Trust our Sevierville Attorneys to Defend Against Marijuana Growing Charges

Defending clients against drug charges in Pigeon Forge, Seymour and Gatlinburg

Despite the growing trends towards the legalization of marijuana, the state of Tennessee still considers the possession, distribution, sale, or cultivation of the substance to be illegal. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule VI substance, but charges are taken very seriously with substantial penalties upon conviction. One of the many marijuana-related charges is growing or cultivation of the plant. When arrests occur, rely on an experienced Sevierville criminal defense attorney at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC to advocate for you. We have more than 20 years of experience defending the residents of Sevierville, Seymour, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg against drug charges.

Penalties for a marijuana growing charge

In Tennessee, it is illegal to grow or manufacture marijuana. This particular classification of crime encompasses substantially more than it may appear on its face.

Cultivation is any action that involves growing marijuana plants. This includes all levels of participation in a growing operation, and even the possession of certain components necessary to grow marijuana can result in charges.

The severity of marijuana growing offenses depends on the amount of plants. However, even plant parts may be counted as full plants for the filing of charges. The potential penalties under Tennessee law include:

  • The cultivation of less than 10 plants is a felony punishable by one to six years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
  • The cultivation of 10 to 19 plants is a felony punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
  • The cultivation of 20 to 99 plants is a felony punishable by three to 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
  • The cultivation of 100 to 499 plants is a felony punishable by eight to 30 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.
  • The cultivation of more than 500 plants is a felony punishable by 15 to 60 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Subsequent offenses can result in even higher penalties. If you have been arrested for growing marijuana in Tennessee, our experienced Sevierville drug crimes lawyers can further explain the potential penalties you may be facing.

Hash cultivation penalties

It is also illegal to cultivate hash within the state of Tennessee, with a felony classification. Hash is a byproduct of marijuana, made from parts of the plant. It is typically consumed through smoking in a pipe or vaporizer. It’s also commonly mixed with tobacco for smoking. Potential penalties for manufacturing of hash include:

  • The manufacturing of less than two pounds can result in up to six years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
  • The manufacturing of two to four pounds can result in up to 12 years in prison and a maximum $50,000 fine.
  • The manufacturing of four to eight pounds can result in up to 15 years in prison and a maximum $100,000 fine.
  • The manufacturing of eight to 15 pounds can result in up to 30 years in prison and a maximum $200,000 fine.
  • The manufacturing of more than 14 pounds can result in up to 60 years in prison and a maximum $500,000 fine.

Potential penalties increase for additional convictions.

Along with actual plants, the police may also file charges for the possession of components or precursors to marijuana plant growth. This may include seeds or even stalks with no leaves. Operational equipment, like grow lamps and fertilizer, may also count towards a cultivation charge. To learn more about these charges, speak to a knowledgeable attorney at our firm today.

Consequences of a grow conviction in Pigeon Forge, Seymour, or Gatlinburg

The significant penalties of a marijuana-growing conviction make it vital for you to secure the services of a Sevierville criminal defense lawyer. The consequences of a conviction go beyond the criminal courts. A felony marijuana conviction can negatively impact multiple areas of your life by impeding future employment opportunities. If you are seeking education advancements, a marijuana cultivating conviction can leave you ineligible for certain financial assistance or scholarships. In addition, the courts may order years of probation and mandatory drug counseling, which can have a lasting effect on your daily activities.

Aggressively defending against growing charges in Tennessee courts

Our criminal defense attorneys at Delius & McKenzie, PLLC understand the potential consequences of a marijuana growing conviction. That’s why we work diligently to defend your rights when you stand accused of this drug-related crime. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. Our criminal defense attorneys are proud to serve clients in Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and throughout Tennessee.