If a prosecutor has charged you with a Texas drug crime, you are not the only one. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Crime Report, in a recent year, police arrested nearly 75,000 Texans for drug possession and about 14,000 Texans for selling or distributing drugs.
Our compassionate Celina drug crime lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian know that an arrest is not a conviction. With our years of experience, we fight hard for clients to try and keep them out of jail and keep any drug crime charges off their criminal records.
What Are Common Texas Drug Crimes?
Texas drug crimes cover a range of offenses related to the possession, distribution, manufacture, and trafficking of controlled substances. These offenses are categorized based on the type and amount of drugs involved and the individual’s intent. Some common drug crimes in Texas include:
- Possession – Charges can vary from simple possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use to possession with intent to distribute. The severity of the charge often depends on the type and quantity of the controlled substance.
- Distribution and Trafficking – These charges involve selling, transporting, or distributing drugs. The penalties are typically more severe for larger quantities and when the accused is part of an organized drug trafficking operation.
- Manufacturing – Illegally producing controlled substances, such as methamphetamine or LSD, can lead to manufacturing charges. This offense includes the creation of drugs and the cultivation of plants like marijuana.
- Prescription Fraud – Falsifying or obtaining controlled substance prescriptions through deceit is considered a drug crime.
- Drug Paraphernalia – Possession, sale, or distribution of items used for drug-related activities, such as pipes or syringes, can result in charges.
- Drug-Free Zone Offenses – Enhanced penalties may apply if drug crimes occur within specified zones like schools or public parks.
- Possession of Controlled Substances in a Motor Vehicle – Having drugs in a vehicle can lead to separate charges, mainly if the drugs are within reach of the driver or passengers.
Texas drug laws are strict, and the severity of penalties varies based on factors like criminal history and the specific circumstances of the offense. If you face drug charges in Celina, Texas, our team of Texas drug crime lawyers can help you understand your charges, your rights, and your defenses.
What Are Common Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas?
In Texas, the penalties for drug crime convictions can be significant and vary depending on the type of offense, the type and quantity of the controlled substance involved, and the defendant’s criminal history. Common penalties for drug crime convictions in Texas include:
- Fines – Convicted individuals may face substantial fines, which can escalate based on the severity of the offense and the type and amount of drugs involved. Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Probation – In some cases, our attorneys can help clients get placed on probation instead of serving jail time. Probation typically involves meeting certain conditions, such as drug testing, consistent check-ins with a probation officer, and completing drug education or rehabilitation programs.
- Jail or Prison – A judge may sentence someone to incarceration, depending on the offense. The length of imprisonment varies considerably based on factors like the offense’s severity and the defendant’s criminal history. Sometimes, an attorney can arrange a plea to a lesser charge with less jail time.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Certain drug offenses, particularly those involving large quantities or trafficking, can trigger mandatory minimum sentences. These sentences require offenders to serve a specified period of incarceration before becoming eligible for parole or release.
- Enhanced Penalties – Penalties may be enhanced if the offense occurred within drug-free zones, involved minors, or was part of a larger criminal enterprise. These enhancements can lead to longer sentences and increased fines.
- Asset Forfeiture – The State may seize assets, including money and property, believed to be linked to drug-related activities.
- Driver’s License Suspension – A drug conviction can result in the suspension of the defendant’s driver’s license, making it difficult to maintain employment or attend rehabilitation programs.
Texas has a history of stringent drug enforcement with severe penalties. Convictions can have long-term collateral consequences, including difficulty finding employment, obtaining housing, or securing financial aid for education.
Given the potential consequences, individuals facing drug crime charges should seek competent legal representation from Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian to understand their options, build a strong defense, and potentially mitigate the impact of a conviction.
How Can a Celina Drug Crime Lawyer Help Me?
The Texas drug crime lawyers at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian know that an arrest is not a conviction. The prosecution must prove all elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt for you to be convicted. You still have hope to protect your rights and secure your freedom. We want to help reduce the damaging effects of an arrest and fight for your best interests.
There are many ways to fight a drug crime charge. Some possible legal defenses may include the following:
- Lack of knowledge of the drugs
- False positive lab results
- You were under duress, forced, or coerced
- There was an illegal search, seizure, or arrest
- The drugs were not yours and belonged to someone else
- The substance at issue is not a controlled substance, and you have a prescription
- General lack of evidence
Don’t let controlled substance charges hurt your future. A criminal record can be difficult and exhausting to overcome, especially if your drug possession charges are severe. Our attorneys have years of experience defending criminal charges in drug cases and know the defenses that could keep you out of jail and a conviction off your record.
Get in Touch with an Experienced Texas Drug Crimes Lawyer
If the State has charged you with a drug crime, the Celina drug crimes attorneys at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian can help. We thoroughly understand all Texas drug crime charges and know how to defend you to vigorously help you get a favorable outcome. Call us today at (972) 369-0577 or contact us online for your initial consultation.