Meth has come roaring back in the state of Tennessee. In 2019, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported that meth outpaced marijuana as the most frequently filed drug in its crime laboratory. In 2020, the picture is the same.

A significant 10% increase in methamphetamine abuse has occurred in the state between July of last year and June of this year, according to the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Marie Williams.

Charges for meth possession

Tennessee has been enforcing stronger laws to deter the production and use of this dangerous drug. The charges for possession of meth are serious, and they can affect your life for many years to come. Reputation, career prospects, family relationships, housing assistance, educational loans – they’re all on the line if you get busted. Methamphetamines are Schedule II controlled substances, which means the penalties will be severe. Per the law, knowingly manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing (with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell) methamphetamines can be charged as a Class B felony if:

• You possessed more than 0.5 grams
• You possessed under 0.5 grams, but carried or used a deadly weapon during the commission of the offense
• You possessed under 0.5 grams, but the offense resulted in death or bodily injury.

Possessing fewer than 0.5 grams is a Class C felony. Any of these charges can result in up to $100,000 in fines, and a minimum of 180 days in jail.

Simple possession or casual exchange of methamphetamines

Per T.C.A. § 39-17-418, the “simple possession or casual exchange” of any controlled substance is a criminal offense in Tennessee, unless the drug was acquired directly from, or pursuant to, a doctor’s order or legal prescription.

A person convicted of the crime of simple possession or casual exchange of meth is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first and second convictions. This conviction carries a penalty of one year or less in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500, unless the casual exchange occurred between an adult and minor, with the minor at least 2 years younger than the adult.

An exchange with a minor is classified as a felony in TN, with longer prison sentences and greater fines. A person with two previous meth possession convictions who is convicted for the same offense the third time is guilty of a felony.

If you have been charged with a drug-related crime involving the possession of methamphetamine, the Knoxville drug defense attorneys at Banks & Jones are here to fight for your rights and freedom. To setup a consultation, call us today at 865.546.2141 or complete our contact form. We Fight 2 Win!