Did you know that it may be possible for the authorities, both at the state and federal level, to come after you if you sell drugs to someone who then overdoses and dies? More and more states have been putting these laws on the books, and Tennessee is one of them.
The reasoning behind the increase in laws is that drug overdoses and accidental poisonings take more lives every year than car accidents. They're one of the leading causes of death in the United States for many age groups. Supporters of these laws say they are just trying to save lives.
However, some claim these laws are unfair, unjust and unconstitutional. Just because one person sells drugs to another person does not mean he or she is causing that person to overdose and pass away. They have no control over how the person uses the drugs after the purchase. There are often other steps involved, other drugs used and whole days separating the two events.
Perhaps most problematic is when the court seeks a murder charge. Murder requires intent. In a drug sale, there is no intent to kill or to cause death. It may be the outcome when the user abuses the drugs or uses them incorrectly, but the seller did not enter the deal with that end goal in mind. That alone suggests that murder charges should never stand in these cases.
As the authorities continue to fight for potentially unjust charges and sentences, it becomes more and more important for those facing these charges to know their legal rights. Remember that you have a right to a fair trial and a sentence that fits the alleged crime. If you'd like to learn more, our website can be very helpful.