Retain a Reputable Trial Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
Drug dealers are often portrayed as the “bad guys” in movies, making people believe they are bad people who deserve to be in prison. Tennessee prosecutors are no exception. They can be unforgiving in their efforts to punish you with the maximum sentence permitted under law, which is why you need aggressive defense in your corner immediately.
Selling drugs or possessing drugs with the intent to sell them are both against the law. These drug crimes are particularly serious because law enforcement officials tend to prioritize identifying and prosecuting such suspected individuals. However, the other side of the court has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict a person of drug sales. Therefore, attorney Fanduzz will make it as difficult as possible for the prosecution to achieve that by employing hard-hitting defenses on your behalf.
Fight your drug dealing accusations with the help of a superior trial lawyer. Contact us at (865) 896-9971 to get started!
Drug Sale Laws & Penalties in Tennessee
Controlled substances are prohibited by state and federal governments for a reason, as they are dangerous and addictive under most circumstances. That is why anyone who is suspected of drug dealing or possessing drugs with the intent to sell them could face serious trouble with the law. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417, it is illegal to knowingly sell a controlled substance and possess it with the intent to sell the controlled substance.
To understand the severity of a drug sales conviction in Tennessee, it would benefit you to learn about the potential consequences you could suffer if you’re found guilty. Tennessee created a Drug Offender Registry in 2005 and originally named it the “Methamphetamine Registry” but expanded the database in 2014 to include convictions unrelated to methamphetamine crimes. In that same year, the State increase the offender registry period from 7 to 10 years.
Thus, it’s fair to argue that Tennessee does not mess around when penalizing drug dealers and other drug criminals, and may continue to increase the penalties over time. If you get convicted of selling certain amounts and types of controlled substances, you may have to enroll in the Drug Offender Registry for at least a decade as well suffer felony charges, such as:
Class B felony: 8 to 30 years in prison and/or $25,000 fines
Class C felony: 3 to 15 years in prison and/or $10,000 fines
Class D felony: 2 to 12 years in prison and $5,000 fines
Class E felony: 1 to 6 years in prison and/or $3,000 fines
Possible Defenses to Drug Dealing Charges
Our Knoxville drug sales defense attorney has spent years in the courtroom advocating for clients facing drug dealing accusations. We know just how intense these trials can be but luckily, Joseph Fanduzz has extensive experience as a top-tier trial attorney. Over the years, we have examined the most effective drug sales defenses in Tennessee and may utilize them to strengthen your case.
Depending on the nature and details of your drug sales charges, the following defenses may apply:
Lack of knowledge
Lack of probable cause
Lack of intent
Illegal search and seizure
The drugs weren’t yours
Defective crime lab analysis
Entrapment
To determine the best course of action for your drug dealing charges, we advise you to consult our Knoxville drug sales defense lawyer right away. Whether or not you have been investigated for your alleged offense, you must begin your defense earlier rather than later to get a head start on tackling your charges.
Arrange a free initial consultation online or by calling (865) 896-9971 today!
“Mr. Fanduzz is committed to nothing but the BEST outcome for his clients.”
Nearly two years ago, I was charged with DUI and Speeding. Due to my occupation, a conviction could be detrimental to my career. I contacted Mr. Fanduzz and he was able to have my case placed on Judicial Diversion, which required me to serve only one year supervised probation (reduced from two years) and court cost. I retained my drivers license and did not have to purchase expensive car insurance.
Unfortunately, while on probation, I was charged with two counts of assault and aggravated assault. Along with these new charges, I also faced violation of my probation and the original DUI. All charges were considered Felonies at this point. There was no hesitation in hiring him to represent me again. Mr. Fanduzz not only kept me well informed, he also skillfully and agressively argued on my behalf. He arranged for my probation and judicial diversion to be reinstated and the felony assault charges to be dismissed in exchange for a plea to a misdemeanor offence.
Needless to say, I highly recommend Mr. Fanduzz because of his attention to detail and commitment to have the BEST possible outcome for his clients.
NACDL
