Pearland Drug Crime Lawyer
Texas police and prosecutors take drug crimes very seriously. They still hold the antiquated view that the government is waging a “War on Drugs.” The casualties of that war have been, and remain, non-violent low-level offenders who fill up the prisons in Texas and around the country. If you have been arrested or charged with a drug crime in Texas, whether the drug in question is a pharmaceutical like fentanyl, a street drug like methamphetamine, or even marijuana, it is vital that you have a passionate, zealous legal advocate on your side. Texas prosecutors love nothing more than to throw the book at alleged “drug traffickers” in order to prove that they are “cleaning up the streets.”
Dedicated and savvy Texas drug crime defense law firm Keith B. French Law, PLLC is here to stand by your side and fight for your rights. The Firm’s Pearland drug crime defense lawyer has extensive experience defending clients against all manner of charges, combined with a deep level of trial experience in both private and government practice. Keith B. French Law fights to make sure everyday Americans get the same treatment and protection as every defendant deserves, regardless of their income or background. Whether the Firm gets your charges reduced with a favorable plea bargain, has your case dropped entirely, or battles your charges all the way through trial and appeal, Keith B. French Law is with you every step of the way. The Firm represent clients charged with all types of drug crimes, including misdemeanors and felonies.
Defending Texans Against State and Federal Charges
Texas and federal law both prohibit a variety of drug crimes. While state law is generally the exclusive venue for prosecuting simple possession, other activities including sale, importation, trafficking, cultivation, manufacture, and conspiracy may be charged at both the state and federal levels. Attorney Keith B. French has years of experience helping clients with matters of both Texas state and federal law. Whether your charges come from the Harris County prosecutor or the United States Attorney’s Office, Keith B. French Law is ready to defend you.
Drug Penalties Under Texas Controlled Substance Act
Texas law prohibits the possession, manufacture, and distribution of a variety of controlled substances, including illegal distribution of pharmaceutical products. Texas categorizes controlled substances into four groups, with Group 1 punished the most severely and Group 4 carrying the lowest penalties.
Group 1 includes opioids (including codeine, hydrocodone, and other painkillers), heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and ketamine. Possession of less than a gram of these drugs is a state jail felony punishable by up to two years in jail. Penalties increase significantly depending on quantity, with possession of over 200 grams punishable by life in prison.
Group 2 includes ecstasy (MDMA), PCP, psychedelic mushrooms, and amphetamines. Punishment for possession starts at six months to two years for less than a gram, while possession of greater than 400 grams is a first-degree felony punishable by life in prison.
Group 3 includes benzodiazepines, anabolic steroids, valium, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Possession of fewer than 28 grams is punishable as a misdemeanor, while possession of over 400 grams is a first-degree felony.
Finally, group 4 includes a variety of other prescription medications, including overlap with some of the opioids punishable in group 1. Possession of fewer than 28 grams is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, while possession of greater quantities is punishable as a felony.
Penalties for simple possession tend to be lower than penalties for sale or possession with the intent to distribute. In all cases, serious fines, imprisonment, and other penalties are on the table. There are no minor drug crimes under Texas law, which is why you need a seasoned drug crime defense lawyer advocating for you from day one after your arrest. Do not let a single drug conviction derail your life. Keith B. French Law is ready to take your case.
Texas Marijuana Charges
Cannabis legalization is a growing movement around the country. A number of states have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults, and a large majority have legalized marijuana for medicinal use. At the federal level, numerous Congresspersons in the House and the Senate have expressed support for decriminalizing marijuana in 2021. Signs are good that cannabis will no longer be a crime in the country in the near future.
Unfortunately, that time has not yet come. Marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under federal law with stiff penalties for importation and distribution. In Texas, possession of any amount of marijuana is at least a misdemeanor, and possession or sale of larger amounts is a felony. Texas does allow some medical marijuana usage, but the program is extremely restricted.
The current penalties for marijuana possession and sale in the State of Texas include:
- Possession of 2 oz or less: Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.
- Possession of 2-4 oz: Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
- Possession of 4 oz to 5 lbs: Felony, punishable by 180 days to 2 years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
- Possession of larger quantities: More serious felonies with penalties ranging from 2-10 years to 5-life in prison, depending on the quantity.
Sale or delivery of marijuana of less than 7 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor, with less severe penalties if the marijuana was given as a gift. Sale or delivery of more than 7 grams is a felony, with penalties ranging from 180 days in jail to life in prison for large quantities or if the marijuana was sold to a minor.
Texas police and prosecutors are more than happy to charge even minor possession of marijuana, despite the growing legalization movement. Do not let aggressive prosecutors railroad you into accepting a plea far harsher than you deserve. The seasoned cannabis defense lawyer at Keith B. French Law can help you fight back against overly aggressive marijuana charges, find ways to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and the police officers’ conduct, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout every step of your case.
Keith B. French Law is Here to Fight Your Pearland Drug Crime Charges
If you have been charged with a drug crime in Pearland, contact Keith B. French Law, PLLC. Attorney Keith B. French makes sure everyday Americans get the same exceptional legal defense as the wealthy elite. The Firm represent defendants charged with the manufacture, possession, and distribution of all types of controlled substances. Call Keith B. French Law today, a Houston drug crimes attorney for a free consultation and find out how the Firm can protect your family, your freedom, and your future.
