Drug Possession Case Results in Tennessee

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

A routine traffic stop for a registration issue led to a vehicle search after consent was given. Officers found a dugout and a vape, and charged our client with unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. We examined the basis for the stop, the voluntariness and scope of the search, and pressed the state on proving what was actually in the devices. We also documented the client's clean record and cooperation. After negotiations, the state agreed to a plea to straight probation, avoiding jail and keeping penalties limited.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

Stopped for an expired registration, the client consented to a vehicle search. Officers found a small amount of plant material and a THCA vape, then issued a citation with instructions to self book. We stepped in early, coordinated processing, and pulled discovery to question whether the substances were truly illegal and how they were tested. Using the client’s clean history and those evidentiary issues, we pressed for a noncustodial outcome. The state agreed to straight probation, avoiding jail and limiting collateral consequences.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Sumner County, Judge C. Ron Blanton

Allegations

Stopped for speeding, our client was told the car smelled like marijuana and consented to a search. An officer found a small dispensary-labeled jar in a backpack and issued a citation for simple possession. The client disclosed the contents could be a mix of THCA and marijuana, so we obtained the reports and kept negotiations away from lab testing that could harden the state’s stance. We secured an under-advisement plan requiring a brief online class and no new offenses. Once our client complied and we provided proof, the case was dismissed.

Charge

Possession of a Legend Drug (Class A Misdemeanor)

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

During a security checkpoint, officers found several prescription pills stored together in a single unlabeled bottle and charged our client with legend drug possession. We moved quickly to collect pharmacy records and physician documentation verifying every medication was lawfully prescribed. Our team reviewed the reports and video to pinpoint exactly what was seized and to challenge any suggestion of unlawful possession. After we presented the proof and pressed the gaps in the state's case, the prosecutor dismissed the legend drug charge.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange of Marijuana

Location

Davidson County

Allegations

During airport screening, a secondary bag check turned up a vape cartridge the officer called marijuana, and our client was cited for possession or casual exchange. The client explained it was a store-bought, hemp-derived product, not illegal marijuana. We demanded the body camera and screening footage, scrutinized how the item was discovered, and highlighted the absence of any lab testing to prove THC content. We made clear we were ready to litigate those proof issues. The state agreed to dismiss upon payment of standard court costs, and the case was dismissed.

Charge

Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia

Location

Rutherford County, Judge Ben Bennett

Allegations

The client was approached in a parked vehicle during a welfare check in a private lot. Additional officers arrived, claimed to smell alcohol or marijuana, ordered the client out, and searched the car. They reported finding a small item they labeled as drug paraphernalia. We pulled the bodycam and reports, pinpointing the absence of clear consent and the thin basis for expanding a welfare check into a search. After we pressed those suppression issues and signaled we were prepared to litigate, the state dismissed the paraphernalia charge.

Charge

Possession or Casual Exchange

Location

Sumner County, Judge Kee Bryant-McCormick

Allegations

Police stopped the client for equipment and registration issues and, after a consent search, claimed a rolled dollar bill held cocaine residue. The state filed a simple possession charge under the casual exchange statute. We obtained discovery and demanded lab proof of the substance and a quantifiable amount. We also scrutinized the basis for the stop, the scope of the search, and the length of the detention. Confronted with these evidentiary problems and our intent to litigate them, the prosecution dismissed the case.