Chattanooga Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing Attorney  

Defending Clients Charged With Cultivating or Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in Tennessee

Drug crimes are taken very seriously in Tennessee and can carry severe penalties if you are convicted. Even if you were unaware that the drugs were in your possession, you could still be charged with a crime, depending on the circumstances. If you face drug manufacturing or cultivation charges, you must immediately speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Our Chattanooga drug crime defense lawyer can evaluate your case and help you build a strong defense.

Facing drug cultivation or manufacturing charges in Tennessee? Call the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today at (423) 250-1499 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug cultivation & manufacturing lawyer in Chattanooga! 

What Is Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing?

Drug cultivation and manufacturing in Tennessee refer to the illegal production, cultivation, or manufacturing of controlled substances. These activities involve the intentional cultivation of plants or the synthesis of substances to produce illicit drugs. Drug cultivation involves growing plants such as marijuana, while drug manufacturing typically involves creating controlled substances through chemical processes.

How Is Cultivation & Manufacturing Proven?

The prosecution must prove some aspects in Tennessee to establish drug cultivation and manufacturing charges. While specific requirements may vary based on the controlled substance involved, the following are some common elements that must be demonstrated:

• Knowledge and intent: The prosecution must show that the defendant knowingly and intentionally cultivated or manufactured controlled substances. This includes proving that the individual was aware of the nature of the substances involved and intended to produce illicit drugs.
• Actual cultivation or manufacturing: The prosecution must prove that the defendant was actively involved in the cultivation or manufacturing process. This may include demonstrating the presence of equipment, materials, or plants associated with drug production.
• Quantity and substance identification: The prosecution must establish the type and quantity of the controlled substances involved. Physical evidence, such as seized drugs or laboratory analysis reports, can do this.
• Control and possession: The prosecution must show that the defendant exercised control or possession over the premises where the cultivation or manufacturing occurred. This may involve evidence such as lease agreements, utility bills, or witness testimonies.
• Additional evidence: The prosecution may present additional evidence, such as surveillance footage, financial records, communications, or expert testimony, to support the charges of cultivation and manufacturing.

It's important to note that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. The defense can challenge the evidence presented, question the credibility of witnesses, and present counterarguments or alternative explanations.

What Are the Penalties for Cultivation & Manufacturing?

The penalties for drug cultivation and manufacturing in Tennessee can vary based on several factors, including the type and quantity of controlled substances involved, aggravating circumstances, and the defendant's criminal history. It's important to note that drug cultivation and manufacturing offenses may be prosecuted under state and federal laws, each with its penalties.

In Tennessee, drug cultivation and manufacturing are generally classified as felony offenses. The potential penalties can include the following:

• Incarceration: Convictions for drug cultivation and manufacturing can result in significant prison sentences ranging from several years to decades, depending on the circumstances. The length of the sentence may increase with the quantity and type of drugs involved, as well as any aggravating factors.
• Fines: Individuals convicted of drug cultivation and manufacturing may face substantial fines. The fine amount can vary based on the specific offense and range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Probation: In some cases, individuals may be sentenced to probation instead of or in addition to incarceration. Probation generally involves strict supervision, adherence to specific conditions, and regular reporting to a probation officer.
• Asset forfeiture: The government may seek to seize and forfeit assets connected to drug cultivation or manufacturing. This can include property, vehicles, money, and other assets believed to be proceeds of or used in the commission of the offense.

Drug cultivation and manufacturing offenses may also carry federal charges, resulting in even harsher penalties, including lengthier prison sentences and higher fines if the case is pursued in federal court.

Chattanooga Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing Lawyer 

If you face drug cultivation or manufacturing charges, you need an experienced defense attorney. The state of Tennessee takes these charges very seriously, and you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines. Our Chattanooga drug crime defense lawyer can work to defend you against these serious charges.

Contact the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel today to schedule a consultation!