Texas prosecutors take drug crimes seriously. Individuals face severe punishments for trafficking and possessing controlled substances and street drugs. If police arrest and accuse you of any drug crime, your freedom is at risk. Do not put off contacting a criminal defense attorney well-versed in the law. They can explain what your charges mean, what defenses might be available to you, and if reducing or dismissing your charges is possible.
A conviction has wide-ranging consequences. You could serve jail time and pay fines. You could also lose federal financial aid and federal-backed housing loans, shut yourself out of some jobs because of a criminal conviction, lose the right to vote and own a handgun, and have family and friends stigmatize you. Call a Frisco drug lawyer to discuss your situation and learn how our experience could work to help your case.
State drug laws are complicated. Consequences for manufacturing, possessing, or distributing drugs depend on the category they fall under and how large the amount is. Drug charges could result from street drugs like heroin and cocaine and prescription drugs without a doctor’s authorization. Possessing drug paraphernalia is also illegal, even if someone uses common kitchen tools for manufacturing an illicit substance. Every case is unique and requires commitment by an aggressive drug attorney in Frisco committed to doing what is needed to help an individual.
For a drug possession charge, suspects must know they are carrying an illegal substance. Generally, the minimum punishment is jail time of 180 days and a possible fine of $2,000. The maximum consequences are jail time of up to life and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Manufacturing a controlled substance is the act of creating an illegal drug by combining chemicals and using special techniques. This crime is a felony with a minimum of two years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000. The maximum penalty is life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Drug distribution, or drug trafficking, is the transfer by selling, bartering, importing, or exporting illegal drugs. The minimum punishment is incarceration for 180 days and possible fines of up to $2,000. The maximum sentence is life in prison and potential fines of up to $100,000.
The penalty for drug charges also depends on which class a drug falls into, where the possession or distribution took place, and if an individual committed another crime with the drug offense. The state recognizes six penalty groups, with marijuana in its own class. Although possessing two ounces or less of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor, more than 2,000 pounds is a first-degree felony with penalties of up to life in prison and up to $50,000 in fines. Other drug classes include:
An accused person should consider the best attorney for their case because of the complexity of these charges. An experienced drug lawyer in Frisco could protect your rights.
Drug charges are serious and can result in severe restrictions on your freedom, money, and life as you know it. You could face jail or prison time, fines, and questions from family, friends, employers, bankers, and others.
Our team can review your case and discuss a defense strategy that challenges the prosecution’s evidence and the search and seizure, negotiate a plea bargain, or fight for your rights before a jury. We are here to help you, no matter what it takes. Call today to discuss your defense options.