If you are dealing with drug charges in Tennessee, you might have heard the term “sentencing enhancements.” A sentencing enhancement can make your penalties longer or harsher than usual.
When you know how sentencing enhancements affect penalties in Tennessee, that can make a big difference in how you approach your case. Let’s look at what they are, the most common ones, and how they can affect your future.
What Are Sentencing Enhancements?
These are factors that a court considers for increasing the severity of a sentence for a drug-related offense. These sentencing enhancements can be anything from having a prior criminal record to committing offenses near a school.
Keep in mind that enhancements do not always guarantee a longer sentence. However, they give judges the ability to weigh these extra factors in their decision. Some factors make an offense “worse” in the eyes of the law.
Unfortunately, for those facing a criminal charge, that can translate to longer prison terms, higher fines, or harsher conditions after release.
Common Enhancement Factors in Tennessee Drug Cases
What can trigger an enhancement? Here are some factors that can make the difference between a standard sentence and something more severe:
Prior Criminal History
If you have had previous convictions, especially drug-related ones, the court will look at your history. For example, someone with multiple prior drug possession convictions may face an enhanced sentence for a new charge, even if the current offense would normally carry a lighter penalty.
Drug-Free School Zones
Tennessee is strict about crimes near schools, daycare centers, and public parks. A drug offense within 1,000 feet of one of these areas can increase the penalties. A case that might be treated as a lower-level felony could be bumped up because of where it happened.
Firearms Involvement
If a firearm is involved in the offense, even if it was not used, that can also lead to an enhancement. The presence of a weapon raises safety concerns. This usually happens in drug trafficking or distribution cases, where firearms are found alongside illegal substances.
Aggravating Circumstances
There are other factors that can influence sentencing. For instance:
- Being a leader in a drug operation involving multiple people
- Targeting vulnerable victims, like children or the elderly
- Causing severe physical, emotional, or financial harm
These aggravating circumstances are factors that judges consider when deciding how severe a sentence should be levied on the offender.
How Do Enhancements Affect Sentences?
So, what does this mean for someone facing a drug charge? Enhancements can elevate a crime to a higher felony class. In turn, that translates to longer prison terms and higher fines. For example, a Class C felony might become a Class B felony because of an enhancement.
Enhancements can also affect parole eligibility. Some factors may require a person to serve more or a full sentence before being eligible for early release.
In some cases, those enhancements can interact with one another. For instance, if someone with a prior drug conviction commits an offense near a school while carrying a firearm, multiple enhancements could stack.
As a result, it increases the sentence. This compounding effect is why you want to have a knowledgeable Tennessee criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Why You Need an Attorney
Drug charges are confusing, stressful, and almost impossible for you to understand without the right legal knowledge. Having a skilled Tennessee drug possession attorney by your side can make a big difference. They can help argue mitigating factors. In turn, that can potentially reduce the severity of the sentence.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the legal system. The more you understand, the better prepared you are to face the challenges ahead.
We’re Here to Defend You
Drug charges in Tennessee are serious legal issues. These sentencing enhancements can increase your penalties.
At Easter & DeVore, Attorneys at Law, we are ready to assist with your case. We can give you options so that you can take an important step toward managing a difficult situation and protecting your future. Schedule your consultation today.
