Drug Trafficking

 

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

Drug trafficking carries stiff penalties in the state of Tennessee, which can include years of incarceration and fines upwards of half a million dollars. If charged, you need a drug trafficking lawyer. 

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Definition of Drug Trafficking

The state of Tennessee currently defines drug trafficking as applying to any activity involved with the handling of drugs known as controlled substances.

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It’s important to note that drug trafficking does not necessarily involve the actual use and/or consumption of the drugs in question. An individual arrested with even a small dose of a controlled substance in their pocket could face trafficking charges simply for walking from one place to another while in possession of the controlled substances.

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In other words, usage does not necessarily apply to drug trafficking charges, although possession and transporting drugs is an element of  drug trafficking charges.

Examples of drug trafficking can include:

• Importing/Exporting – bringing controlled substances into or out of an area with the intent to distribute them at a later date.

• Distribution – Transporting controlled substances with the intent to distribute or sell

• Sales – The selling, buying, marketing, and exchange of controlled substances as a business.

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Trafficking Penalties

Current penalties for drug trafficking in the state of Tennessee vary depending on the amount and type of the controlled substance in question; for example, cocaine or methamphetamine currently constitutes a Class B felony which includes a fine of $100,000.

For quick reference, the penalties work like this:

• .5 oz. to 10 lbs. – one to six years of incarceration and a fine not to exceed $5,000.

• 10 to 70 lbs. – 2- to 12-year jail sentence and a maximum $5,000 fine.

• 70 to 300 lbs. – 8 to 30 years in prison with a maximum fine of $200,000.

• Any amount over 300 lbs. – 15 to 60 years in jail and a fine topping off at $500,000.

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Contact Us Today

As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Clarke will vigorously defend you against allegations of drug trafficking crimes. To learn more about the services we offer and how we can best serve you and your legal needs, contact us today. We also offer assistance in Espanol.