What to do when arrested for drug possession in Texas

Considering its proximity to the United States-Mexico border, Texas enforces some of the strictest drug possession and controlled substance laws in the country. If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Denton County, TX, contact Wheeler Law Office immediately. Convictions can cost you thousands of dollars and land you in jail for an extended period of time. With drug cases, agencies other than police departments can get involved. DEA and FBI agents may ask to question you in some circumstances. It is vital that you reserve your right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before answering any questions from law enforcement. Law enforcement and federal agencies are often known for bending the law to get innocent people to confess to crimes they did not commit, especially in cases of drug possession. Upon arrest, cooperate with police and be courteous, but ask to speak with an attorney before answering any of their questions no matter what.

TYPES OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Texas law classifies controlled substances into four categories. These four different categories carry different sentences and vary in severity.

Group 1 (most dangerous and addictive, up to $10,000 fine and/or up to life in prison, depending on the substance)

  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Morphine
  • Opium
  • Oxycodone

Group 2 (Highly addictive hallucinogens, up to $10,000 fine and/or up to life in prison)

  • Amphetamine
  • MDMA/Molly
  • Ecstasy
  • Mescaline

Group 3 (Prescription medicines, up to $4,000 fine and/or one year in jail)

  • Xanax
  • Steroids
  • Adderall/Ritalin
  • Hydrocodone

Group 4 (mixed compounds containing codeine or opium, up to $4,000 fine and/or one year in jail)

If you are in possession of larger amounts of drugs, you can be charged with intent to distribute which can lead to fines of $50,000 and prison sentences upwards of 99 years.

GETTING CAUGHT IN “DRUG FREE” ZONES

Even if you are in possession of a small amount of marijuana, like a joint, you could still face serious charges. If you are found to be in possession of an illegal controlled substance in a “drug-free” zone, you can find yourself facing serious penalties including jail time and thousands of dollars in fees. Certain areas like schools, playgrounds, and daycare centers are obvious drug-free zones, but many college and university campuses fall under the same distinction. You may face serious charges for buying a dimebag in a campus parking lot. Committing drug related crimes in these areas leads to additional jail time and fees.

If you have been arrested on drug possession charges, contact Wheeler Law Office immediately at (940) 465-3178 or visit our website. Our legal team is dedicated to aggressively defending our clients and achieving the best possible outcome. Being charged with drug possession can be a life-altering event. You need a lawyer that will relentlessly defend you to ensure that you are given the proper representation. We offer free consultation, flat fees, and payment plans to ensure this already difficult process does not get any more difficult.