Common Drug Charges In Texas

Texas has severe penalties for drug charges, and the consequences of a drug-related conviction in Texas are often more oppressive than in other states. Accordingly, it is extremely important to work with a drug crimes defense attorney if you are arrested for a drug offense or if you are charged with a drug crime. What are some of the most common types of drug charges in the state? Our experienced Temple drug crimes defense lawyer handles a variety of drug charges. The following are among the more common offenses that arise in Texas, but we can speak with you about a range of drug charges and possible defense strategies.

Drug Possession 

Drug possession is one of the most commonly charged offenses under the Texas Controlled Substances Act. According to the Act, possession is defined as “actual care, custody, control, or management.” It is important to understand that possession charges and potential penalties will depend upon the penalty group associated with the specific controlled substances, and the amount of the drug in question. Possession of controlled substances in different penalty groups have varying penalties. With many types of controlled substances in Texas, including common drugs like cocaine, possession of even a small amount can result in felony charges and penalties that can include up to two years in jail.

Drug Distribution 

As we indicated above, the amount of the drug in a person’s possession can affect the specific charges and the potential penalties the person can be facing. When a person is arrested for drug possession and there is a large amount of the controlled substance, that person can face charges that include intent to distribute. Both intent to distribute and distribution can result in varying felony charges that can, in some circumstances, result in a sentence that may include up to 99 years in prison. The Texas Controlled Substances Act defines an intent to “distribute” as “to deliver a controlled substance other than by administering or dispensing the substance.” a “distributor” is defined as “a person who distributes.”

Drug Manufacture 

Drug manufacturing, or manufacture, is also a frequent way in which drug-related charges are brought. Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, manufacture is defined as “the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance other than marihuana, directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, and includes the packaging or repackaging of the substance or labeling or relabeling of its container.”

As you can see, there are many types of circumstances under which manufacture-related charges can be brought. Texas law also allows for certain manufacturing charges specifically related to marihuana.

Contact a Temple Drug Defense Attorney 

If you are facing any kind of drug offense in Texas, it is critical to have an experienced lawyer on your side to help you develop the strongest possible defense to the charges you are facing. One of the dedicated Temple drug crimes defense attorneys at The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC can speak with you today about the charges you are facing and potential defense strategies to avoid a conviction.

Source:

statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.481.htm