In Texas, several charges are associated with drug trafficking, including simple possession, possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to deliver, and possession with intent to manufacture. Most drug trafficking cases revolve around these fundamental charges.
If you find yourself associated with the wrong crowd or make a mistake even just once, you could end up facing serious felony charges. If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, it’s crucial to hire our Texas Drug Trafficking Lawyers promptly.
Drug Trafficking in Texas Law
Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act §481.112, drug trafficking includes manufacturing, delivering, or having the intent to distribute an illegal drug. If this happens confined within Texas, it becomes a state-level case.
- The actions that count as drug trafficking vary based on the drugs’ type and quantity. Having a large quantity, exceeding personal use, can lead to such charges.
- Even without direct proof of intent to sell, the prosecution can use indirect evidence like scales, bags, money, and notes showing you were getting ready to distribute a controlled substance.
The punishment can be worse if the crime occurs in a drug-free place, like a school or playground. Moreover, those with previous convictions may face harsher sentences.
State and Federal Consequences of Drug Trafficking Charges
Whether someone is found guilty of drug trafficking depends on the schedule group of the substance, the amount involved, and if the person has past drug crimes. The length of time in jail can change based on the seriousness of the crime and other factors.
- State Jail Felony: People may be in a state jail for 180 days to 2 years and pay up to $10,000 in fines.
- Third-Degree Felony: Convictions may lead to 2 to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Second-Degree Felony: Those found guilty might face 2 to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
- First-Degree Felony: Can result in prison time ranging from 5 to 99 years or life in prison, along with fines of up to $10,000.
Federal drug trafficking offenses come with the following penalties:
- Schedule I and II substances can lead to imprisonment for up to 30 years and/or fines up to $10 million.
- Schedule III drugs may result in a maximum of 10 years in prison and/or fines up to $2 million.
- For Schedule IV drugs, offenders could face a sentence of up to 6 years in prison and/or fines up to $2 million.
- Schedule V drugs: Convictions can lead to up to 2 years in prison and/or fines of up to $500,000.
If the crime happened in a school or protected area, the court might impose even more severe charges.
Legal Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges
For these serious charges, you need a Texas Drug Trafficking Attorney from Texas Criminal Defense Group to protect your rights, prevent overreach, and build the best defense possible including:
- Insufficient Evidence: Your defense lawyer may argue there’s not enough proof for a drug trafficking conviction, possibly due to a lack of physical evidence.
- Illegal Search: If law enforcement lacked a valid search warrant, your attorney can use this as a defense against the charges.
- Lack of Intent: To convict you of drug trafficking, there must be enough evidence of intent to distribute or sell drugs. Without this evidence, the prosecution can’t convict you.
- Breach of Constitutional Rights: Officers must respect your constitutional rights throughout your case. If your attorney finds a breach, we can use it to dismiss your charges.
- Entrapment: Our attorneys may argue you were unfairly tricked by state or federal agencies, weakening the legal basis for the charges against you.
Consult Texas Criminal Defense Group Today
We are a team of highly skilled and experienced drug trafficking lawyers at your disposal. Our goal is always to get your case dismissed, and we use our large docket and experience to your advantage in that regard.
At Texas Criminal Defense Group, cost-of-trial is always included in our fees should that be an advantageous route for your case, and our dedication to the pursuit of Justice shows in over 500 5-star reviews from our hundreds of satisfied clients.
With offices conveniently located throughout Texas, our law firm ensures accessibility for individuals facing drug trafficking charges across the state.
Contact us today to begin your free consultation.