Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Drug laws in Tennessee are very complex. If you are charged with an offense involving valium, it is important to contact a Tennessee Criminal Lawyer immediately. Our Tennessee Drug Attorneys have much experience handling valium offenses in the Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge area.

Every year, numerous people in Tennessee are charged with an offense involving valium. Often, these individuals become addicted to valium after physicians have prescribed it for some medical purpose. Diazepam, the chemical name for valium, is a core medicine in the World Health Organization's "Essential Drugs List", which is a list of minimum medical needs for a basic health care system. Diazepam is used to treat a wide range of conditions and has been one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the world for the past 40 years.

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative drug. It possesses sedative, skeletal muscle relaxant, and amnestic properties. It is commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms. It may also be used before certain medical procedures to reduce tension and anxiety, and in some surgical procedures to induce amnesia.

The street names for Diazepam including the following: "baby blues", "mother's little helper", "drunk pills", "vals", "V", and occasionally "ludes", mistaken for quaaludes. As well as less specific street terms, "candy"(pills), "benzos" (benzodiazepines), Totem poles, or downers(depressants.) Sometimes valium is used by stimulant users to help "come down" in order to sleep.

Diazepam is considered to be a Schedule IV controlled substance under Tennessee law. The commissioner of mental health and developmental disabilities, upon the agreement of the commissioner of health, shall place a substance in Schedule IV upon finding that:

• The substance has a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III;
• The substance has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States; and
• Abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to the substances in Schedule III. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-411.

Unless you have a prescription issued by a licensed physician, it is illegal in Tennessee to knowingly:

• Manufacture valium;
• Deliver valium;
• Sell valium; or
• Possess valium with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell valium.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417

If you are charged with an offense involving valium or any drug offense, it is important to do two things. First, you need to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney that will zealously protect your rights. Second, you need to remain silent until you have had the opportunity to speak with your criminal defense attorney.