Drug Possession Defense Lawyers in Galveston

Protecting Clients’ Legal Rights

Facing drug charges in Texas can be terrifying, as the Lone Star State is well-known for its harsh punishments against illegal drug offenders. These criminal charges are extremely serious and may be severely punished according to the type of drug, the amount in your possession, and whether you were caught possessing drug paraphernalia. You could face up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 if you are convicted of a Texas drug crime. If you are facing charges for drug crimes in Texas, you need a drug crimes defense attorney immediately.

An experienced Texas drug crime lawyer can help explain your legal options and help you fight your charges. Our team of criminal defense attorneys can often get the charges reduced or the whole case dropped. We understand Texas drug laws and will fight tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your unique circumstances.

Our legal team is led by Attorney Mark Metzger III, who has a background in the Marines and was a linebacker at Texas A&M. Attorney Metzger leads our team fearlessly when developing a strong defense to protect our clients. We will stop at nothing when investigating the details behind your drug charges to find holes in the prosecution’s case. Call our law firm immediately at 713-597-2677 for excellent legal counsel from lawyers who will fight aggressively for you.

What Drugs Are Considered Illegal in the State of Texas?

Drug offenses in Texas vary depending on what type of illegal drugs or controlled substances are involved. If you have been accused of a drug crime, you should understand the seriousness of this situation and work with a skilled Texas drug possession lawyer to fight a drug conviction.

Drug Types

The Texas Controlled Substances Act outlines various penalty groups according to the nature of different controlled substances, including illegal drugs and prescription drugs. Texas law considers four basic penalty groups, with some smaller subgroups. The lower the group number, the more dangerous the drug, resulting in more serious consequences.

The penalty groups are as follows:

• Penalty Group 1 – These dangerous drugs are considered to have no known medical use, and a conviction of possession can lead to very severe penalties. Some examples of Penalty Group 1 drugs are cocaine, methamphetamine, codeine, methadone, LSD, and heroin.
• Penalty Group 2 – The substances in this penalty group are slightly less dangerous than group 1 and include ecstasy, PCP, Adderall, THC, and mescaline.
• Penalty Group 3 – These drugs include prescription drugs that are still highly regulated in Texas. Penalty Group 3 includes Valium, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Ritalin, Xanax, and testosterone.
• Penalty Group 4 – This penalty group includes controlled substances such as opium, morphine, and other addictive prescription medications.

What Penalties Come with a Drug Possession Conviction?

A drug conviction can come with severe consequences, including up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Depending on your age, you could also face license suspension of up to a year. The penalties depend on the type of drug, whether you are charged with simple possession or trafficking, and other circumstances. To avoid the hefty fines and time in prison, please reach out to a Texas drug crime lawyer for help.

Illegal Possession

Possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana possession, can result in steep penalties. For example, possession of over 400 grams of a Penalty Group 1 substance would be considered an enhanced first-degree felony, resulting in at least 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.

On the other hand, you could be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor for possessing a small amount of a substance from groups two through four. A conviction for these charges could still result in jail time and up to $2,000 in fines. Legal representation is essential to avoid felony charges and severe consequences such as a life sentence. Contact our legal team for help navigating your criminal defense case.

Drug Paraphernalia

Your drug charges could result in steeper penalties if you are convicted of possession of drug paraphernalia, such as a scale, which could indicate that you plan to distribute the illegal drugs. Additionally, the greater the amount of illegal drugs in your possession, the heftier the fines, as you might face a trafficking conviction.

Drug-Free Zones

You may also have your charges enhanced if you were caught with drugs in a drug-free zone. Drug-free zones in Texas include school properties, public swimming pools, and school buses.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight My Drug Possession Charges?

Being caught with an illegal drug or an illegal amount of a controlled substance can have serious negative impacts on your personal and professional life. You could lose your driving privileges, have your professional license revoked, face jail time or prison, and face a criminal record that haunts you for years.

A Texas drug crime lawyer can help you interact with law enforcement, including knowing when to exercise your right to remain silent. They can help develop a strategy that gets your charges reduced or even dismissed. Reach out to our criminal defense team now to get the representation you need.

Should You Hire Our Drug Possession Defense Attorneys?

At Metzger Law Firm, PLLC, we understand how scary it can be to face charges for drug offenses in Texas. We will stand by your side as we fight for your rights and construct a strong defense to prevent you from receiving the maximum sentence.

Our skilled legal team will investigate the details of your alleged crimes to uncover important evidence, including whether you were the one in possession of the drugs or if the arresting officer conducted an illegal search. When you hire our team of attorneys, you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of experienced, knowledgeable lawyers who are determined to get a favorable outcome in your case. Call 713-597-2677 now for a free consultation.