Drug Offense Lawyer Serving Addison

A drug charge in Addison can flip your life upside down in a matter of minutes. Suddenly, you’re facing jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that follows you around for years. Whether you’re accused of possessing a small amount of marijuana or caught in a major drug trafficking investigation, the stakes are too high to take any chances. You need a sharp, experienced drug crime lawyer in Addison who knows the local courts and how to fight back against aggressive prosecutors.

At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we don’t just handle drug cases—we build strategic defenses grounded in experience, evidence, and an understanding of how to push back when your rights are on the line. Our criminal defense team has earned a reputation across North Texas for taking on tough cases and getting real results. If you’re under investigation or have already been arrested, we want to help you regain control of your future.

Call (972) 369-0577 or contact us online to set up a confidential consultation with an Addison criminal defense lawyer. We’re ready to listen, take action, and explain what happens next. 

Texas Drug Charges: What You’re Up Against

Texas doesn’t go easy on drug crimes. The state’s Controlled Substances Act divides drugs into penalty groups based on their risk of addiction and medical use. Even being in possession of small amounts of a drug in a higher penalty group—like cocaine, heroin, or meth—can result in serious felony charges. What makes matters worse is how quickly a case can escalate. What might seem like a simple possession charge could turn into an intent to distribute case, depending on how the police interpret the evidence.

Your charges—and potential penalties—depend on:

• The type of drug involved
• The amount of the drug
• Whether the police believe you intended to sell or distribute
• Where the offense occurred (e.g., near a school or daycare)
• Your prior criminal history

Facing these charges without a criminal defense lawyer for drug charges puts your future at serious risk. Prosecutors move fast. You should, too. 

Drug Offenses We Handle in Addison

At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we’ve defended clients facing nearly every type of drug charge imaginable—from first-time possession cases to large-scale trafficking operations. Our attorneys understand each offense’s nuances and the best legal strategies to challenge them. 

Drug Possession

This is the most common drug charge, but that doesn’t mean it’s minor. Possession of even a tiny amount of a controlled substance can lead to jail or probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you’re facing possession charges, our attorneys will look closely at how the drugs were found and whether your constitutional rights were violated during the stop, search, or arrest. 

Possession with Intent to Deliver

If law enforcement claims you intended to sell or distribute drugs, your charges become much more serious. This often happens when the amount of the drug is larger or if items like baggies, scales, or large amounts of cash were found nearby. Prosecutors usually lean on circumstantial evidence to argue intent—but we know how to pick that evidence apart. 

Drug Trafficking

Trafficking charges carry some of the harshest penalties under Texas law, especially when large quantities or multiple substances are involved. If the case goes federal, the consequences become even more severe. These cases require a drug defense attorney who understands both state and federal procedures and knows how to protect you from overreach. 

Prescription Drug Offenses

Not all drug charges involve street drugs. Many of our clients face charges related to prescription medications like oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall. Whether you’re accused of doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, or possessing pills without a valid prescription, we can help you address the charges while protecting your reputation and livelihood. 

Manufacturing or Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Running a grow operation, producing synthetic drugs, or cooking meth can lead to first-degree felony charges, often backed by search warrants, undercover agents, or informant testimony.

Our defense team knows how to challenge shaky evidence and questionable police tactics—and we’re ready to fight for your rights. 

Felony Drug Charges: How Serious Are They?

In Texas, the leap from a misdemeanor to a felony happens fast. For example:

• Possessing less than one gram of cocaine is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in a state jail.
• Possessing between one and four grams is a third-degree felony, with two to ten years in prison.
• Larger quantities or enhancements (like proximity to a school or prior offenses) can raise charges to second-degree or first-degree felonies, which carry decades in prison.

Felony convictions under Texas Health and Safety Code 481.115 also come with long-term consequences: loss of voting rights, trouble finding work or housing, and limitations on owning firearms. This is why early intervention by a qualified defense lawyer for drug-related offenses is so critical. 

What to Do if You’re Arrested for a Drug Crime in Addison

Getting arrested is overwhelming—but your actions in the following hours and days can shape your case’s outcome. If you’re facing drug charges:

• Say nothing without a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you.
• Don’t consent to any searches. Unless the officer has a warrant, you have the right to refuse their demand to search.
• Call an attorney immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more we can do to protect you.
• Stay off social media. Even innocent posts can be taken out of context or used against you. 

Building a Strong Drug Crime Defense

No two cases are the same. That’s why we don’t rely on cookie-cutter defenses. We dig into the facts and build a strategy based on what happened—and what the prosecution can (or can’t) prove. Common legal defenses in drug cases include:

• Unlawful search and seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we’ll file a motion to suppress that evidence. Without it, the state’s case may fall apart.
• No actual possession: If the drugs weren’t on your person or you didn’t know they were there, that’s a strong defense. Proximity doesn’t always equal possession.
• Faulty lab testing: Lab results are often treated as ironclad, but testing errors and contamination do happen. We’ll review how the evidence was handled every step of the way.
• Entrapment: If an undercover officer or informant pressured you into a drug transaction you otherwise wouldn’t have done, we can use that to challenge the charges.
• Diversion eligibility: For some low-level offenses, especially first-time cases, you may qualify for diversion or drug court programs that prioritize treatment over jail time.

Our Addison attorneys will explain every option and give honest advice about your case’s strengths and weaknesses. 

Why Work with Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian?

Not every defense firm has the experience or resources to handle severe drug cases. At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we do. Our firm includes Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists—an achievement earned by fewer than 10% of Texas lawyers. We know the Collin County courts inside and out, and we’ve successfully defended clients in everything from low-level possession cases to multi-agency trafficking investigations.

We offer:

• Aggressive defense from day one
• Honest, clear communication about your options
• Strategic pretrial motions to challenge the state’s evidence
• Trial-tested attorneys who won’t hesitate to fight for you in court

We’ve built our reputation on results and are ready to fight for yours. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes in Addison

If you’re facing drug charges—or think you might be—it’s normal to have questions. 

What’s the difference between drug possession and intent to distribute?

Possession is the charge that arises when law enforcement believes the drugs they find are meant for personal use. If the prosecution believes you intended to sell, distribute, or deliver the drugs, the charge becomes far more serious. They may base this on the amount, packaging materials, or other evidence. Always talk to a lawyer before making assumptions about your case. 

Can I get a drug charge dismissed if it’s my first offense?

It’s possible, especially if there were legal flaws in how the evidence was gathered or if you qualify for diversion programs. However, each case is different. An experienced drug crimes attorney can evaluate your situation and tell you what options are available. 

Is marijuana still illegal in Texas?

Yes. While many states have legalized recreational or medical marijuana, Texas has not. Possession of even small amounts remains a criminal offense. That said, recent changes in hemp laws have created confusion—and opportunities for legal challenges. 

What should I do if I’m being investigated but haven’t been arrested yet?

Call a lawyer immediately. Being proactive allows us to protect your rights and may help you avoid charges altogether. Never talk to the police or agree to interviews without your attorney present. 

Talk to an Addison Drug Crime Attorney Today

You don’t have to face this alone. At Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian, we understand how scary a drug charge can be and know how to fight back. Whether you’ve been accused of possession, distribution, or something in between, we’ll give you a straightforward plan and fight aggressively to protect your freedom.

Call (972) 369-0577 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Your future is worth defending—and we’re ready to do that.