturing
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Protected location offenses
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Simple possession
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Prescription fraud and forgery
Distributing prescription drugs to people without authorization is considered a crime. Protected location offenses involve distributing illegal drugs to under-21-year-olds or at schools or playgrounds. You may also face human or child endangerment charges on top of these drug charges.
Penalties for Drug Charges in Knoxville
What determines whether you serve 2 or 40 years of imprisonment for drug charges? Many factors can lighten or worsen your sentence, including the nature of the offense, criminal history, the type and amount of seized drugs, and several others.
A simple drug possession conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by 11 months and 29 days and a $2500 fine. You will likely receive more prison time if it is not your first offense. However, possession with intent to sell is considered a felony and results in harsher sentences that can go up to life imprisonment.
More serious drug offenses, such as drug trafficking and manufacturing, are generally convicted as felonies and carry the harshest penalties. In some cases, they are prosecuted as federal offenses.
In addition to losing your freedom, you may face other consequences if you are charged with a drug crime, such as:
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Fines and restitution if anyone was hurt
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Court-mandated rehab or community service
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Suspension of driver’s license
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Seizure of property
Drug possession lawyers will analyze your case and work to obtain the most favorable outcome for you.
Drug Conspiracy Defenses
If you were stopped by the police while driving, the first thing to do is investigate if the police had probable cause to pull you over. In the event that the police conducted an illegal search without a warrant, a defense attorney might be able to utilize this to your advantage.
A lawyer may question whether the prosecutors can use your evidence against you if the police or others handled the evidence improperly.
Overall, a good attorney will create a comprehensive defense strategy for you and fight to get you a favorable outcome. When you are charged with your first drug offense, the justice system may be lenient. Second offenses and subsequent charges, however, will have serious consequences.
The most important thing is to be honest with your attorney so that they can craft a strong defense for you. To schedule a free consultation, contact Stephens, DiRado, and Caniness LLP today.
How Can an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Help You When Facing Drug Charges?
A drug conviction can mean losing your freedom and paying hefty fines. Whether it’s a state or federal conviction, you might be looking at decades behind bars.
However, you don’t have to fight this alone. A criminal defense lawyer can give you proper legal counsel and protect your constitutional rights. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. The Fifth Amendment protects your rights against self-incrimination, especially if the police obtained any evidence unlawfully.
Remember that you have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before you say anything. If the arresting officers denied you any rights during the search or arrest, let your lawyer know as soon as possible.
They will also be honest with you from the start so that you are aware of your options.
How Stephens, DiRado, and Caniness LLP Can Help You
Stephens, DiRado, and Caniness LLP have years of experience representing clients facing drug conspiracy and other drug charges. Contact us to have a trustworthy legal partner who will handle your case with the professionalism and attention it deserves. We will channel all their resources into it and fight for you till the end.
Time is crucial in any criminal case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Drug Conspiracy in Knoxville, Tennessee?
You may face a drug conspiracy charge if the prosecuting team proves beyond reasonable doubt that you and one or more people intended to commit a drug crime and that you knowingly agreed to it. Therefore even if you didn’t carry out the crime by the time of your arrest, you may still be charged if the prosecutor can prove your intent and planning.
How Do You Get a Simple Possession Charge Expunged From Your Records?
If you were charged with simple possession, but the judge either dismissed, retired your charge, or found you not guilty, the charge can be expunged from your records. Your attorney can file a petition to the court, and if there are no irregularities, the judge may grant your request.
What Is the Penalty for Federal Drug Charges?
Federal drug charges can have harsher penalties than state charges. Depending on the severity of your federal drug offense, the penalty can range from one to 40 years in federal prison. Drug trafficking is considered a federal crime because trafficking usually involves distributing drugs and controlled substances across state lines.
How Can Our Juvenile Lawyers Help
At the beginning stages of your child’s case, the juvenile defense attorneys at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP will be focused on whether there is a risk that the prosecutor may seek to transfer the case to criminal court. The attorneys will focus their efforts on presenting all evidence and legal arguments for why the case should remain in juvenile court. Fighting the case includes presenting evidence of why your child is not guilty of the charges, raising legal problems with the State’s case, or convincing the judge why your child deserves another chance.
If your child has been charged with a juvenile crime, contact the experienced juvenile defense attorneys at Stephens, DiRado & Caviness, LLP today for a complimentary consultation so that we can protect your child’s future.
