Defending Nashville Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking is a crime that involves the manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal narcotics.  It also encompasses possession with intent to distribute or sell and smuggling of controlled substances.

Drug trafficking violations can be federal or state crimes.  Federal and state laws are very tough on drug traffickers, especially repeat offenders.  And penalties for egregious drug trafficking offenses carry very stiff penalties, with long prison sentences and big fines.  A substantial percentage of our state and federal prisons house people convicted of drug trafficking offenses.

In its 2009 report, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said Tennessee is predominantly a user and transshipment state rather than a major source for any drug except for marijuana.  Drug trafficking in Tennessee is dominated by drug organizations from other states, as well as Mexican drug traffickers who bring large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin into Tennessee.

In terms of Nashville drug manufacturing charges, the Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Threat Assessment says that Tennessee is consistently ranked in the top ten states for marijuana plant eradication. In fact, law enforcement agencies seized over 539,370 plants in the state of Tennessee during 2009.

If you are arrested or charged with possession or trafficking of large quantities of illegal narcotics, Federal penalties can include the following:

  • Cocaine trafficking 28-200g: 35-42 months in jail and a $50,000 fine
  • Methamphetamine trafficking 28-200g: 70-84 months in jail and $50,000 fine
  • Marijuana trafficking 10-49 lbs: 25-30 months in jail and a $5,000 fine
  • Heroine trafficking 4-13: 70-84 months in jail and a $50,000 fine

Defending a Nashville drug trafficking charge

For Nashville drug distribution charges, the penalties can be based upon many factors including the following:

  • The quantities of narcotics seized
  • The type of narcotic substances involved
  • If trafficking was near a school zone
  • If the defendant has a prior offense or a criminal record

Consult us about your Nashville drug trafficking charges

If you are charged with a drug crime, we will work hard to protect your rights.  If arresting officers or investigators conducted an illegal search and seizure of narcotics prior to your arrest, this constitutes a violation of your rights.  You also have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.

So if you or someone you know needs legal counsel and defense for a Nashville drug trafficking charge, please call Craft & Sheppard toll-free at 1-888-826-1470 or contact us online.