What are Drug-Related Conspiracy Charges in Tennessee?

Drug-related conspiracy charges in Tennessee can lead to serious legal consequences for anyone who is caught purchasing or selling any amount of illegal drugs. It is common for someone purchasing a small amount of drugs to be charged in the conspiracy and face huge felony charges. Purchasing half a gram could lead to charges for everyone involved. If you are facing these charges, now is the time to fight back. You can protect yourself, your rights, and your future by hiring a fierce legal warrior who isn’t afraid to stand up to the police and prosecutors.

What is a conspiracy?

Having a background understanding of “conspiracy” charges can help you know what you’re up against. The law regards conspiracies as two or more people working together to commit a crime.

Here in Tennessee, the law doesn’t require that everyone involved plays an active role in the crime. You don’t need to be the person selling the drugs or transporting them to be guilty of conspiracy. As long as you actively take some action that furthers the crime, the state can charge you with a conspiracy.

Drug-related conspiracy charges

Drug-related conspiracy charges in Tennessee involve illegal drug activities. Things like conspiring to manufacture, distribute, or sell controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or prescription drugs without the proper authority are all potential grounds for these charges.

For example, imagine that you purchase a small amount of drugs from someone. Since you have taken a part (even a small part) in helping your ‘dealer’ sell large amounts of drugs, you can be charged with conspiracy.

Controlled substances in Tennessee

Here in Tennessee, drugs are classified into different “schedules” based on how likely people are to abuse them, and whether they have any accepted medical use. These schedules range from Schedule I (drugs without any accepted medical use that have a high potential for abuse) to Schedule VI (drugs considered to have the lowest potential for abuse).

The type of drug involved in the conspiracy can play a big role in the charges. Conspiring to distribute or manufacture drugs in a higher schedule (like Schedule I or II drugs) can lead to harsher penalties than conspiring to sell a lower-scheduled drug.

What does the prosecution need to prove in a drug-related conspiracy charge?

The prosecution must prove several different points in order to convict someone of a drug-related conspiracy charge:

Agreement. They must show that there was an agreement between two or more people to commit a drug-related crime. This agreement doesn’t have to be in writing – it could be verbal or even simply implied from someone’s actions. You don’t have to even know the others involved. To be charged, you only have to be connected to one person that is connected to others.

Intent. It’s not enough to just be associated with someone who commits a drug crime. The prosecution must also demonstrate that the people involved intended to commit an illegal act.

Overt act. The law may also require an “overt act.” This does not mean the drug deal or manufacturing process has to be completed. An overt act is just any action taken toward carrying out the conspiracy. For example, if someone buys supplies needed to make drugs or arranges a meeting to sell them, it could be considered to be an overt act.

What are the potential defenses against conspiracy charges?

If you are facing drug-related conspiracy charges, our lawyers have a variety of defenses, depending on the circumstances of your case. Our Nashville drug crime attorneys may employ some of the following defenses.

• Backing out: If someone was initially part of a conspiracy but later decided to back out before an “overt act” was committed, they might be able to use this as a defense. However, simply walking away from the group is not enough – you would need to clearly communicate that you no longer want to be involved.
• No intent: Just because someone was present when a drug deal was discussed or involved in a group that committed a drug crime, it does not mean they intended to break the law. If the prosecution cannot prove that you took any action to further the conspiracy, it may be difficult to convict you.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement pressures or persuades you to join a conspiracy that you wouldn’t have been part of otherwise, it could be considered entrapment. This defense argues that you only joined the conspiracy due to police interference.

There could be other defenses that may help you fight against the charges. The best way to determine the right defenses in your case is to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Penalties for drug-related conspiracy charges in Tennessee

Depending on the drugs involved and the circumstances of your case, the penalties for drug-related conspiracy charges can vary widely. Some of the factors that might affect your sentencing include the type and amount of drugs involved, your criminal history (if any), and what overt acts were taken.

The penalties can be quite severe for drug-related conspiracy charges involving serious drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines. In some cases, if you are convicted of conspiracy, you can face the same penalties as if you have committed the drug crime yourself. What does this mean? Long prison sentences, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

Drug-related conspiracy charges are classified as a felony – meaning the consequences of a conviction could follow you for the rest of your life. A felony conviction can make it more difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or qualify for certain loans.

Federal vs. state charges

Remember, drug-related conspiracy charges can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. Tennessee does have its own drug laws, but federal authorities can get involved if the conspiracy involves things like crossing state lines or large amounts of drugs. Federal conspiracy charges are even more serious than state charges and can result in longer prison sentences and larger fines.

Drug-related conspiracy charges in Tennessee are no small matter. The state takes these charges very seriously, and even being indirectly involved in a drug crime can result in legal consequences. The fact that conspiracy charges don’t require the crime to be completed — or even for all the conspirators to interact with each other — makes them especially concerning.

If you or someone you know is facing drug-related conspiracy charges in Tennessee, you need an attorney. At Waynick Law, our Nashville drug crime defense lawyers are legal warriors, dedicated to fighting on behalf of the accused. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your initial consultation today.