What Are The Drug Charges In Texas?
Drug laws are under the Texas Health and Safety Code and Controlled Substances Act. They classify controlled substances into different schedules (I, II, III, IV, and V, which depend on the potential for abuse and medical use. Those considered the most dangerous belong to Schedule 1, unacceptable for medical use and with a high potential for abuse.
In contrast, substances in the lower schedules have less severe restrictions. These controlled substances cover illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Certain medications without a valid prescription or used for non-medical purposes are also included.
In Texas, drug charges refer to offenses related to the possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking, or sale of controlled substances prohibited by federal law. When caught in the crosshairs of law enforcement, you may face charges depending on the nature of the alleged drug offense.
Types Of Drug Offenses Commonly Prosecuted
Texas law enforcement agencies and prosecutors actively pursue individuals involved in drug-related crimes. The frequent violations encompass a range of activities involving controlled substances, from simple possession to drug trafficking and distribution. Some of the most prevalent types of drug offenses prosecuted in Texas include:
Drug Possession.
Possession with intent to distribute.
Drug trafficking.
Drug manufacturing or cultivation.
Prescription drug offenses.
Drug paraphernalia offenses.
As drugs have discreetly become a norm for many individuals over the past decades, stringent penalties have been imposed for such crimes. Even having just a tiny amount of drugs can land you in jail and cost you hefty fines. However, the law still balances the punishment and the crime to protect the rights of each individual.
Legal Penalties For Drug Convictions
Each drug-related offense carries its own set of legal consequences and penalties, with the severity of punishment often tied to the type and quantity of drugs involved. These are categorized into Penalty Groups: 1, 1-A, 2, 2-A, 3, and 4. Each group is assigned a range of punishments based on the severity of the offense.
Penalty Group 1 comprises the most hazardous substances, carrying penalties equivalent to felony charges. This can result in punishments of up to life imprisonment or a substantial $100,000 fine. This classification predominantly includes opiates/opioids such as cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
Penalty Group 4 entails the mildest consequences for drug-related violations. It encompasses substances like prescription drugs containing small amounts of codeine, such as Tylenol with codeine. A Class B misdemeanor, this penalty group is punishable by fines reaching $2,000 and up to 180 days of incarceration. In more grievous cases, it may also be treated as a felony offense.
The repercussions can be utterly life-changing, so it’s necessary to understand how to navigate the legal system effectively. Find out several ways to defend drug charges legally.
The Medlin Law Firm - Dallas
2550 Pacific Ave #866
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 888-4810
https://www.medlinfirm.com/locations/dallas/
