drug crimes

---

Meredith Silva is an aggressive criminal defense attorney that will defend you on your drug charges using her fifteen years of experience in criminal law. She researches your case thoroughly, uses aggressive negotiation and extensive motion and trial experience to get results.  Drug charges often have consequences above and beyond any criminal sentence you may receive.   Convictions for drug offenses can affect your employment opportunities, your immigration status, your ability to get federal student loans, and your reputation.  Silva Law understands the serious consequences of drug crimes and will fight to defend you.

According to drugpolicy.org, in 2018 in the United States: 

1,654,282 people were arrested for drug law violations. 

1,429,299 people were arrested for possession only of drugs.

608,775 people were charged with marijuana possession.

46.9%  of Latinos and Blacks (despite making up just 31.5% of the U.S. population) were arrested for drug law violations.

Common types of drug charges in Tennessee and their punishments:

Paraphernalia:  Possession of paraphernalia in Tennessee is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500. Examples of paraphernalia include pipes, bongs, scales and syringes but sometimes police will even charge you with paraphernalia for possession of a household item such as a spoon or a piece of foil.  Sometimes you will not even have the paraphernalia on your person and the police will still charge you.  This is called constructive possession. Call Silva Law today to start your defense.

Simple Possession or Casual Exchange:  A first time simple possession or casual exchange in Tennessee is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a fine up to $2,500.  Under certain circumstances, such as when there is an exchange between an adult and a minor or where this is your third conviction, a simple possession can be a felony. Most commonly, people are charged with possession when an officer finds drugs on their person or in their car or in their home.  Call Silva Law today to start your defense.

Possession with Intent to Sell and Sale of a Controlled Substance:  The penalties for the charges of possession with intent to sell and sale of a controlled substance depend on the type of controlled substance, the amount of the controlled substance and sometimes your prior criminal record.  The charges range from a D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison to a B felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Silva Law has represented numerous clients who were charged with possession with intent to sell and gotten their cases reduced or dismissed.  Contact Silva Law to start your defense today.

Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance: In Tennessee, manufacturing of drugs including cultivation of marijuana is a felony crime.  The penalties for the charges of manufacturing a controlled substance can depend on the type of controlled substance and the amount of the controlled substance.  The charges range from a D felony punishable by up to 12 years in prison to a B felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Being charged with manufacturing of a controlled substance is a serious crime.  Contact Silva Law to start your aggressive defense today.

Trafficking:   In Tennessee, drug trafficking is a felony, as is dealing, selling, manufacturing and transporting of drugs.  

Just because drugs were found on you (or near you) does not mean that you should be found guilty.  Silva Law will evaluate your drug case on multiple levels and advocate for the best results:

Was there an illegal stop?

Was there an illegal seizure of your person?

Was there a search warrant?  Was it valid?

Can the drugs be suppressed?

Was it constructive possession?

Can they prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt?

Silva Law has argued and won numerous motions to suppress the evidence in drug cases.

Speak with an experienced Nashville drug defense lawyer about your case.

Silva Law represents clients in Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area in sessions court and in criminal court for negotiations, motions to suppress and trials.  We promise to never stop fighting to you.  Silva law offers in-custody visits. To make an appointment with an experienced defense attorney, call 615-258-5541 or email  meredith@msilvalaw.com.