Drug charges have to be taken seriously because they can lead to a lifetime of struggles. Not only is drug abuse potentially life-threatening, the charges and convictions from possessing or distributing drugs could make it very difficult to get a job, get student aid or move forward with the life you expected.
Heroin is one of the drugs where possession may not lead to a felony right away. Possessing less than .5 grams is a Class A misdemeanor in most cases, which may carry fines and other penalties. You may, in non-violent first offenses, have an opportunity to seek help through a drug court, too, which could reduce the likelihood of a conviction on your record.
For a second offense of less than .5 grams, you could start to see major penalties. A Class C felony may be issued in that case, and fines may be up to $100,000. You will face a Class B felony for being in possession of a deadly weapon or harming or killing someone while in possession of heroin.
The sale of heroin is taken most seriously in Tennessee
Selling heroin puts others besides yourself at risk, which is why the state penalizes sales harshly compared to possession cases. You could be fined $100,000 and charged with a Class B felony for selling heroin in quantities less than 15 grams. If you’re found in possession of over 15 grams of heroin and it’s believed that you were selling it, the fine increases to $200,000 with the Class B felony. It’s a Class A felony to be in possession of 150 grams or more. You could be fined up to $500,000.
Schedule I drugs in Tennessee
Schedule I drugs, which include drugs like heroin or ecstasy, have a high potential for causing addiction and substance abuse disorders. For this reason, being caught with these drugs is a serious offense.
It is important to put together a strong defense if you’re facing allegations of possession or distribution. These charges could lead to high fines and jail time that impact your life and your freedoms.
