Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

With the recent national attention being paid to anabolic steroid use, it is important to know specifically what the Tennessee drug laws governing steroid distribution are. In Tennessee, these laws are found in TCA § 39-17-430, and have been on the books since 1989, long before the modern scandals erupted.

Tennessee’s anabolic steroid law is divided into two parts. The first part governs “practitioners,” while the other part governs lawpersons. Both parts are concerned with distribution.

Under part one, it is illegal for a practitioner (a physician, dentist, or veterinarian) to prescribe, order, distribute, supply, or sell an anabolic steroid. This illegality is in regards to two activities: (1) where the purpose is to enhance performance in exercise, sports, or games without some sort of medical necessity; and (2) where the hormonal manipulations is intended to increase muscle mass, strength, or weight without necessity. Therefore, Tennessee’s anabolic steroid distribution law covers the common reasons for which anabolic steroids are often deemed illegally distributed. Anabolic steroids can have valuable medical benefits, and the law allows distribution where there is a medical necessity.

Under part two, it is illegal for any person who is not a practitioner or lawful manufacturer of anabolic steroids to knowingly or intentionally manufacture or deliver anabolic steroids, or possess anabolic steroids with an intent to manufacture or deliver. This section covers persons, or middlemen, who may be used to transport anabolic steroids from the prescribing practitioner to the end user. It is important to note the requisite mental state for this type of drug offense in Knoxville, either knowingly or intentionally, which means that a person may not be charged with violating this section of the statute if they are unaware of the fact that they are manufacturing or delivering the steroids.

Violation of this section of the code is punished the same as violating the provisions regarding a Schedule III controlled substance. This would result in a Class D felony, with the possibility of up to $50,000 in additional fines.

At Baker Associates, our experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorneys will help defend your rights if you’ve been accused of a crime. Call us today for a free consultation.