Tennessee Drug Possession Charges Demand a Relentless Defense.
A drug possession charge in Tennessee can upend your life, even if it’s your first offense. At Michael & Associates, our experienced Tennessee drug possession lawyers will fight to get you the best possible outcome—whether that’s a dismissal, reduced charges, or probation.
Facing a drug possession charge in Tennessee can be overwhelming. Even a first-time drug offense can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
At Michael & Associates, our experienced Tennessee drug possession attorneys have an established track record of success in defending such cases. We provide aggressive, personalized defense to protect your rights.
We will do everything within our power to fight for the best possible outcome.
Why You Need a Tennessee Drug Possession Lawyer
Drug laws in Tennessee are complicated and constantly evolving. The type of substance and the amount can significantly impact the charges you face. A minor possession charge can quickly be elevated to a felony if you're carrying a large amount or if police suspect you intend to distribute the drugs in your possession. Sometimes even the arresting police officers aren’t sure what’s legal.
Hiring a skilled Tennessee drug possession attorney ensures your case is handled strategically from the beginning.
At Michael & Associates, our legal team includes former prosecutors, judges, and criminal defense experts who know how to build cases and challenge the prosecution's evidence. We thoroughly investigate your arrest, examine police procedure, and scrutinize evidence to defend your freedom.
Types of Drug Charges We Handle in Tennessee
Our Tennessee drug possession lawyers handle a wide range of charges, including:
- Possession of marijuana, THC products, or other controlled substances
- Possession without a prescription (e.g., Adderall, Xanax, Oxycodone)
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Manufacturing or delivering controlled substances
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Charges involving synthetic drugs or THC derivatives
No matter what police find in your possession, our top priority for every client is a complete dismissal. If that isn't possible, we will fight to reduce your charges or try to secure probation.
Tennessee Drug Schedules
As in most states, drug charges in Tennessee depend on a few factors, including the type of drug, its classification, the amount you’re carrying, and whether police officers believe you’re manufacturing or selling the drug.
Tennessee follows a drug schedule system similar to federal drug laws:
- Schedule I: These are drugs with the highest risk and no accepted medical use (for example: heroin, LSD, or ecstasy)
- Schedule II: These have a high risk of abuse but some accepted medical uses (for example: methamphetamine or oxycodone)
- Schedule III to V: These are lower-risk drugs that have accepted medical uses (For example: anabolic steroids, many prescription medications)
- Marijuana: Weed is classified separately in Tennessee, but is illegal unless you're enrolled in a medical program that permits the use of low-potency cannabinoids, or CBD. However, the program rules are very stringent, and even many low-potency THC products will become illegal when a new law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026
The schedule of the drug in question determines the severity of penalties. Schedule I and II offenses usually carry the harshest sentences.
Potential Penalties and Consequences
Drug penalties depend on the type of drug you're busted with, how much you have, and whether you already have a conviction on your record. But the penalties can be severe.
- Misdemeanors: Offenders will face up to a year in jail and a fine of $2,500
- Felonies: These carry between one and 60 years in prison and fines up to $500,000 (depending on the drug and quantity)
- Repeat offenses: These carry harsher penalties, and people who already have a conviction on their record may face mandatory minimum sentences
And there's more at stake than fines and jail time. A guilty plea or conviction will leave you with a permanent criminal record that will affect your employment prospects, housing opportunities, and even educational options for the rest of your life.
This is why we fight aggressively from day one.
How Michael & Associates Beats Drug Charges
When you hire Michael & Associates, you aren't getting just one lawyer. You're hiring a whole legal team focused on protecting your future.
We provide:
- An immediate review of your case
- Meticulous investigation of the circumstances behind your arrest
- A careful review of whether police followed the proper procedures
- We challenge any potentially illegal searches
- An examination of whether the law enforcement mishandled evidence in your case
- A customized defense based on your unique circumstances
- Negotiations with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties if a dismissal isn't possible
- Aggressive representation if your case needs to go to trial -- we're never afraid to take a case to court when necessary
We treat each client like family. We don’t want to see a single mistake derail your future.
Contact our office today for a free, confidential consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your case and legal options.
