Drug Crimes

Fort Worth Drug Crimes Attorney

Are you facing drug-related charges in Fort Worth, TX? Our Fort Worth drug crimes lawyers understand how stressful the charges can be. As difficult as this may be, you do not need to panic.

There are many steps in between being arrested for a crime and being found guilty, and once you’ve been charged the first thing you should do is contact our aggressive Fort Worth Drug Crimes attorney and start planning your defense strategy.

It’s no secret that drugs are common in Fort Worth. There are many individuals facing drug-related charges, and the consequences can be severe. That’s why having an experienced defense attorney on your side is critical.

Why You Need a Cole Paschall Law Drug Crimes Lawyer

Fort Worth residents who are arrested for controlled substance possession or similar charges face some of the harshest drug penalties in the nation. It is vital to speak with a Fort Worth drug crimes lawyer right away if you were charged with a drug-related crime.

Here at Cole Paschall Law, our Fort Worth drug charges lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of both state and federal drug laws, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the legal system effectively.

This is through assessing the details of the case, scrutinizing the evidence, and identifying any violations of constitutional rights or procedural errors. With our expertise, we can build a strong defense strategy tailored to the specific circumstances, aiming to mitigate penalties, negotiate plea agreements, or, if possible, have the drug crime charges dismissed.

Categories of Drug-Related Offenses

The Texas Controlled Substances Act provides a comprehensive framework for defining controlled substances and various associated offenses. The severity of charges depends on the nature of the activity and the classification of the drug involved. Potential charges include:

• Possession: The prosecution must demonstrate that the accused consciously and deliberately had control over or possessed an illegal drug.
• Trafficking: This charge alleges that the accused intentionally distributed a controlled substance to another individual. Cases can range from simple hand-offs to complex large-scale distribution networks.
• Importation: Charges can vary from unlawfully bringing in small quantities of medication to smuggling substantial amounts of narcotics across international borders.
• Sale: The State of Texas must prove that the individual knowingly and purposefully sold controlled substances. Legal consequences for drug sales can be particularly harsh.
• Manufacturing: Encompasses the creation, cultivation, formulation, alteration, or processing of a substance. Also includes relabeling and repackaging.
• Transportation: Texas imposes strict penalties for the transportation of controlled substances. Defense strategies may include highlighting violations of Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights.

Examples of Drug Crimes You Might Be Charged With

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Drug possession is one of the most common drug crimes. This occurs when someone owns, controls, manages, or has custody of an illegal substance or drug. Typically, possession charges involve illegal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. But you can also face charges for having prescription medications without the right prescription.

For you to be found guilty of possession, you must be aware of possession. It’s up to the prosecution to prove that you knew you had the drugs and that you meant to have them in your possession.

Marijuana Possession

Although some people are allowed to use medical THC in Texas, it is still a controlled substance. The state only allows people who meet strict medical requirements. If you don’t have a medical THC card, you cannot possess or use the substance.

Drug Distribution, Manufacturing, and Trafficking

Possession isn’t the only drug crime. If you are caught with drugs in your possession, there’s a chance you’ll also face charges for the intent to deliver. Drug trafficking charges can be very serious. Depending on your circumstances, the Drug Enforcement Administration or the FBI could get involved, and your case might take place in a federal courtroom with mandatory minimum sentences.

The Consequences of Drug Crimes

Any drug crime-related conviction can have a permanent impact on your life. You can go to prison, face lengthy parole or restrictions on your travel, and have difficulty finding employment or housing due to your criminal record.

Jail Time and Drug Crimes: Drug crimes are much more likely to be felonies than other offenses. If you have a prior offense for the delivery of a controlled substance, your latest drug crime will be a felony. Individuals with two prior charges face even harsher consequences — their third offense is an automatic third-degree felony.

Defending Drug Crime Charges

Not all individuals charged with drug crimes end up convicted. If you work with a drug crimes attorney, you can fight the charges. Your case could be dismissed, or your charges reduced. There are several ways your attorney can fight:

• Lack of Knowledge: Your lawyer may argue that it’s impossible to know who was in possession of the drugs, especially in a vehicle with multiple passengers.
• Illegal Search: The police may not have had a valid reason for conducting a search or traffic stop. If the stop was illegal, evidence obtained may be inadmissible.
• Diversion Programs: There are diversion programs in Tarrant County that could be used to get your case dismissed and help your arrest record be expunged.
• Constitutional Violations: Identifying violations of Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights or procedural errors in the arrest process.

Fort Worth Drug Crimes Defense Strategies

We will conduct a thorough investigation, find any weaknesses in the case against you, and pursue the best possible outcome. Our attorneys realize that there may be addiction issues at the heart of drug crime cases. There are options available for treatment rather than incarceration, and we help people pursue these options when available.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

One of the top ways to fight your charges in Fort Worth is to work with an aggressive and experienced Fort Worth drug crimes attorney. Here at Cole Paschall Law, we know what you have to lose. We work hard to fight for your freedom and make it possible to expunge your arrest record. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you. Call (817) 477-4100 for a free consultation.