Drug Charge Lawyers Serving Northeast Tennessee
Johnson City Drug Charge Lawyer
Drug cases are built on evidence: searches, lab results, phone records, and sometimes informants. Our attorneys prosecuted drug cases for the government, and our investigator spent his career working them. Now that experience works for people charged in state and federal court across Northeast Tennessee.
- Former Federal Prosecutor
- Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
- Former DEA Special Agent
- Free Consultation
Three Things to Know About a Drug Charge
Drug cases turn on details that are easy to miss early. These three come up in almost every case.
The same conduct can be charged in either system
Drug cases can be brought in Tennessee state court or in federal court, and the procedures and sentencing differ. Which system you are in shapes every decision.
Quantity can change the charge
The type and amount of the drug can affect whether a case is charged as simple possession or something more serious, and what penalties are possible.
How evidence was found matters
If a stop or search was unlawful, evidence from it may be challenged. That review starts with the police reports, warrants, and video.
How a Drug Investigation Comes Together
Our team has seen drug investigations from the inside. This is the sequence we examine in every case.
Tips and surveillance
An investigation can start with a tip, an informant, or a traffic stop, and can grow through surveillance and controlled buys.
Searches and seizures
Warrants, consent searches, and vehicle stops can produce the physical evidence. Each has its own legal requirements.
Lab testing and records
Seized substances are tested, and phone, financial, and communication records may be collected. The chain of custody has to hold up.
Charging
Prosecutors decide whether to charge possession, sale or delivery, or a conspiracy, and whether the case belongs in state or federal court.
Negotiation or trial
Some cases go to trial and others resolve earlier. You make that decision with a clear understanding of the risks on each side.
Drug Charges We Defend
We defend drug cases in Tennessee state courts and in federal court.
Simple possession
Possession charges in Tennessee state court.
Possession for sale or delivery
Charges based on the amount, packaging, or other evidence of intent to sell.
Drug trafficking
State and federal trafficking charges.
Federal drug conspiracy
Multi-defendant conspiracy indictments in federal court.
Asset forfeiture
Challenging government efforts to take cash, vehicles, or property connected to a drug case.
Search and seizure challenges
Motions to suppress evidence from unlawful stops and searches.
The Other Side of the Table
Our attorneys prosecuted drug cases in state and federal court, and our investigator spent his career working them for the DEA.
Corey B. Shipley
Founding Attorney
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney who led the prosecution of hundreds of complex federal cases, including financial fraud and multi-defendant conspiracy trials. In private practice since 2017.
View full profileEmily M. Swecker
Attorney, Of Counsel
Thirteen years as a prosecutor, first as a Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney and then as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Greeneville, where she led a multi-agency task force targeting drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. Roughly 40 jury trials.
View full profileMichael Templeton
Investigator
Retired DEA Special Agent and licensed Tennessee private investigator. 20+ years of DEA investigative experience. We understand the evidence from every angle. Michael is not an attorney.
View full profileHow It Works
- 1Tell us what happened
- 2We review your case, free
- 3You decide how to proceed
Get a Free, Confidential Consultation
Former federal prosecutors. A retired DEA Special Agent on the team.
Takes about a minute. Only your name and phone number are required.
Free, confidential consultation. We respond within one business day.
Your information stays with our firm. See our Privacy Policy.
Prefer to Call?
Talk with us about your charges.
(423) 777-7447 Shipley Law Firm, PLLC2903 E Oakland Avenue
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
Drug Charge Questions
What is the difference between possession and a more serious drug charge?
Simple possession generally involves a small amount for personal use. A larger amount, packaging, scales, cash, or other evidence can lead prosecutors to charge possession with intent to sell or deliver, which carries heavier penalties. The specific charge depends on the drug, the amount, and the facts.
What is a federal drug conspiracy charge?
Federal prosecutors can charge a conspiracy when they allege that two or more people agreed to distribute or manufacture controlled substances, even if no drugs changed hands. Conspiracy charges can carry mandatory minimum sentences, and the government may use the conduct of others in the alleged conspiracy.
Can drug evidence be challenged?
In some cases, yes. Evidence may be challenged if a stop or search was unlawful, if the chain of custody has gaps, or if the testing or identification of the substance is in question. Whether a challenge applies depends on the facts.
What should I do if I am arrested on a drug charge?
Give your basic identifying information, but do not answer questions about the case. Do not consent to searches, and do not discuss the case with anyone other than your lawyer. Ask for a lawyer and contact one as soon as you can.
Do you handle federal drug cases?
Yes. We handle state and federal drug cases throughout Northeast Tennessee. Our attorneys are former Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and our investigator, who is not an attorney, is a retired DEA Special Agent.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
