Blog Layout

Drug charges related to fentanyl on the rise in Tennessee

On behalf of Shults Law Office • November 22, 2017

Many physicians in Tennessee prescribe fentanyl as a painkiller for their patients. If used properly, this narcotic is very effective for those people dealing with severe pain. However, the state's Department of Health is concerned that deaths will occur as the drug is now being sold illegally. Law enforcement officials also report that drug charges related to fentanyl have increased dramatically over the last five years.

Statistics show that there were 294 fentanyl-related deaths in Tennessee during 2016. This represents an increase of 74 percent from the 169 overdoses in 2015. A neighboring state reported a 176 percent increase in fatalities in the same time period. Agents from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are concerned about the threat to citizens and law enforcement personnel.

Foreign countries are manufacturing illegal versions of the drug that are thousands of times more potent than morphine. A minute amount can cause a user to overdose. An additional danger is that the drug can enter a person's system through the skin or inhalation. Such exposure poses potentially fatal risks for those exposed to the drug, not only those using it.

Several officers around the state have become ill from exposure and have required medical attention. Gloves, goggles and dust masks may provide a level of protection when dealing with the substance. In addition, some police departments now require officers to keep a medication called Naloxone with them that can help should they be exposed to fentanyl. Naloxone may reverse the effects of the drugs for first responders as well as their K-9 companions that often sniff the drugs.

Drug charges, whether related to fentanyl or other substances, are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If convicted, a person may face hefty fines or significant time in jail. A Tennessee criminal defense attorney can help someone facing such charges mount a rigorous defense. An experienced lawyer will work diligently to minimize the negative impact on a client's life.

Source:  wjhl.com, "Dangerous drug fentanyl on rise in Tennessee", Sydney Cameron, Nov. 21, 2017

You can exercise your rights during a traffic stop

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • April 2, 2020
Flashing lights in your review mirror are intimidating, and when you realize you are the driver required to pull over, your concerns could increase. How will you afford to pay for a ticket? What if the police take you into custody? Will you lose your job because of this? Now imagine how you might feel if you had been drinking.…

Why creditors don’t want to violate stay orders

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • March 5, 2020
Those who file for bankruptcy in Tennessee or any other state will usually receive an automatic stay from creditor collection activities. In one case, a debtor’s divorce attorney claimed that she owed $10,000 in legal fees that were accrued before the Chapter 7 case was filed. Therefore, he didn’t believe that he had any legal obligation to stop pursuing a…

How to obtain a liquidation bankruptcy

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • February 19, 2020
Tennessee residents and others who are struggling to pay their debts may qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. In such a proceeding, a debtor’s assets may be sold, and the money that a trustee is able to collect will be used to pay off some or all existing creditors. If there is not enough money to pay off a balance, whatever…

Tennessee raises penalties in DUI cases

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • February 5, 2020
People accused of drunk driving in Tennessee may face more severe penalties in case of a conviction, especially if they have multiple DUI convictions on their record. The state legislature has revised the criminal penalties associated with drunk driving, with some people facing years in prison as a result. In most cases, sentences are not associated with first-time DUI convictions,…

Prevent money trouble post split by being involved in marriage

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • January 20, 2020
Finances is one of the most important concerns when Tennessee couples get divorced. Recovering from the financial hit divorce often brings can take a while. One way to make this easier, however, is to be involved in all decisions made about finances during marriage. According to a study by Fidelity Investments, it takes about five years for people to recover…

Keep needs of the children in mind when creating a parenting plan

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • January 3, 2020
Tennessee co-parents want what is best for their children. This means that they must design an effective parenting plan. Cooperation between the parents is a must for a plan to work. Also, the plan should be created according to what the children need as they go through different stages of their lives. It has been recommended that babies and toddlers…

Student loans and bankruptcy

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • December 24, 2019
Many people living in Tennessee and around the country struggle with student loan payments. Despite their best efforts, they often find that they have difficulty keeping up with their loans and other expenses. Some of these student loan borrowers may wonder if it is possible to discharge their student loan debt in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the discharge of…

Racial gap persists in criminal justice system

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • December 11, 2019
Criminal justice reform advocates in Tennessee and across the country have highlighted racial disparities in incarceration rates, noting that the legal system has been unfair to black Americans. These racial gaps have continued decades after the end of Jim Crow segregation, exacting devastating effects on communities of color. One study finds a reason for optimism in the declining gap in…

Determining whether a prenuptial agreement is necessary

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • November 25, 2019
Some people in Tennessee may think of a prenuptial agreement as something that only wealthy people need. A prenup describes how property will be divided if a couple gets a divorce. A spouse might also waive the right to claim alimony using a prenup. For some people, a prenup might seem like preparation to divorce before the marriage has started.…

Survey finds people willing to go into debt for holidays

By On behalf of Shults Law Office • November 13, 2019
The holiday season may tempt some Tennessee consumers to use their credit cards for gifts and other spending. According to a survey by CreditCards.com, around half of Generation X and millennials and around one-third of baby boomers said they would be willing to take on credit card debt for the holidays. People who were already in debt were more willing…
More Posts
Share by: