Alcoa, TN Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

There are many situations where people could be arrested for drug crimes. Drugs may be uncovered in searches performed by police officers, or law enforcement officials may conduct large-scale investigations of people who are allegedly involved in major drug trafficking operations. Because of the harsh penalties that people may face when they are charged with drug crimes, understanding the best options for defense can be crucial.

The outcome of a drug crime case may depend on small details, such as the exact quantity of a substance found or the presence of certain items nearby. By working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer, a person who is facing drug charges can determine what steps to take to defend against a conviction and avoid long-term penalties.

At The Baker Law Firm, our attorney understands the laws that apply in drug crime cases in Tennessee, and he can identify the issues that may affect a case and the best options for defense. By providing the representation clients need in these cases, he can help to challenge accusations of drug crimes and minimize the ways a person's life may be affected.

Reasons a Person Could Be Arrested for Drug Possession

A person may face charges of drug possession if they are accused of knowingly possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. In many cases, drug possession offenses will involve small quantities of substances that were allegedly intended for personal use.

Drug possession charges may apply in situations where police officers discover drugs. For example, during a traffic stop, an officer may see drugs in plain view on a vehicle's seat or in a cup holder, or they may search a vehicle after arresting a driver for DUI, reckless driving, or another offense. If they find drugs in a glove box, trunk, or elsewhere in the vehicle, drug possession charges may be added on top of any other offenses that led to an arrest.

Drugs may also be found on someone's property when searches are performed by police. Officers may obtain search warrants if they suspect that drugs are being kept on a property, or they may find drugs when investigating a person for another crime or responding to a domestic incident or emergency situation. The owner of the property could face drug possession charges, even if they were not present when a search was conducted. In these cases, a prosecutor may take steps to prove that a person knew about drugs on their property and had control over them.

More Serious Charges Involving the Intent to Sell or Distribute Drugs

Offenses involving the sale, delivery, or distribution of controlled substances are more serious than simple drug possession charges. In some cases, a person may be accused of possessing drugs with the intent to sell or deliver them to someone else. In many cases, these charges will not be based solely on drugs that were found. Prosecutors may try to establish an intent to sell or distribute using evidence such as:

• Packaging Materials: Small plastic bags or other containers found near drugs may suggest that a person intended to sell drugs to others.
• Scales or Measuring Equipment: Equipment used to weigh drugs and divide them into small quantities may indicate that a person planned to sell the drugs.
• Large Amounts of Cash: When money is found alongside drugs, prosecutors may claim that it was earned through drug sales.
• Communication Records: Police officers may obtain text messages, call logs, emails, or other communications suggesting that a person had contacted others and arranged to sell drugs.
• Large Quantities of Drugs: When searches by police find drugs in quantities that are higher than a person would usually use on their own, prosecutors may claim that this indicated that they planned to distribute the drugs.

When a Person Could Be Charged With Drug Manufacturing

A person may be accused of producing a controlled substance and preparing to distribute it rather than simply possessing drugs for personal use. Drug manufacturing charges may be based on the possession of lab equipment, other equipment used to process drugs, or packaging materials used to prepare drugs for sale to individual buyers. The penalties for drug manufacturing are similar to the penalties that would apply for people convicted of drug distribution or delivery.

Allegations of methamphetamine manufacturing can lead to especially serious charges. A person who is accused of operating a meth lab, possessing chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine, or otherwise being involved in the manufacturing process may face harsh penalties.

The Role of Police Searches in Drug Crime Cases

Search and seizure issues are some of the most crucial factors in drug crime cases. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution generally requires police to obtain search warrants before they can search a person, a vehicle, or a home. There are exceptions to this requirement, including in situations where a person consented to a search, when a person's vehicle or other property is searched after an arrest, or in emergency situations.

The methods officers use to find controlled substances and seize evidence can be just as important as the identification of a substance itself. The legality of searches may be challenged in some situations. If drugs were found in a vehicle after a traffic stop, our lawyer may argue that the stop itself was unlawful because it was not based on the reasonable suspicion of a crime. When a home or other property has been searched, it may be possible to show that officers did not take the proper steps to obtain a search warrant or that the search exceeded the scope of a warrant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crime Charges