Texas Drug Law Cases

Regardless of your opinion of “marijuana prohibition,” the “war on drugs,” or drug laws in general, getting charged with possession or sale of illegal drugs is a serious event that may have lifelong consequences.

Drug law violations may be charged in many ways:

• Conspiracy
• Possession of marijuana and other controlled substances
• Smuggling, sale and distribution
• Manufacturing and cultivating
• Prescription medicines
• Designer drugs
• Drug abuse and addiction

Most drug cases prosecuted today involve marijuana, cocaine, meth and methamphetamines, heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, Xanax, OxyContin, Valium, Rohypnol, steroids, hydrocodone (Vicodin), crack, “spice,” analogs to scheduled controlled substances, simulated drugs and drugs legal in other states but not in Texas, and…the list goes on.

In addition, Mallett Saper LLP routinely represents professionals such as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, lawyers and other professionals before the state and federal regulatory agencies. We also work with psychiatrists, psychologists, addiction specialists and treatment programs to “cure” problems at the source, to protect licenses and to obtain dismissal of related criminal cases.

Crimes Involving Prescription Drug Medications

The abuse of prescription medication sometimes leads to criminal charges. We have had many clients who were prescribed medications, become addicted, and when their doctor discontinued the medication, they self-medicated through the use of online purchases, forged prescriptions, doctor shopping and other desperate efforts. Our clients have also included health care professionals who became addicted by abusing the very drugs they frequently prescribed.

When people are arrested, whether rich or poor, they are treated equally. Everyone is taken to jail and then held until released on bond. Pretrial release procedures take from several hours to several days. If you think you have a problem with prescription drugs, you should consider talking to a lawyer before you end up getting arrested.

Drug Crime Lawyers With A Record Of Success

Federal drug case indictments may be long and complicated, charging many defendants and many counts. Ed Mallett is a lifetime member of the National Legal Committee for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). He successfully represented two defendants in America’s largest single marijuana seizure, 110,000 pounds seized from a Colombian ship.

We routinely help in smaller cases as well – a baggie, a pill, or even an empty container with possible residue – knowing that a conviction for drugs can have harsh and adverse consequences, such as loss of civil rights, driver’s license revocation, deportation – and, of course, imprisonment, fines and forfeiture of real estate, personal automobiles and other property.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes

Texas has some of the harshest penalties for drug crimes in the nation. Here are the answers to some important questions our clients may have:

What are the penalties for drug possession in Texas?

The penalties you face for drug possession depend upon several factors:

• The type of drug found in your possession. Some drugs are considered more dangerous than others, so the penalties for possession are higher.
• The quantity of the drugs found in your possession. Generally speaking, the larger the amount of a substance, the higher the potential penalty.
• Where you were found with the drugs. You can face enhanced charges if you are caught with drugs in restricted areas, such as in a school zone.

At minimum, you could face misdemeanor charges that could result in significant fines and up to one year in jail. If you are charged with a felony, you could face fines between $10,000 and $250,000 and imprisonment for 180 days to 99 years.

If you are facing drug possession charges in Texas, one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys can explain your charges and the specific consequences that are possible.

Can drug charges be reduced or dismissed in Texas?

Yes. A strong defense can potentially reduce or dismiss drug possession charges in Texas. Some of the most common defenses against illegal drug possession include:

• Questioning how the evidence was obtained
• Questioning chemical lab test results
• Proving you lacked knowledge of an illegal substance
• Proving you lacked the intent to commit a crime
• Proving you had a valid prescription for a drug

It is important to consider all of the possible defenses against drug crimes. Our attorneys at Mallett Saper LLP will examine all of the evidence in your case and discuss all your potential defense options based on your specific circumstances.

How does Texas handle first-time drug offenses?

Drug possession may lead to a misdemeanor to felony charge depending on the severity of the illegal substance. However, first-time drug offenders with otherwise clean criminal histories may possibly be eligible for certain “alternative sentencing” options, including diversion programs. If successful, that may allow the defendant to avoid jail time and (in some cases) a permanent criminal record. Our attorneys at Mallett Saper LLP can help reduce criminal charges and explore alternative penalties for first-time offenders.

Contact The Drug Crime Attorneys At Mallett Saper LLP

If you have been charged with a drug crime, call the Houston attorneys with a record of success. Contact Mallett Saper LLP by calling 713-423-6769 or filling out our online contact form.