Murfreesboro Drug Crimes Lawyer

Murfreesboro Drug Crimes Attorney

A drug charge in Murfreesboro creates overwhelming circumstances for defendants. A conviction brings serious consequences, such as large fines and prison time, along with a permanent criminal record, that may limit job prospects and housing options. A Murfreesboro drug crimes lawyer at the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez recognizes the seriousness of drug charges and provides strong and experienced legal support to protect your rights and future.

Why Choose Us?

The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez delivers both distinctive and thorough criminal defense services in Murfreesboro. Cesar Arbelaez has become a respected legal professional thanks to his resilience and dedication. Cesar uses his prior experience as Davidson County District Attorney’s inaugural Hispanic male prosecutor to gain a critical understanding of prosecution tactics and defend his clients with strong determination.

Cesar began his criminal defense practice in 2020 and has successfully represented more than 500 clients through numerous trial wins and positive resolutions. He demonstrates exceptional advocacy skills for drug charge defendants because he is proficient in courtroom dynamics and maintains strong connections with judges and prosecutors throughout Middle Tennessee.

Understanding Drug Crimes in Tennessee

Drug crimes refer to any illegal activity involving controlled substances. In Tennessee and across the nation, drugs are typically split into categories based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use.

​​Tennessee law organizes controlled substances into five schedules that reflect the federal classification system. With approximately 5.7 million residents Tennessee is the sixteenth most populous state. Schedule I drugs represent the most dangerous category with no accepted medical purpose (such as heroin), while Schedule V drugs demonstrate a reduced risk of abuse (including some cough medicines). Some common drug offenses include:

• Simple possession. This is also referred to as casual exchange. This is typically a misdemeanor, but it can become a felony if the offender has multiple previous convictions.
• Possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. This serious crime qualifies as a felony and results in harsher legal punishments. Law enforcement usually concludes that someone has the intention to sell or manufacture if they have large amounts of substances that would typically not be suitable for individual consumption.
• Manufacturing, delivering, or selling a controlled substance. This involves the production or distribution of drugs. This is a serious offense that often leads to substantial penalties.
• Drug trafficking. This also includes conspiracy. These charges are prosecuted in federal court and lead to long prison sentences.

Murfreesboro experiences a drug-related crime rate of 7.679 per 1,000 residents during an average year. The risk of experiencing drug-related crime in Murfreesboro differs across neighborhoods, with figures ranging from one in 69 in central areas to one in 159 in the southeast.

The western regions of Murfreesboro register the highest number of overall crime incidents at around 280 each year, according to total counts instead of per capita rates. The northwest part of the city records the minimum crime rate, with around 131 incidents each year.

Possible Defenses for Drug Charges

Successful legal defense starts with a detailed case analysis followed by creating a client-specific strategy. The selection of defense strategies depends on the details of the charges and evidence, as well as how law enforcement followed procedures. Some common defenses include:

• Illegal search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects people against illegal searches and seizures by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies must obtain a valid search warrant or prove probable cause before searching.
• Lack of knowledge. Drug cases involving vehicles or shared residences require evidence of actual possession or knowledge of the substance to succeed.
• Weak evidence. Our team conducts thorough investigations of police reports, forensic tests, and witness statements to identify any inconsistencies and procedural mistakes or failures in the evidence chain of custody.
• Drug trafficking. This is a common defense in cases where an officer operated undercover or used informants. In these cases, it must be evaluated if the defendant was influenced to commit a crime that they would have otherwise not committed.

Negotiating for Reduced Charges

Tennessee provides first-time offenders or addiction-affected individuals access to drug courts and diversion programs as alternative sentencing options. The alternative programs emphasize rehabilitation over punitive measures. We actively support our clients’ participation in these programs because incarceration does not always represent justice’s greatest outcome.

The Rutherford County court system manages drug charges filed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Rutherford County Judicial Center at 116 W. Lytle Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, serves as a key courthouse for General Sessions and Circuit Court cases. Rutherford County Chancery Court handles cases of equity alongside specific civil cases relating to drugs.

Contact the Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you do not have to handle the aftermath by yourself. The Law Office of Cesar Arbelaez can help. Contact us today to get started.