Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
The narcotics laws in Texas are strictly enforced and individuals facing drug charges can be sent to prison for even minor offenses. Being convicted of a drug crime can also lead to severe financial penalties and six months’ loss of a driver’s license.
If you are facing drug charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. For over 20 years, Navarrete and Schwartz, P.C. have helped individuals in West Texas fight a wide range of state and federal drug charges.
Drug Crimes in Texas
Drug crimes are governed by the Texas Controlled Substances Act, including:
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to distribute/sell
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing or cultivation
In addition, controlled substances are classified into specific penalty groups under the Texas Health and Safety Code as follows:
- Penalty Group I – substances such as GHB, cocaine, heroin, hydrocodone and oxycodone
- Penalty Group 1A – a special classification for the hallucinogen LSD
- Penalty Group 2 – substances with a high potential for abuse, including PCP, Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), mescaline and amphetamines
- Penalty Group 3 – prescription drugs such as Xanax, Valium, Ritalin, methadone, steroids
- Penalty Group 4 – compounds or mixtures that contain limited amounts of narcotics and one or more active medical ingredients
The penalties for the possession, manufacture, or sale of drugs in these penalty groups depend on a number of factors including the classification, quantity, whether other crimes are involved, and whether there are past convictions or prior offenses. However, the possession or sale of substances in groups one and two are charged as felonies. While the possession of substances in groups three and four without a prescription may be charged as a misdemeanor, the illegal sale or manufacture of these drugs is considered felonies.
Marijuana Possession and Sale
The possession, sale, and cultivation (or possession with intent to sell) of marijuana is illegal. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug because it has no recognized medical use in Texas, unlike other states that have legalized medical marijuana. Penalties are determined by the amount possessed, cultivated, or sold, and there are increased penalties for possession, or sale to a minor, within a drug-free school zone.
Drug Possession Attorney Serving Odessa and Midland
While drug use is prevalent in our society, being convicted of a drug crime in West Texas can cause long-lasting damage to your reputation and prevent you from keeping or finding a job. Regardless of the charge, the highly skilled criminal defense attorneys at Navarrete & Schwartz, P.C. will develop a legal strategy in order to achieve a successful outcome.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
There are many defenses available in these cases, including illegal search and seizure by law enforcement. While we will fight for an acquittal, we may seek to have the charges reduced, depending on the circumstances of your case. In Texas, you may also be eligible for alternative sentencing in exchange for your participation in a drug rehabilitation program. If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a drug crime, call our office today at (432) 279-1479 for a consultation.
Located in Midland, Texas the law firm of Navarrete and Schwartz, P.C. serves clients in Odessa in Ector County as well as Andrews, Martin, Howard, Winkler, and Crane Counties.