If you’re reading this now, chances are that you’ve just been accused of a drug-related crime or some kind of involvement in illegal activity involving drugs. Unfortunately, from the outside looking in, it can be very easy to judge someone without adequate evidence to show their guilt. This is seldom more evident than when it comes to drug-related crimes.
You might be worried about the outcome and concerned for your future. You need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the law, since there are a number of factors to keep in mind in these situations, from potential mandatory minimum sentences to federal jurisdiction. The first step to take is to seek out the counsel of an experienced Fort Worth drug lawyer.
You Don’t Have to Put Your Future at Risk
If you are convicted of a drug offense, you may be subject to very serious criminal penalties. While many countries have decriminalized drugs, there are still significant consequences for possession and use in the U.S., especially in Texas. Some drug-related criminal offenses include:
- Possession
- Sale and distribution
- Manufacture
- Trafficking
- Federal drug crimes
- State drug crimes
What most people don’t realize is that there are two types of common drug charges, possession and possession with the intent to deliver. While both of these are felony offenses, a conviction for possession with intent to deliver carries way more serious penalties.
The two main factors that go into determining the type of charge you’ll face are how much of the drug you allegedly had in your possession and whether or not you had anything else that might suggest you were planning to sell it.
It’s important to keep in mind that Texas law enforcement officers will search your car and may even be looking for evidence that suggests drug distribution, like scales or baggies for packaging. They tend to also look at other factors, like if you had multiple separate bags of drugs present or if there was a large amount of cash on hand.
Regardless of what the circumstances were at the time of your arrest, it’s important to be honest with your drug lawyer about what happened and provide us with lots of details so we can successfully defend you. It might shock you to discover that even hard drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine have been used to frame innocent people, and many people are unaware of how easily this could happen.
Facing a drug-related conviction in Fort Worth is no laughing matter. These offenses could result in a felony conviction, hefty fines, and lengthy jail time. That’s why it’s so important to consult with an experienced drug lawyer as soon as you can if you’re being investigated or have been charged with a drug crime. This is true even if you know you’re innocent.
Texas’s Tough Drug Laws
Texas has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. For simple possession of a controlled substance you could face up to two years in a state jail and $10,000 in fines. This is just for a small amount of drugs. If the manufacture or delivery of controlled substances is added, you’re likely to get hit with an even harsher sentence under Texas law.
One of the most common mistakes people who have been charged with drug crimes in Fort Worth make is assuming they can handle the situation on their own. While it’s true that many people charged with minor drug offenses in Texas are able to avoid jail time, there are a number of factors that can lead to a conviction, such as:
- The type and amount of drugs involved
- Prior convictions
- Whether you were near a school or daycare center at the time of arrest
- Whether you were carrying a weapon
Reach Out for a Free Consultation in Fort Worth
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, it’s in your best interests to talk to a lawyer immediately. But don’t automatically assume the worst. A drug charge does not have to be the end of the world.
Your Fort Worth drug lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities and plan a strategic defense strategy. Call Hoeller McLaughlin PLLC today at 817-334-7900, or check out our online contact form below to find out how we can assist you.
