Drug Possession Charges in Tennessee: Methamphetamine

Tennessee takes the possession and casual exchange of methamphetamine very seriously. Under Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-418, it is an offense to knowingly possess or casually exchange controlled substances in Tennessee without a valid prescription.

Possession or casual exchange of Methamphetamine under .5 grams is a Class A misdemeanor, with a sentence of 11 months 29 days. However, if convicted it requires a mandatory minimum of 30-days incarceration to be served at 100%. The consequences become more severe if an individual is charged with being in possession of more than .5 grams of Methamphetamine or any other Schedule I substance pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. 39-17-417. This statute states that it is an offense to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell or possess controlled substances with the intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. Such violation is classified as a Class B felony carrying a potential sentence of 8 to 12years and up to $100,000 in fines. If the conviction is based on the possession of methamphetamine, the individual shall be required to serve a mandatory minimum of 180 days of their sentence in jail.