An apartment warrant arrest involved methamphetamine and firearms.
The case involved methamphetamine and firearms, according to the District Attorney General, 29th Judicial District.
Felony Classifications and Potential Sentences
The firearm-in-a-dangerous-felony count carries its own five-year mandatory minimum sentence, which must run consecutively to whatever sentence is imposed on the methamphetamine conviction, and that charge carries 100% release eligibility, the district attorney's office states.
Tennessee law treats firearm possession during a qualifying drug felony as a separate offense, and requires its sentence to run consecutively to the sentence for the underlying felony. For the possession-with-intent-to-go-armed offense, the statute sets a three-year mandatory minimum, rising to five years when the defendant had a prior felony conviction at the time. The law defines certain felonies involving the sale, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances as “dangerous felonies.” Tennessee’s firearm statute sets out those distinctions.
Prosecutor's Work on the Case
District Attorney General Danny H. Goodman, Jr. thanked Assistant District Attorney General Laura Clements for her work and dedication to the case, saying she excellently represented the state at trial.
The 29th Judicial District covers Dyer and Lake counties, not Shelby County, and Goodman’s path to the top prosecutorial post in the district included both courtroom and judicial roles. He worked as an assistant district attorney there from 2000 to 2002, then served 15 years as Lake County General Sessions and Juvenile Court judge before becoming district attorney general. Clements is listed on the district office’s staff as an assistant district attorney general assigned to Dyersburg Municipal Court and Newbern City Court. The district attorney’s office profile lists the district’s territory and staff.
