New Tennessee Laws Target Synthetic Drugs

Recently there has been a crack down on synthetic drugs in Tennessee.

2012-07-13

July 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) In the first half of 2012, multiple bills criminalizing the manufacture, sale, use and possession of synthetic drugs have become law in Tennessee. Prior to the passage of these new laws, Tennessee only banned specific ingredients used in synthetic drugs. Now, rather than defining the substances by their actual chemical compositions, the new laws attempt to define them by their effects on users.

The new drug crime laws are much broader and encompass many more formulations. Tobacco and convenience stores, which were previously legally selling the substances, now may face felony charges if they continue to sell "bath salts" or other forms of synthetic drugs. These substances have been sold under a variety of brand names.

Names of synthetic marijuana:
- Spice
- JH/Kush
- K2

Names of synthetic cocaine and ecstasy or "bath salts"
- Cloud 9
- Ivory Wave
- White Lightening
- Molly's Plant Food

The new laws define a synthetic drug as an "imitation controlled substance" and a "controlled substance analogue," or a substance that affects the central nervous system in the same way as a controlled substance.

Stiffer Penalties for Selling Synthetic Drugs in Tennessee

Manufacturers and sellers of synthetic drugs may now face up to $5,000 in fines and felony jail time. Businesses found supplying these drugs are now legally considered public nuisances. This may allow law enforcement to close down stores found in violation of the law for 60 days. Additionally, the new laws create misdemeanor offenses for those found possessing or using the drugs.

The state budget that was recently passed included over $300,000 designated for incarcerating individuals found in violation of synthetic drug laws. The amount was based on a projection of over 60 people being incarcerated for synthetic drug offenses annually. Local law enforcement agencies have recently met to determine how best to enforce the new drug laws.

The three bills recently passed are HB 3175, HB 2286 and HB 2645. More information about them can be found on the Tennessee General Assembly webpage.

If you have been charged with manufacturing, selling or possessing synthetic drugs, consider contacting a criminal defense attorney. Particularly in light of the recent law changes, the advice and guidance of experienced criminal defense attorney can be extremely valuable.

Article provided by Summers & Wyatt, P.C.
Visit us at www.summersandwyatt.com/

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

How Long Can You Wait to File a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?

2012-07-13

After a car accident that causes injuries or property damage, people naturally have plenty of questions about settlement and car accident litigation. Some of the most important issues in most car accident claims involve insurance coverage, whether the at-fault driver was uninsured or the injury victim needs compensation for medical bills and other damages beyond auto liability policy limits. A recent Ohio Court of Appeals case looked at a question frequently asked of personal injury attorneys: What is the statute of limitations for bringing a driver negligence claim ...

Florida Practices for Drug Offenses Prove Questionable

2012-07-13

Across the nation, drug offenders make up the largest group of federal inmates, based on the crime committed. This type of crime is considered "victimless" because it often does not involve another person who is directly harmed by the drug crime, but states such as Florida are nevertheless requiring these inmates to spend more time behind bars. The war on drugs is responsible for the heightened incarceration rates and the increased prison terms. The Study A recent study conducted by the Pew Center on the States found that there has been a nationwide increase ...

Ohio DUI/OVI Arrests Up Significantly in Latest Statistics

2012-07-13

The legal consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Ohio range from fines and criminal sanctions to driver's license suspension. But the collateral costs -- higher insurance rates, difficulty getting to work and restrictions on employment opportunities -- can be every bit as harsh. More drivers are being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol (OVI), according to the latest statistics released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). Law enforcement officers statewide made more than 23,000 OVI arrests in 2011, an increase ...

New Technology May Change the Way Texas DWI Offenders are Monitored

2012-07-13

If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated in Texas, the court may require you to install and maintain an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for up to six months if you are a first-time offender. If you have previous drunk-driving convictions, or have caused an accident due to drunk driving, the court is required by law to order the installation of an IID your vehicle. The court may also order you to abstain from using alcohol or other mood-altering substances altogether as a condition of your probation. Terms of Probation To ensure they follow their ...

Ohio DUI Charge Can Lead to a Lifetime Driving Ban

2012-07-13

A first conviction for OVI in Ohio is a serious legal matter, and most people know that the consequences rise significantly for the second or third DUI/OVI a driver faces. Repeat OVI defense requires a clear understanding of the law and a full assessment of the chances of fines, license suspensions, issuance of restricted license plates and incarceration. A recent case in Loraine County involved a driver who had avoided one severe consequence due to a bureaucratic oversight. After he struck and killed a two-year-old boy in 1992 while driving drunk on a motorcycle, the ...

Illinois Not Checking Doctors' Credentials; May Hurt Patient Safety

2012-07-13

Many patients trust their doctors. Some patients take the time to do research before choosing providers and others may simply trust that hospitals hire competent staff. Regardless of the process used to choose a doctor, most patients trust that they are receiving quality care when they make appointments. Unfortunately, a recent article by the Chicago Tribune may make patients question their doctors' competence. The article reports that Illinois is slowly falling in its national ranking "among the states for its rate of serious disciplinary actions taken against ...

Red Light Cameras: Ohio City Sees Reduction of Car Accidents

2012-07-13

For injury victims and their families, car accidents are difficult to understand. It is especially difficult when the car accident is caused by a blatant violation of the law such as driving under the influence or speeding. Setting aside the common-sense driving standards that the law imposes due to recklessness or a personal lapse of judgment is simply unacceptable. No traffic violation is more blatant than running a red light or stop sign, which can easily lead to an automotive collision or tragic accident with a bicyclist or pedestrian. For that reason, many communities ...

The Causes and Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2012-07-13

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that can occur after someone suffers a blow, jolt or bump to the head, or when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year 1.7 million people suffer from a traumatic brain injury, and a TBI is a contributing factor in about 30 percent of all injury-related deaths in the country. Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the causes of traumatic brain injury include: - Falls, such as down steps, from a ladder, or slipping ...

Feds Remove 287 Negligent Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers From the Road

2012-07-13

Anyone driving on the road in any size vehicle knows the risk is always there of an accident. But when a car, SUV or van collides with a semi truck, it's no secret which vehicle's occupants have the higher risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries. Federal Safety Efforts The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the federal agency responsible for preventing motor-vehicle accidents with large commercial trucks and motor-coach passenger buses. Part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FMCSA runs a yearly sweep in which it focuses on commercial drivers ...

Enjoy Great Rates Plus Free Breakfast at the Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites

2012-07-13

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Dunwoody, GA, announces a special saving package for guests to enjoy. Available for a limited time, the Free Breakfast offer includes: - Great rates from $99 - Full American breakfast for two daily Reference rate plan BARB when booking; some restrictions may apply. "Conveniently located only 15 miles north of downtown Atlanta and easily accessible from all major Georgia highways, our Dunwoody hotel is a great place for both area business and leisure travelers alike," explains Ajay Sethi, the Sheraton ...

New Tennessee Laws Target Synthetic Drugs

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: