Depending on the alleged drug offense, you could face harsh fines and, in most cases, the potential for extensive jail or prison sentences. A conviction will also mean a permanent criminal record, which can hinder both your professional and personal goals.
A drug crime lawyer in University Park can help you explore your options for fighting drug crime charges, including drug possession, drug manufacturing, and drug delivery.
Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at 214-696-9253 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Drug Crimes Carry Harsh Penalties in University Park
With few exceptions, drug crime charges carry the potential for six months or more in jail. Many of these serious criminal charges could put you in prison for decades, depending on the circumstances of your arrest. If there were any aggravating circumstances present or if you have a prior conviction, your potential penalties can double in severity in many cases.
The specific criminal charges the prosecutor files in your case will depend on the type and quantity of the illegal drug or controlled substance in question. The charges you face will also depend on whether you simply had the substance in your possession or if you manufactured or distributed it as well.
Potential charges range from a Class C misdemeanor — the least serious option — up to a first-degree felony – the most serious type of criminal charge for drug crimes. Each is punishable as follows:
Class C Misdemeanor
- $500 fine
Class B Misdemeanor
- Up to 6 months in jail
- $2,000 fine
Class A Misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
- $4,000 fine
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State Jail Felony
- 6 months to 2 years in state jail
- $10,000 fine
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Third-Degree Felony
- 2 to 10 years in prison
- $10,000 fine
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Second-Degree Felony
- 2 to 20 years in prison
- $10,000 fine
First-Degree Felony
- 5 to 99 years (or life) in prison
- $10,000 fine
In addition to penalties noted above, you will face additional prison time and monetary fines for a drug crime conviction based on the Texas Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These fines run well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, the manufacture or delivery of more than 400 grams of heroin means a $250,000 fine and makes you eligible for 15 to 99 years in prison.
You will also face substantially harsher penalties if the prosecutor can demonstrate aggravating circumstances. If you committed the same crime with a child present, for example, you could face $300,000 in penalties and a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
Upon conviction for a drug crime in University Park, you must also pay all court costs and fees. The court may impose probation, community service, substance abuse treatment, educational courses, or a combination of these. You will also have a permanent criminal record, which can prevent you from obtaining employment, getting a loan, or renting an apartment.
How a Drug Crimes Lawyer in University Park Can Help You
When you trust attorney Randall Isenberg and the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg with your case, we will be there for you throughout the entire process, protecting your legal rights and working tirelessly to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
The legal strategies we employ for your case will depend on the nature of the charges and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. However, some of the most common legal defense strategies we use in drug crimes cases involve the following:
Illegal Search & Seizure
Any search the police conduct must follow the law and the principles of the U.S. Constitution. We will investigate your arrest to determine whether the police acted legally when they searched you and your property.
Proving Possession
If the police found drugs or an illegal substance in your home or car, for example, the prosecution must prove that you knowingly and intentionally had the substance in your possession. If someone rode in your car and left drugs behind, this can serve as the basis for our legal defense strategy.
In many cases, you may qualify for diversionary programs or deferred adjudication. If so, the court will impose a list of obligations you must complete within a specified time period. Once you complete your obligations, the court will dismiss the charges. Our office can help you determine whether you qualify for a program of this nature and, if so, help you petition the court accordingly.
Understanding the Types of Drug Crimes in University Park
Under the general category of drug crimes, the Texas statutes break these offenses into three categories: drug possession, drug delivery, and drug manufacturing. The offenses are as follows:
Drug Possession
The police will charge you with this offense if they allege that you had an illegal substance either on your person (actual possession) or in a location that you control (constructive possession).
To convict you on possession charges, the prosecutor must prove that you knowingly and intentionally possessed the substance in question. Actual possession is easier to prove than constructive possession, which could mean that the police found drugs in your car, your house, your locker, or another location not directly on your person.
Drug Delivery
The police will charge you with this crime if they allege that you knowingly and intentionally sold, gave away, or distributed an illegal drug or controlled substance. The prosecutor can pursue charges against you if you gave away or even shared drugs with someone else without exchanging money or anything of value.
Drug Manufacturing
The police will charge you with this offense if they allege that you grew, mixed, or cooked an illegal drug or controlled substance. You may face this charge even if they simply catch you in possession of some ingredient or tool that you could use in the manufacture of an illegal drug.
Consult a Drug Crime Lawyer in University Park at No Cost
Before you make any decisions about your case, talk to a criminal defense attorney in University Park to learn more about your options.
Attorney Randall Isenberg has more than 30 years of experience as a drug crimes lawyer, felony prosecutor, and state judge. He puts this experience to work for you, building the strongest possible case for your defense.
To help you explore your options for fighting drug crime charges, contact our office today at 214-696-9253 to schedule a free consultation.
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