Drug possession can lead to time behind bars, fines, and a permanent criminal record. This is a very scary situation, but remember, you have hope. Our Houston drug charges lawyer will aggressively defend you against your criminal charges, fighting for your freedom and your future.
Our team is dedicated to Keeping Innocent People Innocent.
Penalties for Drug Possession in Houston
The drug charges you face depend on the type of substance as well as the amount of the substance in question. Below, we have detailed the penalties for possession of a few different substances as examples. Call a Houston criminal defense lawyer at Blass Law today to get started.
Cocaine Penalties
Per Texas Health and Safety Code (481.115), it is against the law to possess, manufacture, or deliver any amount of cocaine. The penalties you face depend on how much coke you had on you as well as whether you’re charged with manufacturing or delivering.
Possession of Cocaine
- Possession of cocaine under 1 gram: a state jail felony, 6 months to two years in state jail and/or fines up to $10,000
- Possession of 1 to fewer than 4 grams: a third-degree felony, 2 to 10 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000
- Possession of 4 to fewer than 200 grams: a second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000
- Possession of 200 to fewer than 400 grams: a first-degree felony, 5 to 99 years in prison and/or fines up to $10,000
- Possession of more than 400 grams: a first-degree felony, a minimum of 10 years to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000
Delivery of Cocaine
Under 1 gram is punishable by 6 months to 2 years in state jail. The penalties are much more severe for higher amounts. Delivery of cocaine of over 400 grams is punishable by a sentence of 15 to 99 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.
Manufacturing Cocaine
The penalties for delivery of cocaine also apply to manufacturing cocaine.
Ecstasy/MDMA Penalties
The amount of MDMA you are accused of possessing, manufacturing, or delivering determines your penalties.
Possession of MDMA
- Under 1 gram: state jail felony, 6 months to 2 years in state jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- 1 gram to fewer than 4 grams: third-degree felony, 2 to 10 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- 4 grams to fewer than 400 grams: second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- More than 400 grams: first-degree felony, 5 years to 99 years and/or up to $50,000 in fines
Manufacture or Delivery of Ecstasy
- Under 1 gram: state jail felony, 6 months to 2 years in state jail and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- 1 gram to fewer than 4 grams: second-degree felony, 2 to 20 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- 4 grams to fewer than 400 grams: first-degree felony, 5 to 99 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- More than 400 grams: first-degree felony, minimum of 15 years in prison to life in prison and/or up to $100,000 in fines
Marijuana Penalties
Yes, marijuana is still illegal in Texas!
While most support legalizing marijuana, possession, delivery, and manufacture of marijuana is still illegal. The penalties you face depend on the charge, the amount of marijuana, and whether you allegedly received money or other payment for the drugs. Charges range from a class B misdemeanor to a first-degree felony with prison time and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
A Houston Drug Possession Lawyer can help you learn more about the punishments you might face. If this is your first offense, you could be eligible for probation. You may not need to serve any time behind bars.
For a legal consultation with a drug possession lawyer serving Houston, call 713-225-1900
A Houston Drug Possession Lawyer Can Help You Determine Whether You Qualify for Harris County RIC Court
Possession of a controlled substance less than 1 gram is a state jail felony. In Harris County, RIC Court has been created for these lower level drug offenses. RIC stands for Responsive Interventions for Change.
The prosecutors in RIC court know they don’t go to trial. If a case is set for trial or a suppression hearing in RIC court, it is transferred back to the home court. For this reason, any suppression issues or guilt innocence issues can take longer in RIC court.
Lawyer for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession With Intent to Deliver in Houston: Don’t Get Caught Without an Experienced Attorney
Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Houston? Charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute? If so, it’s critical that you contact criminal defense attorney Jay Blass Cohen as soon as possible. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be facing very serious penalties if convicted.
As a knowledgeable, experienced possession of a controlled substance defense attorney, he will review the details of your case carefully, educate you on what your charges mean and what the best method of defense is, and fight vigorously on your behalf to ensure you are represented better than anyone else.
Whether you’ve been charged with possession of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, or another drug in any of Texas’ penalty groups, he will aggressively defend you so you have a chance to beat your charges or significantly reduce any penalties you might be facing.
Houston Drug Possession Attorney 713-225-1900
Charged With Possession of a Controlled Substance in a School Zone?
Under federal law, penalties for possessing controlled substances in a school zone can be increased. Texas law considers a school zone anything within 1,000 feet of school property. Getting caught with drugs in this area can have you facing a serious felony charge that can rob you of your freedom.
That’s why it’s so important that you hire our Houston possession of a controlled substance defense lawyer. We have an understanding of school zone possession violations and have experience in courts throughout Houston. Jay will scrutinize all of the evidence surrounding your case, looking for holes in the evidence and the prosecution’s case to help increase your chances of having your charges dismissed or significantly reduced.
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See How a Houston Drug Possession Lawyer Can Help You Today
If you’re facing drug possession charges or possession of a controlled substance in a school zone in Houston, you are innocent until proven guilty. Now is the time to make sure your rights are protected. Now is the time to fight back. Let Houston drug possession lawyer Jay Cohen take a closer look at your case, so you can get on the path to preserving your freedom.
Call or text 713-225-1900 or complete a Case Evaluation form
