The stakes are enormous. But being charged is not the same as being convicted. At Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, we stand between our clients and the power of the government. Our defense team focuses on serious felony drug cases across Shelby County and beyond. We challenge illegal searches, scrutinize every piece of evidence, and build strategic defenses with one goal in mind: protecting your future.
Tennessee law under T.C.A. § 39-17-417 prohibits a person from knowingly doing any of the following:
The law applies to all controlled substances—from methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine to prescription drugs, marijuana, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
The severity of the charge depends on:
Drug trafficking is a felony offense in Tennessee. Here’s a breakdown of penalties under § 39-17-417:
Repeat offenders may face enhanced sentencing as habitual drug offenders—resulting in automatic sentence upgrades and mandatory minimum prison time.
In some trafficking cases, the law imposes mandatory prison time. For example:
When you’re facing drug trafficking allegations, you’re going up against a system that has virtually unlimited resources. You need a law firm that doesn’t flinch—and that knows the playbook prosecutors use.
Here’s what Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers brings to the table:
Many drug cases involve questionable police conduct: illegal traffic stops, unconstitutional searches, or defective warrants. If your Fourth Amendment rights were violated, we will move to suppress the evidence and possibly get your case dismissed.
The government must prove the type and weight of the substance beyond a reasonable doubt. We carefully evaluate lab testing procedures, chain-of-custody documentation, and whether the sample was contaminated or misidentified.
Through pre-trial motions, evidentiary hearings, and skillful negotiation, we work to reduce the charges (e.g., from trafficking to simple possession), suppress key evidence, or negotiate favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
If your case goes to trial, we will aggressively defend your rights before a jury. Our courtroom approach is meticulous, persuasive, and tailored to the facts of your case.
In some cases, drug trafficking charges in Memphis may be prosecuted at the federal level—particularly if the alleged conduct involves:
Federal drug trafficking carries longer mandatory minimums, no parole, and sentencing under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. If your case is federal, you need a defense team that can navigate both systems.
Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers has experience in both Shelby County Criminal Court and U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. We understand the differences—and how to protect you in either venue.
In certain drug trafficking cases—particularly for first-time, non-violent offenders—we may be able to secure alternatives to incarceration, including:
Our job is to present the full picture of who you are—not just the charges against you—and advocate for second chances when appropriate.
We’re not a volume firm. We don’t hand off your case to a junior associate. When you hire Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers, you’re getting:
We understand that being charged with drug trafficking doesn’t make you a bad person. Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe the drugs weren’t yours. Maybe the weight was exaggerated. Whatever the situation, you deserve a defense.
If you’ve been arrested for drug trafficking in Memphis:
The earlier you involve an attorney, the more options you may have.
A single drug trafficking conviction could ruin your record, your freedom, and your future. Don’t wait to see what the state will do—fight back now.
Contact Harvey Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a consultation. We’ll give you an honest assessment of your case and outline a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Possession means you had a controlled substance for personal use. Trafficking involves intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. The amount and context determine how the charge is classified.
Yes. With the right defense, trafficking charges can be reduced to possession or dismissed altogether. That depends on factors like illegal searches, weak evidence, or your criminal history.
Trafficking fentanyl can result in Class A or B felony charges with up to 60 years in prison and $500,000 fines—especially if the offense resulted in death. Mandatory prison time applies in many fentanyl cases.
In some non-violent cases, first-time offenders may qualify for diversion, probation, or drug court. This depends on the facts of the case and your defense attorney’s negotiation strategy.
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.
