Drug crimes in Memphis are aggressively prosecuted. Media coverage of those who have been charged with these drug crimes can be over the top and make it seem like they are guilty before they are proven so. Additionally, the penalties faced upon conviction can be severe, even for those found possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription or with intent to distribute the prescription medication.
It is not legal to possess prescription medication if you don’t have a valid prescription. There are several ways those who are accused of possessing illegal prescriptions can be charged. If you do not have a large amount of the drug, then you could face a simple possession charge. This is a Class A misdemeanor that can mean serving up to one year in prison and a fine of $2,500.
But if you are suspected of knowingly selling, manufacturing or distributing such prescription medication, then you may be facing much harsher penalties. For a drug such as OxyContin, this can lead to a Class C felony charge, which might land you in prison for up to 15 years and have you confronting a fine of $100,000.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are facing prescription drug possession charges, then you may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in criminal law. An experienced attorney can review the charges and negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf. There are always two sides to every story, and it is your legal right to have your side heard. Drug crimes can bring serious penalties along with a ruined personal and professional reputation, so you should be sure to explore all of your defense options.
Source: LexisNexis, “Tennessee Code Annotated 53-10-105,” accessed on May 13, 2015
