Drug possession is the most common criminal offense in Texas. Drug possession is a serious offense in Texas, with penalties varying depending on the type and amount of the substance. Texas law classifies drugs into Penalty Groups, with Group 1 being the most severe, including substances like cocaine and methamphetamine, and Group 4 consisting mainly of prescription drugs.
If you are charged with drug possession, you will want a good criminal defense attorney and you can call Sugar Land Criminal Defense Lawyer Adam Capetillo 24/7. He is an experienced attorney who is known for fighting passionately on behalf of his clients. He can help you build the best possible defense.
When Can You Be Charged With Drug Possession in Sugar Land, Texas?
A person can be charged with drug possession if they knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription from a person licensed to practice medicine.
The police can charge you with drug possession if they find drugs in your pockets or anywhere else on your body. You can also be charged with drug possession if the drugs were in a place you normally control or could easily reach, such as your car, apartment, or the cushions of a couch you were sitting on.
What Substances Are Most Commonly Involved in Sugar Land Drug Possession Charges?
The list of controlled substances can be found in the Texas Health and Safety Code. The drugs are divided into penalty groups based on their dangerousness. Some of the substances most commonly involved in Sugar Land drug possession charges include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and ecstasy.
What is the Penalty for Drug Possession in Sugar Land?
For small amounts, penalties might be less severe, potentially leading to misdemeanor charges, with the consequences including fines and short-term incarceration. However, possession of larger amounts or more dangerous substances generally leads to felony charges, resulting in substantial fines, prolonged imprisonment, or both. When it is you experiencing the punishment, the consequences will always seem harsh and, in many cases, frightening. Avoiding conviction will be a high priority.
The penalties for drug possession range from Class B misdemeanors to first-degree felonies, depending primarily on the type of controlled substance and the amount possessed. Other factors that can influence sentencing include whether minor children were involved in the commission of the offense, your prior criminal history, and the possession of additional drug paraphernalia.
In Texas, a conviction for drug possession could result in the following penalties:
- Jail/prison time ranging from 180 days to life;
- Fines,
- Probation,
- Community service,
- Mandatory drug addiction treatment,
- Permanent criminal record, and
- Suspension of your driver’s license.
In addition, a criminal record with a drug possession conviction has many collateral consequences. It can potentially affect your ability to get a job, cost you your job, and make you ineligible for certain jobs and professions. You may be ineligible for student loans and grants, approval for government-assisted housing, and even college or school admission. On a personal level, a criminal record may negatively affect special relationships with your spouse/significant others, your parents, your extended family, and friends.
Your Sugar Land Criminal Defense Attorney
Texas has been known for its stringent drug laws, reflecting its “reputation” for law and order. However, the state has made some progress in drug policy reform, with the legalization of limited medical cannabis use and the reduction of penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana in some jurisdictions.
Despite these reforms, drug possession in Texas can have long-lasting repercussions, impacting employment, education, and housing opportunities. Advocates argue that a more rehabilitative approach focusing on treatment and education could more effectively address substance abuse and addiction issues, as opposed to punitive measures which often exacerbate these problems.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug possession charges, you should reach out to experienced and client-focused Sugar Land criminal defense attorney, Adam Capetillo. He is a longtime resident of the area, knows the local court system very well, and will use it to your advantage. A Fort Bend County native, he will protect your rights and provide a skilled and aggressive defense. Call 346-249-5544 24/7. Attorney Adam Capetillo is available and will answer the phone. When you are in trouble, the Capetillo Law Firm is here to help.
