A Strong Defense for Nashville Drug Crimes
Many Americans are unaware of the illegal drug activity taking place right in their neighborhoods. Vacant homes can serve as meth labs, and drugs can change hands close to our schools.
Drug crime is pervasive and on the rise because it is so profitable. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that the following drug seizures occurred in Tennessee in 2009:
- Cocaine: 1,375.1 kgs
- Methamphetamine: 144.7 kgs
- Heroin: 59.3 kgs
- Marijuana: 1,160.6 kgs
- Meth lab incidents: 533
Nashville drug offenses get close to home
The DEA describes Tennessee as a transshipment corridor and destination location for all types of illicit drugs. Tennessee is attractive to drug dealers, because it has many highways that crisscross between its four major cities and eight bordering states. The report says, Tennessee is predominantly a user and transshipment state, not a major source area for any drug except domestically grown marijuana.
But even the possession of a small quantity of marijuana can result in a fine if the user is convicted. If you are arrested or charged with possession or trafficking of larger quantities of drugs or more powerful types of narcotics, the penalties can be harsher, with long prison terms and big fines. Here are examples of federal penalties for illegal drug trafficking in the U.S.:
- Cocaine trafficking 28-200g: 35-42 months in jail and a $50,000 fine
- Methamphetamine trafficking 28-200g: 70-84 months in jail and $50,000 fine
- Marijuana trafficking 10-49 lbs: 25-30 months in jail and a $5,000 fine
- Heroine trafficking 4-13g: 70-84 months in jail and a $50,000 fine
Defending Nashville drug violations
For a Nashville drug crime, the penalties can be harsh depending upon many factors including the following:
- The quantities of narcotics seized
- The type of narcotic substances involved
- If trafficking was near a school zone
- If the defendant has a prior offense or a criminal record
At Craft & Sheppard, PLC, our criminal defense attorneys have a proven track record defending those with Nashville drug charges. A Nashville drug violation or conviction can also result in loss of professional licenses and difficulty obtaining future employment.
Consult us about your Nashville drug crime defense
In defending those charged with Nashville drug crimes, we strive to protect your rights. For example, if arresting officers or investigators conducted an illegal search and seizure of narcotics, this constitutes a violation of your rights. You also have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.
So if you or someone you know needs legal counsel and defense for a drug crime, please call Craft & Sheppard, PLC toll-free at 1-888-826-1470 or contact us online.
