Knoxville, Tennessee Drug Possession Attorney

Attorney for Marijuana and Other Drugs in Knoxville, Tennessee

Many people get arrested because they were caught with marijuana or other controlled substances. College students in particular are prone to being caught with cannabis, psychedelic drugs, and party drugs like MDMA ("molly"). The seriousness of drug possession depends on the type of drug and the amount of the drug in question. The least serious forms of drug possession include possession of a small amount of cannabis, which is a Schedule VI drug in Tennessee. The most serious involve large quantities of drugs that carry a high potential for addiction, such as heroin or methamphetamine.

At The Baker Law Firm, we have seen firsthand that most people facing drug possession charges are either unlucky occasional users of less-addictive substances or people who are struggling with substance abuse disorders. Whichever category you fall into, our team can help. We will fight to ensure that this arrest does not interfere with your future prospects.

Tennessee's Schedules of Controlled Substances

Simple possession is normally considered the least serious type of drug crime. It is certainly not the major felony that drug manufacturing or drug trafficking would be. However, depending on the type of drug you were caught with and the amount you had, you may still face felony charges, and you could be sent to prison. Tennessee sorts controlled substances into different categories based on the drug's potential for addiction and whether it has a reasonable medical use.

Common drugs and their schedules include:

• Schedule I Drugs - These are the most dangerous substances that are considered to have a high potential for addiction and no real benefit. Heroin, psychedelics like LSD, and BZP are in this category. There is considerable debate over whether psychedelic drugs truly deserve their Schedule I label due to ongoing research on the possible mental health benefits of certain substances.
• Schedule II Drugs - These substances also carry a high risk of addiction and can be very dangerous, but they could have very limited medical uses. Amphetamines, cocaine, methadone, and prescription opioids fall into this category.
• Schedule III Drugs - Although these substances carry some risk of addiction if misused, they also have legitimate medical uses. Schedule II substances include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and some very mild prescription opioids.
• Schedule IV Drugs - These substances have a slight risk of addiction but have numerous recognized medical uses. They include benzodiazepines like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.
• Schedule V Drugs - These are substances that are not considered addictive but can be abused. Codeine is in this category.
• Schedule VI Drugs - Marijuana and it's derivatives or synthetic forms are in their own category. While cannabis and all THC products remain illegal in Tennessee, with extremely limited exceptions for medical use, possessing a small amount of marijuana (less than half an ounce) will only lead to misdemeanor charges. Having a larger quantity can still be treated as a felony.
• Schedule VII Drugs - The only drug in this category is butyl nitrate, commonly called "poppers."

Drug possession can be a very serious offense in Tennessee if you are caught with one of the substances that provide for harsher punishments. It is important to have legal representation if you are facing these charges. Tennessee takes drug crimes very seriously. While this harsh approach is designed to limit drug crime, it often has the effect of punishing those who are already struggling with addiction and need help rather than jail time.

Contact a Knoxville, Tennessee Drug Possession Lawyer

The Baker Law Firm is committed to providing the best representation possible to people charged with drug crimes in Tennessee. If you have been arrested for drug possession, contact us at 865-200-4117 for a complimentary consultation.