Drug Crime Attorneys in The Woodlands Intervening to Prevent Drug Charges from Derailing Your Life

There is a strong relationship between drug abuse and crime. More criminals are under the influence of drugs and alcohol while committing crimes, and drug abusers often commit crimes to pay for drugs. It’s a never-ending, vicious cycle that “pays it forward” in dangerous ways, as someone always gets hurt in using or dealing drugs.

Texas takes drug crimes seriously, meaning if you’re involved in buying, trafficking, or selling illegal substances, you likely face time behind bars and a criminal record that will label you as a “drug offender.”

The people that choose an experienced drug crime lawyer can come out on the other side with a leaner sentence or dismissed charges, especially when there isn’t enough evidence to secure a conviction.

Make Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, and our aggressive drug crime lawyers your firm of choice for a more favorable resolution.

What are Drug Crimes?

It is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute illegal substances classified as having the potential for abuse. There are three types of drug crimes: drug possession, drug trafficking, and drug manufacturing. Illicit drugs in Texas are considered:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• GHB
• Ketamine
• Oxycodone
• Hydrocodone
• Valium
• Xanax
• Ritalin

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, many homicides involve drug trafficking, including drug manufacture, a dispute over drugs, theft of drugs or drug money, a drug scam, a bad drug deal, and punishment for drug theft or illegal use of drugs.

If a drug crime charge keeps you up at night, consult our attorneys and get the counsel you need to resolve your legal matters: 713-766-3733.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Get Jail Time in Texas?

Judges have broad discretion when it comes to sentencing drug offenders. First-time offenders that do not have any prior felony convictions, however, can get probation only as mandated by Texas law.

With attorney intervention, you will likely have a better chance of qualifying for alternative sentencing, such as the Tarrant County First Offender Drug Offender Program with a first arrest. Through this, your case can be dismissed and might be eligible for expunction.

In situations where you have been arrested for felony drug charges without a conviction, you might still be entitled to probation under a special provision—Section 42A—of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Contact our attorneys to see if your case qualifies for alternative sentencing at 713-766-3733.

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes?

More than one of every nine arrests by law enforcement is for drug possession, resulting in more than 1.25 million arrests yearly. In Texas, possession of marijuana is the most common drug crime.

Penalties for drug crimes depend on the illegal substance, amount of the drug, and type of criminal activity. Sentences for drug charges in Texas include:

• Class A misdemeanor—One year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000
• Class B misdemeanor—180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
• State jail felony—180 days in jail and up to two years in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000
• Third-degree felony—two to 10 years in prison
• Second-degree felony—two to 20 years in prison
• First-degree felony—five to life in prison

Penalties for drug crimes vary; the more significant the allegation, the greater the sentence. Don’t go it alone without legal representation.

Can I Get a Better Deal with a Drug Crimes Lawyer?

Saving one person from death or violence due to drug manufacturing or trafficking is enough for the prosecution to push for the maximum sentence. Getting more drug abusers off the street is incentive enough for Texas.

We look at possible defense strategies and alternative sentencing options, such as rehab and treatment programs to win a drug possession case. Examples might include lab testing issues, insufficient evidence, and more.

A reputable drug crimes lawyer like Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, and the best defense strategies to fight the allegations against you are vital ingredients to a more successful conclusion. Use your consultation to discuss your case at 713-766-3733.