Possession With Intent to Sell in Clarksville
Facing an Intent-to-Sell Charge? Put Vice-Narcotics Experience on Your Side
What people often call drug trafficking is generally prosecuted in Tennessee through allegations of manufacturing, selling, delivering, or possessing a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell. Under Tennessee Code § 39-17-417, the State must prove the charged conduct, not simply that drugs were present.
Runyon & Runyon handles drug possession, manufacturing, distribution, and trafficking cases. We examine the investigation, the evidence connecting you to the substance, and the facts prosecutors rely on to allege an intended sale or delivery.
Call (931) 805-4445 to speak with our criminal defense attorneys about the charge, upcoming court dates, and steps you can take now.
What Separates Personal Possession From Intent to Sell
Possession with intent to sell is different from possession for personal use. Prosecutors may point to the amount, packaging, money, communications, scales, weapons, or an alleged transaction as proof of intent to sell or deliver. None of those details should be viewed in isolation.
Tennessee Code § 39-17-417 grades offenses according to the controlled substance, alleged quantity, and charged conduct. Its provisions address cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl-related substances, marijuana, Schedule I drugs, and other controlled substances. Prior convictions and aggravating allegations may also affect the potential consequences.
Factors that may affect the charge include:
- Substance and quantity: Tennessee grades offenses differently based on the type and amount of the alleged controlled substance.
- Claimed conduct: The accusation may involve manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession with intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell.
- Additional allegations: Weapons, the recipient’s age, bodily injury, or death may change the legal issues and potential exposure.
- Criminal history: A prior record may affect sentencing, release conditions, and eligibility for certain disposition options.
Police Experience Informs How We Examine the State’s Case
J. Runyon served in the Clarksville Police Department’s Vice-Narcotics unit before becoming a Clarksville criminal defense attorney. That background informs our review of surveillance, controlled purchases, informant information, officer reports, searches, seizures, and the conclusions investigators draw from physical and digital evidence.
One of our attorneys is a former police officer and detective. Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases over the past 32 years, and Runyon & Runyon has practiced law since 1929. We apply that experience to serious drug allegations while independently examining whether the evidence supports an officer’s interpretation.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Runyon & Runyon, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
“Best Attorney in the State of Tennessee.”
Jay Runyon at Runyon & Runyon is the best Attorney in the State of Tennessee. Yeah, Yeah I know that I can be a little biased. But, I have had legal representation from others. The experiences are night and day. Please if you’re looking for legal representation that is no nonsense, straightforward and easy to understand. Mr. Jay Runyon is the man.- Curtis -
“He went above and beyond for us”
I truly appreciate all the effort and work Mr. Runyon did to help our family. He went above and beyond for us. He is caring and extremely knowledgeable. I will always recommend him.- Diane -
“Ray Runyon is the person you want on your side”
If you are facing a divorce, Ray Runyon is the person you want on your side! He is absolutely phenomenal. His fees are fair, his communication is fantastic, he is extremely knowledgeable of the laws, and he really fights for what you want and will let you know if something that you are wanting isn't realistic. He is very straight forward and will tell you if your wants are something he feels he can accomplish. Very caring and will not nickel and dime you to death. Everyone in the office is extremely helpful and the absolute sweetest! I cannot recommend Ray (Runyon & Runyon) enough!- Shae -
“Go with the Runyons they will never steer you wrong.”
This family firm has been nothing but amazing I can’t express enough how much this firm has helped me and my family. The best of the best from criminal to civil this team is amazing and I will never use any other firm but this one. I know you may want to compare based off rates however the rates for this team worth every penny. Go with the Runyons they will never steer you wrong.- Samuel -
“Very knowledgeable and easy to work with”
- JudyJay and his staff are very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Highly recommend him and his staff if you or someone you know needs a lawyer
-
“Best lawyer I've ever seen or had”
By far the best lawyer I've ever seen or had. GREAT!!- Jason -
“I went to him facing 3 felonies”
Mr. J.Runyun helped me out so much I cant even explain, I went to him facing 3 felonies looking at 100% prison time if i was convicted. He got the charges dropped to two misdemeanors and 11 months probation, he’s affordable and honestly very good at his job trust his judgement and his advice and he can help 1000%.- John -
“Mr. J Runyon will fight his heart out defending you”
Highly recommend this office to anyone looking for representation! 100% professionalism from everyone on staff, excellent communicators and Mr. J Runyon will fight his heart out defending you, can’t thank them enough!- Jason
How We Examine Possession, Intent, & Police Conduct
Our review begins with how law enforcement obtained the evidence and whether the State can connect it to you. Constructive possession refers to alleged control over an item that wasn’t found directly on your person. That distinction may be critical when substances are recovered from a shared vehicle, residence, room, or container accessible to several people.
Search and seizure issues may involve the legal basis for a traffic stop, detention, warrant, consent search, or property seizure. A motion to suppress asks the court to exclude evidence obtained in violation of constitutional protections. Whether the facts support such a motion depends on the reports, recordings, testimony, and applicable law.
Our review may address:
- The initial encounter: Whether officers had a lawful basis for the stop, detention, search, or arrest.
- Possession and control: Whether reliable evidence connects you to the substance or the location where it was found.
- Proof of intent: Whether quantity, packaging, money, messages, scales, weapons, or witness statements support the State’s theory.
- Evidence handling: Whether laboratory records and the chain of custody, which documents evidence from seizure through testing, are complete and reliable.
- Police procedure: Whether reports, body-camera footage, witness accounts, and other records reveal inconsistencies or unlawful evidence collection.
We can review discovery, investigate witnesses, evaluate suppression issues, assess the charging language, negotiate with prosecutors, and prepare for hearings or trial. The defense strategy should reflect what the admissible evidence shows, not assumptions based on the accusation.
What to Expect in Clarksville & Montgomery County Courts
A Clarksville drug case may begin with an initial appearance, bond conditions, and proceedings in Montgomery County General Sessions Court. A felony case may involve a preliminary hearing and transfer to Circuit Court, depending on its procedural path. Discovery, negotiations, motions, grand-jury proceedings, plea decisions, and trial preparation may follow.
Diversion isn’t automatic. Tennessee distinguishes pretrial diversion from judicial diversion, and each has separate eligibility requirements and disqualifications. The precise charge, criminal history, evidence, and stage of the proceedings can all affect whether either path is available.
Montgomery County also identifies an Adult Recovery Court Program that offers supervision, treatment referrals, and job-placement services to eligible participants. Recovery court isn’t available or appropriate in every possession with intent to sell case. We can evaluate possible options in light of the accusation, available evidence, prior record, and your personal circumstances.
Get a Focused Review of Your Drug Charge
Contact Runyon & Runyon promptly so we can examine the allegations, identify upcoming deadlines, and explain how the evidence may shape your defense. Avoid discussing the facts with investigators or anyone else before receiving legal advice. Bring your charging papers, bond documents, court dates, and other available case information to your consultation.
Call (931) 805-4445 to discuss your Clarksville drug trafficking or possession-with-intent charge with our criminal defense attorneys.
