Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tennessee narcotic attorneys can help you understand the complex legal issues that surround your drug charges. Our criminal defense lawyers fully investigate the particular circumstances of each and every case. Our narcotic defense attorneys have dealt with many types of drug charges, including methamphetamine charges.

There are many street names for methamphetamine, such as “meth,” "speed,” and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride resembles ice and consists of clear chunky crystals that are inhaled by smoking. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina."

Methamphetamine can be taken three different ways. It can be taken by snorting the powder, by needle injection, or by smoking. Abusers become addicted quickly, and there is a severe methamphetamine problem throughout the southern states. At this time, the most effective treatments for methamphetamine addiction are behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral and contingency management interventions.

Methamphetamine is considered to be a Schedule II controlled substance under Tennessee law. In Tennessee, it is an offense for someone to knowingly:

Manufacture methamphetamine;

Deliver methamphetamine;

Sell methamphetamine; or

Possess methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell methamphetamine.

The penalties for methamphetamine violations are severe. The penalty depends upon the amount of methamphetamine involved in the offense. If you violate the above, and the amount of methamphetamine involved is point five (.5) grams or more of any substance containing methamphetamine, then the violation is a Class B felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(1) (2007). Class B felonies are punishable between eight and thirty years incarceration. In addition, you could be fined up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If you violate the above, and the amount of methamphetamine involved is point five (.5) grams or less of any substance containing methamphetamine, then the violation is a Class C felony. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417 (c)(2)(a) (2007). Class C felonies are punishable between three and fifteen years incarceration. The maximum fine remains at one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

If the offense involves less than point five (.5) grams of methamphetamine, but the defendant carried or employed a deadly weapon or the offense resulted in death or bodily injury to another person, the offense is a Class B felony. If you have been charges with the manufacture, delivery, selling, or possession of methamphetamine, contact a Tennessee narcotics attorney. Our lawyers handle drug cases in the East Tennessee area including Sevierville, Knoxville, Newport, Maryville, Loudon, Morristown, and Johnson City.