Chattanooga Drug Crime Defense Attorney

If you face drug crime charges in Tennessee, it is important to consult with an experienced defense lawyer as soon as possible. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you. The attorneys at the law firm of Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers, can advise you of your rights and help you mount an aggressive defense against these charges. We have successfully handled numerous drug crime defense cases for clients from the Chattanooga area and throughout Tennessee.

Contact us today online or by telephone at 423-265-2385 to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Chattanooga drug crime defense lawyer.

Have You Been Arrested for a Drug Crime?

A drug crime conviction can change your life. Even a first-time offense can leave you with steep fines, probation, prison time and other criminal consequences. A drug crime conviction on your permanent record can leave you with serious collateral consequences as well, such as difficulty finding a job and restrictions on owning a firearm.

We understand the consequences of drug crime convictions and will work to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible. Our drug crime defense lawyers handle a wide range of drug offense cases, including those involving:

• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug distribution
• Drug manufacturing
• All illegal drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and ecstasy
• Illegal possession of prescription drugs and prescription drug fraud

The Information And Answers You Need

You have questions about drug crimes; we have answers. In this segment, you can read a few of the answers to questions that we frequently hear from concerned clients.

What are potential defenses for a drug charge?

Do not give up, even if you have a charge against you. Some potential defenses include:

• The arresting officer unlawfully searched you, your car, your bag or your home.
• The arresting officer unlawfully seized your possessions.
• You did not know you had drugs in your possession.
• The arresting officer did not follow protocol.
• The tests performed on the substance or on you were not accurate.

It may also be a defense to prosecution if you tried to help someone who was overdosing. Under Tennessee Code Ann. § 63-1-156(b), a person who in good faith seeks medical assistance for someone having an overdose may be immune from prosecution if it is the person’s first such drug overdose.

What type of drug crimes are federal offenses?

A drug charge can become a federal offense if:

• A federal officer arrests you.
• It involves larger quantities of selling, distributing or manufacturing controlled substances.
• It involves trafficking drugs across state lines.
• It took place on federal property.
• It involves a drug conspiracy or multiple people are involved in a larger drug offense.
• It involves use of the mail or internet.

Federal convictions have more severe penalties than state charges. They almost certainly require prison time.

Is CBD oil legal in Tennessee?

Yes. In Tennessee, you can grow, possess, use or distribute cannabidiol (CBD) as long as it has no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If it has any higher concentration, you could face criminal prosecution.

We hope these answers clarify the law for you a bit. If you have been arrested or are facing criminal charges and have more questions concerning your options – and you almost certainly do – please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Fighting Drug Crime Charges

As a former prosecutor, attorney Jerry H. Summers understands the burden of proof the prosecution bears and is adept at finding weaknesses in their cases. Search and seizure issues often play an important role in drug crime cases. Did the police have a valid permit to search your property? Were you actually in possession of the drugs, or were they simply nearby? These are some of the questions we explore when handling drug crime defense cases for our clients.

Contact a Tennessee Drug Charges Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested on drug crime charges Tennessee, our defense lawyers are here to stand up for your rights. Contact us today online or by telephone at 423-265-2385 to arrange a consultation with an experienced Chattanooga, TN, drug crime defense lawyer.