A drug charge in Tennessee isn’t just a slap on the wrist. It can carry jail time, steep fines, and a criminal record that may haunt you for years. Whether you were caught with a small amount of marijuana or accused of possessing drugs with intent to sell, you need serious legal protection—fast. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we’re ready to fight for your future.
We understand what you’re up against. Memphis prosecutors treat drug cases seriously. So do we. Our attorneys bring years of criminal defense experience, a deep understanding of Tennessee drug laws, and a reputation for challenging illegal searches and weak evidence.
We’ve helped countless clients get charges dismissed, reduced, or diverted. Let us help you take back control.
Tennessee law (TN Code § 39-17-417 and -418) makes it illegal to knowingly possess or casually exchange a controlled substance unless it’s prescribed. Drug possession may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type and quantity of drug involved, your criminal history, and whether police believe there was intent to distribute.
Drugs are classified into seven schedules based on risk:
Possession of any of these without a valid prescription can lead to prosecution.
Based on the amount, packaging, and other evidence (scales, baggies, cash, etc.), this charge can range from:
Certain circumstances raise the stakes:
You are not guilty just because you were charged. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we examine every angle:
Our goal is to dismantle the case against you, piece by piece.
If this is your first arrest for a non-violent drug offense, you may qualify for alternatives that keep a conviction off your record:
We help you determine the best strategy to minimize harm and preserve your future.
Even beyond jail time and fines, a conviction for drug possession can:
That’s why we take every case seriously and fight for outcomes that protect what matters most.
We’ll guide you through every step, from arraignment to case resolution.
Whether you were arrested for simple marijuana possession or facing a felony involving pills, powders, or paraphernalia, Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers is ready to fight back. We know how to challenge bad arrests, negotiate with prosecutors, and build a defense that gives you the best possible chance.
Contact us now to see if we can accept your case. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Not always. Simple possession is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. However, repeat offenses or possession of certain substances in higher quantities can result in felony charges under Tennessee Code § 39-17-417.
Yes—especially if it’s your first offense. We may be able to challenge the legality of the stop, suppress evidence, or get you into a diversion program that results in dismissal and expungement.
Possession with intent is usually based on the amount of drugs found, how they’re packaged, or whether tools like scales or large amounts of cash are present. This charge carries much harsher penalties and is often a felony.
Absolutely. Marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee and can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record. In fact, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation updated their THC testing in 2024, and the Tennessee legislature tightened the definition of illegal marijuana in 2025. Tennessee prosecutors continue to seek felony convictions and prison sentences for some marijuana offenses. An experienced defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed, especially for first-time offenders.
In some cases, yes. If police claim to have probable cause—such as the smell of marijuana or visible contraband—they can search your vehicle without a warrant. But we regularly challenge unlawful searches in court and fight to get the evidence thrown out.
The prosecutors are already building their case against you. Every day you wait is another day they get stronger.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
