Houston Drug Crimes Attorneys

Your Defender Against Drug-Related Charges in Houston, TX

If you have been charged with drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing in Houston, Texas, it is important to understand the legal repercussions you may face. Drug offenses are taken very seriously in Texas, and arrests and convictions can result in severe penalties such as fines, probation, mandatory drug treatment programs, loss of employment opportunities, and even imprisonment. When your future is at stake due to these charges, it is crucial to seek immediate legal representation from an experienced attorney who will treat your case with compassion and care while fighting to protect your rights.

At Bennett & Bennett, our skilled team of criminal-defense attorneys understands the complexities involved in drug crime cases, and we have a successful track record of defending clients against these charges. We are dedicated to advocating for you throughout every stage of the legal process, and we will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy that is based on the unique circumstances of your case.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation

The outcome of a drug-possession case can affect multiple aspects of your life, including your personal relationships, professional opportunities, financial stability, and your overall reputation within the community. This is why having an experienced criminal-defense attorney by your side is essential. Our attorneys are well-versed in drug crime cases, and they have comprehensive knowledge of Texas state laws pertaining to controlled substances as well as local court procedures. Our team can provide valuable insights into how prosecutors approach these cases, and we can develop effective strategies aimed at achieving the best possible outcome for you.

Types of Drug Offenses

Drug crimes may involve a wide variety of illegal activities related to controlled substances. These offenses include possession of controlled substances without a prescription or proper authorization, selling or distributing controlled substances to others, manufacturing or packaging substances with the intent of distributing them, trafficking drugs across state lines or international borders, operating a "drug house" or a facility that promotes the use of illegal controlled substances, possessing or distributing drug paraphernalia, and many more.

The penalties for drug crimes can vary depending on the types of substances involved in a case. Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, drugs are divided into several different Penalty Groups, and the level of offense will be based on a drug's classification and the amount involved. Many of the most serious charges will apply in cases involving substances in Penalty Group 1, which include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription opioids such as oxycodone. The penalties for possessing these drugs can range from a state jail felony for possession of less than one gram, to a prison sentence of 10 years to life for possession of more than 400 grams. Manufacturing or distributing these substances will result in more serious penalties, with first degree felony charges applying for any amount more than four grams.

While the charges for possession, distribution, or manufacturing of drugs in other Penalty Groups may be less severe than for substances in Penalty Group 1, a conviction can still lead to serious penalties. While marijuana has been legalized in other states, it is still an illegal controlled substance in Texas, and possession or distribution of marijuana or THC will be treated in a similar manner as other types of drug charges. In fact, possession of processed THC, for example marijuana edibles, is itself a felony.

Possible Defense Strategies

When building a defense strategy in cases involving drug crimes, we will carefully evaluate every aspect of your case, including the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Our attorneys may explore potential defenses centered around:

1. Illegal search and seizure: While many drug charges are based on substances recovered following a search of a person's body, vehicle, or home, the Fourth Amendment provides protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement personnel conducted an unlawful search without a warrant or probable cause, any evidence they recovered may not be allowed to be used in a criminal trial. By suppressing the evidence against you, we may be able to have your charges dismissed.
2. Lack of possession: A prosecutor must prove that you had actual knowing possession—care, custody, control, or management—of illegal drugs. We will challenge their ability to establish this element beyond a reasonable doubt based on the available evidence.
3. Doubts regarding substance identification: By assessing the scientific accuracy of the testing procedures used by law enforcement, we may be able to challenge the prosecution's claims about the types of substances involved in your case or the quantities of the drugs in question.
4. Mistaken identity: In some cases involving drug offenses, multiple people may have been present at the time of the alleged crime or during a raid or search. If we can raise doubts about whether you were present at the time of the alleged offense or whether you may have been falsely identified, it may be possible to have your charges dropped.
   

Contact Our Houston Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys

At Bennett & Bennett, our skilled criminal defense attorneys have a deep understanding of the procedures followed in Houston's criminal courts, and we know how to address multiple different types of drug-related offenses. We will work closely with you to determine the best options for resolving your case, including helping you understand whether you may qualify for dismissal or diversion that will allow you to avoid a conviction. With our compassionate approach, you can be sure that we will treat your case with the care it deserves while advocating for creative solutions that will allow you to avoid long-term consequences. Contact us today at 713-224-1747 for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.