Legal Question in Criminal Law in Tennessee

Simple Possession of marijuana

I was traveling through Teneessee and was cited for possession of less then 1/2 an ounce. I need to go back for a court apperance and i am not sure if i will have to due jail time for a first time offence. Do i need to get a lawyer or will i simply have to pay a fine?


Asked on 7/14/07, 11:17 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Fenaughty FENAUGHTY & ASSOCIATES, PC

Re: Simple Possession of marijuana

Arrest was in TN. TN law controls. I am Colo Atty. Cannot help.

Read more
Answered on 7/15/07, 4:37 pm
Jes Beard Jes Beard, Attorney at Law

Re: Simple Possession of marijuana

You don't HAVE to have a lawyer... just as you don't have to use a dentist or oral surgeon to have a tooth pulled.

But the offense of simple possession in Tennessee carries up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, so it might be a good idea to get a lawyer to avoid that, not just to try to avoid that sentence, but also to either have the case resolved in such a manner that you can keep it off your record, or even to have the charges dismissed. Most simple possession cases involve police making illegal stops and/or illegal searches, either of which can result in evidence being suppressed and charges being dismissed. Probably a good idea to have alwyer with you. For general information on what to expect in a criminal case in Tennessee, check my website at jesbeard.com

Read more
Answered on 7/15/07, 7:25 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Tennessee