Have you been charged with drug possession in Fort Worth? Controlled substances are any substance that the United States regulates, and can range from marijuana to cocaine and heroin, to misused prescription drugs, and a variety of others. These drugs are named in the DEA Drug Schedules, and depending on their schedule, carry a variety of penalties and charges. If you are arrested for possession of a controlled substance, your charges state that you were in possession of the drugs, but were not attempting to traffic or deliver them. If you were to be charged with delivery or trafficking of a controlled substance, your charges would come with significantly greater penalties.
During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your charges, the circumstances of your arrest, and the penalties you are facing, as well as have the opportunity to learn about how the team at Cole Paschall Law will work with you as your Fort Worth criminal defense attorney representatives.
How Can Cole Paschall Law Assist if You’re Facing Drug Possession Charges in Fort Worth?
Facing drug possession charges in Texas can seem like a dire situation, but it’s important to remember that being charged does not equate to being guilty.
You are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the state, and they must establish this proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a significant hurdle, even for the most adept prosecutors in Tarrant County.
Mounting a robust defense, especially under the guidance of an experienced Fort Worth criminal defense attorney, can substantially complicate the state’s case against you.
Cole Paschall Law is renowned for its vigorous defense of clients facing criminal charges in Fort Worth, TX. By choosing our firm, you gain the advantage of our unique insights, thanks to our team’s experience as a former judge and former prosecutor. This inside knowledge of the opposition’s strategies provides a significant edge.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with Cole Paschall Law:
- Our legal team will meticulously examine all evidence in your case, including witness statements, police reports, physical evidence, and any available security footage or eyewitness accounts.
- We commit to keeping you fully informed about your case’s progress. We believe that a well-informed client is a satisfied client, and we will ensure you understand each step of the legal process and what to expect as your case advances.
- Should expert testimony benefit your case, we have access to top experts who can provide valuable insights on your behalf.
- We handle all negotiations and discussions with the prosecution. Our goal is to persuade them to either drop or reduce your charges, depending on the specifics of your case.
- If a satisfactory agreement with the prosecution is not feasible, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and represent you in court.
Meanwhile, it’s crucial to only discuss your case with your legal team. This includes avoiding conversations with law enforcement. Uphold your right to remain silent as advised by your attorneys. Do not enter a guilty plea or any other agreement until we have thoroughly reviewed your case.
Contact one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Fort Worth to fight for your freedom. Call our Fort Worth office at (817) 477-4100 to schedule your free consultation.
DEA Drug Schedule
The DEA designates different drugs with “schedules,” categories that indicate their medical use, the possibility of abuse, and more. Each schedule has a different type of penalty associated with it, and each drug in a schedule may have different penalties associated with it depending on use and amount. Below is an overview of the Texas schedules under the Penal Code:
Schedule I
Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high risk of abuse. This includes things like marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD (Group 1-A), heroin, and MDMA.
Schedule II
High risk of abuse, and a high risk of addiction. This class includes Mescaline, Ibogaine, Vicodin, and OxyContin.
Schedule III
Lower (moderate) risk of abuse, and lower risk of addiction. This includes Ketamine, steroids, and testosterone.
SCHEDULE IV
Low potential for abuse, including Xanax, Valium, Atavan, and Ambien.
Schedule V
Lowest potential for abuse and addiction. This includes low-codeine cough medicine and antidiarrheal medicines.
Possession of Scheduled Substances
If you are found to be in possession of a scheduled substance without a prescription, then you will be charged accordingly. Marijuana possession has continued to be treated separately from the rest of the Schedule I drugs and has been legalized, decriminalized, or allowed for medical use in a variety of states.
Possession of Marijuana
Simple possession of marijuana can range from a misdemeanor charge and a possible penalty of 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine for under 2 ounces (no mandatory minimums), to a felony charge with up to 99 years in prison and a $50,000 fine for possession of over 2,000 pounds (mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison).
Schedule I and I-A Penalties
Being arrested in possession of a Schedule I substance carries the harshest punishments and is treated differently because of the nature of possession. LSD is treated per unit, as opposed to by weight. Possession of under 20 units of LSD or less than 1 gram of a Schedule I substance is a state jail felony. Beyond possession of 1 gram, punishments increase and mandatory minimum sentences begin to appear.
Schedule II Penalties
Like Schedule I, less than 1 gram of a Schedule II substance is a state jail felony. Beyond possession of 1 gram, your penalties will increase, and your charges may ultimately be increased to intent to distribute or trafficking depending on the circumstances. We will work with the courts to come to a fair agreement depending on the amount you are in possession of.
Schedule III & IV Penalties
Possession of under an ounce of Schedule III and IV substances is a state jail felony, and the charges increase from there. Simply because these drugs are not treated with the same caution as Schedules II and I does not mean that these charges are not serious, and we will do everything we can to reduce your penalties.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Drug Possession Attorney at Cole Paschall Law Today
If you have been arrested and charged with drug crimes including possession of any controlled substance in Texas, contact us immediately to begin working on your defense. We look forward to speaking to you, and to defending your rights in the Texas courts.
Regardless of your charges, you deserve to face them with your head held high. You have options. Contact our Fort Worth drug possession attorneys to learn how we can fight your charges! Call (817) 477-4100 for a free consultation.
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Misdemeanor Crimes Attorney in Fort Worth
Felony Crimes Attorney in Fort Worth
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Areas We Serve In Tarrant County
Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook, Blue Mound, Burleson, Colleyville, Crowley, Dalworthington Gardens, Edgecliff Village, Euless, Everman, Forest Hill, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Kennedale, Lake Worth, Lakeside, Mansfield, North Richland Hills, Pantego, Pelican Bay, Richland Hills, River Oaks, Saginaw, Sansom Park, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Westlake, Westover Hills, Westworth Village, and White Settlement.
If you require legal assistance in any of these areas within Tarrant County for criminal defense matters, do not hesitate to contact our law firm. Our experienced team is ready to provide you with the representation you need.
