DRUG CRIMES ATTORNEY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

In Texas, drug crimes are not taken lightly in any way. As a result, you could be facing devastating penalties such as time in jail or large fines. Because of these serious consequences, you need a serious defense on your side every step of the way.

At Davis-Jones Law in Austin, Texas, I have spent nearly two decades working with clients who have been charged with drug crimes from all over the state. I’m passionate, persistent, and communicative with all of my clients to help them seek the result that they deserve. If you live in Travis, Williamson, Caldwell, or Hayes County, contact my office today to schedule a free consultation.

WHAT TYPES OF DRUG CRIMES ARE THERE?

Drug charges can come in many forms throughout any step of the supply chain process. From manufacturing to consuming, you can be punished if the police have any reason to believe you are dealing with illegal substances. You can be charged with one or several of the following crimes:

• Drug possession and sales

• Drug cultivation (growing plants)

• Manufacture of drugs

• Drug trafficking, importation, and transportation

• Conspiracy to violate drug laws

• Prescription drug fraud

• Illegal possession of prescription drugs

• Possession of chemicals used in drug manufacturing

DOES THE TYPE OF DRUG AFFECT THE PUNISHMENT?

Absolutely. Texas state law, like most states, explicitly categorizes each kind of controlled substance and puts them into a “penalty group.” These four groups lie on the spectrum of most dangerous and likelihood of abuse to least dangerous with less likelihood of abuse:

• Penalty Group 1 (most serious consequences): this category of drugs includes cocaine, mescaline, ketamine, methamphetamine (also known as meth and crystal meth), opioids including painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, and codeine, heroin, and more.

• Penalty Group 2: This group includes hashish and other cannabinoids taken from cannabis or marijuana. You can also find PCP and ecstasy in this category.

• Penalty Group 3: Opiates and opioids that are not listed above in addition to anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines, and sedatives like Valium and Ritalin. Prescription drugs that have a depressant or stimulant effect and the potential for addictive abuse are included in group 3 as well.

• Penalty Group 4 (consequences are less harsh): This last group includes opiates and opioids not listed in Penalty Groups 1 or 3, as well as chemical compounds and some prescription drugs.

HOW MUCH TIME COULD YOU BE FACING?

These crimes that you could be convicted of vary in severity. Consequently, your conviction can result in a range of different punishments. Here are some examples of Group 1 drug crimes and their respective punishments:

• Less than one gram is a state felony punishable by 180 days to two years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines

• 200-400 grams is a first-degree felony with five to 99 years in state prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000

• 400 grams or more is an enhanced first-degree felony punishable by ten to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000

If you have a drug crime involving a Group 2, 3, or 4 categorized drug, your punishments could be less harsh, but still have a large impact on your life. Even the smallest amount of drugs in your possession could result in a felony charge, so it’s essential to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so they can begin working on your case.