If you or a loved one is facing charges for drug crimes, the consequences can be life-changing. If convicted, you could find yourself sentenced to thousands of dollars in fines and many years in prison along with a permanent criminal record that will follow you for life. You do not have to endure these challenges alone. Let a drug crimes lawyer in Arlington, TX help protect your rights.
Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 for a free consultation.
Drug Crimes in Texas
The term “drug crimes” encompasses a wide variety of related charges in Texas. The specific charges the prosecution ultimately files against you will depend on the following factors:
- The substance in question
- The quantity of the substance
- The penalty group associated with the substance
- The actions the prosecution alleges you took involving the substance (possession, manufacturing, and/or delivery)
Determining Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas
Drug crimes in Arlington, TX are divided into four distinct penalty groups, which are separated based on the substances involved.
Some examples of the substances found in each group are:
Penalty Group 1 | Penalty Group 1A | Penalty Group 2 | Penalty Group 2A | Penalty Group 3 | Penalty Group 4 |
Cocaine | LSD | Adderall | K2 | Clonazepam | Codeine compounds |
GHB | Ecstasy | Spice | HGH | Morphine compounds | |
Heroin | MDMA | Hydrocodone | Opium compounds | ||
Opium | PCP | Ritalin | |||
Oxycodone | Valium | ||||
Xanax |
Specific Penalties for Drug Crimes in Texas
The penalties associated with a drug crimes conviction vary greatly based on the specifics of the charge, but any drug crime will typically involve the risk of heavy fines and significant time in jail or prison.
- Class C Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $500
- Class B Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $2,000 and up to 6 months in jail
- Class A Misdemeanor: Fine of up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in jail
- State Jail Felony: Fine of up to $10,000 and up to 2 years in state jail
- Third-Degree Felony: Fine of up to $10,000 and up to 10 years in prison
- Second-Degree Felony: Fine of up to $10,000 and up to 20 years in prison
- Third-Degree Felony: Fine of up to $10,000 and up to life in prison
These are not the only penalties you could be facing following a conviction; you may also be placed on probation, ordered to perform community service, or made to undergo substance abuse treatments imposed by the court.
The Effects of a Conviction on Your Permanent Record
If you are convicted of a drug crime, that information will be placed on your permanent criminal record. This can impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain admission into colleges and other educational programs. You will also be ineligible for student loans and have difficulty obtaining professional licenses.
All of these penalties will apply even if you plead guilty in exchange for a lowered fine or less jail time. A drug crimes lawyer in Arlington, TX can help explain the options available to you and how they will affect your future.
Arlington Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (214) 696-9253
Defending Against Drug Crimes in Texas
When the prosecution charges someone with a drug crime in Texas, they must charge you with possession, manufacturing, delivery, or a combination of the three. They must also prove that you intentionally committed the drug crime they charged you with.
Depending on the details of the drug crime in question, the prosecution must prove:
- Possession: To prove actual or constructive possession, they must show that you knowingly had an illegal substance either on your person or at a known location.
- Manufacturing: To prove manufacturing, they must prove that you knowingly grew, cooked, or produced an illegal substance.
- Delivery: To prove delivery, they must prove that you transferred or sold an illegal substance, either by sharing it with others, bartering it for another good or service, or selling it.
A drug crimes lawyer in Arlington, TX can advise you on how to defend yourself against these allegations and help protect your rights throughout the legal process.
How a Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, a lawyer can help defend your rights in the following ways:
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Manage Communication
Our team can handle all of the back-and-forth communications for you, keeping you informed at every step and freeing up more of your time to spend on other matters.
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Negotiate Plea Deal
We will conduct an independent investigation into the details of your case, examining police reports and witness testimony to find weaknesses we can leverage into a dismissal or reduced charges. Once a plea bargain is on the table, we will advise you on exactly what taking it would mean for your future.
Represent You During the Trial
If we cannot reach a dismissal or a reasonable plea deal, our team is ready, willing, and able to take your defense to trial to fight for a more favorable outcome. We will make sure you understand what to expect throughout the process and force the prosecution to meet its burden of proof in court.
Call a Drug Crimes Lawyer in Arlington, TX Today
Criminal defense attorney Randall B. Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience as a prosecutor and a state judge. He understands how the other side thinks, the strategies they are likely to use, and what the judge will be looking for at every turn. This knowledge will help us build a strong case that vigorously protects your rights and defends you in the courtroom. We are proud of our results, and we can help you, too.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, we can help protect your rights and your future. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Protect your rights and your future. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (214) 696-9253 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form