Criminal Defense Lawyer in Dallas

Texas Drug Crimes Law

Laws proscribing the distribution and use of controlled substances and laws forbidding the distribution and use of prohibited substances are very strictly enforced in Texas. If formally charged, you should retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dallas as soon as possible. Criminal defense lawyers can help you fight the charges or negotiate a plea bargain that results in reduced penalties, reduced charges and potentially dropped charges.

Classification of controlled and illegal drugs in Texas

Section 481 of the Texas Health and Safety Code establishes five penalty groups for controlled and prohibited substances. Common drugs included in each group are:

• Group 1: Heroin, cocaine, meth, oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadol, opium
• Group 1A: LSD
• Group 2: Mescaline, PCP, ecstasy
• Group 3: Xanax, valium, ritalin, phenobarbital
• Group 4: Motofen, buprenorphine, dionine, pryovalerone

Penalties for controlled and illegal drugs in Texas

Penalties for possession of a drug in any penalty group depend entirely on the weight of the drug in possession. While each penalty group has its own weight thresholds, the crime classifications and penalties for all penalty groups are relatively similar and increase as weight increases.

• The smallest amounts, depending on the penalty group, result in either a Class A misdemeanor or a state jail felony. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum of one year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000. A state jail felony is punishable by a jail sentence of six months to two years and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• Larger amounts result in third- and second-degree felonies, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
• The largest amounts result in first- and enhanced first-degree felonies, punishable by five to 99 years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Marijuana laws in Texas

While marijuana is not included in any of the aforementioned penalty groups, it is still illegal to possess marijuana in Texas. As with other illegal drugs, penalties for marijuana possession depend almost entirely on the amount possessed. Possession of two ounces or less is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000 and a maximum jail sentence of 180 days. On the other end of the spectrum, possession of between fifty and 2,000 pounds is a second-degree felony punishable by a jail sentence of two to 20 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Contact a criminal defense lawyer in Dallas

A drug conviction—even if it is for a relatively minor charge—can put you behind bars, damage your reputation and career prospects, and have you facing a sizeable fine. Hiring experienced and proven criminal defense lawyers in Dallas can make all the difference. Contact the attorneys at the Law Office of Alan C. Kazdoyonline today or call (214) 272-0043.