Denton Drug Crime Lawyer

Denton Drug Crime Attorney

Cocaine | Ecstasy | Molly | Heroin | Rx Drugs

Drug-related crimes and charges have been on the rise in recent years. Texas law enforcement and federal government agencies have rules against making, selling, and possessing certain drugs. Hiring a Denton drug crime lawyer from The Law Office of Earl Dobson can help you navigate any drug-related charges you may have procured.

Drug Charges and Their Penalties in Denton, TX

Being arrested in Denton County for a drug related offense can cost you your job, driver’s license or even your freedom. Depending on the type of offense, you can either be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, and the cost for each of those and the potential for jail time is dependent upon a variety of factors.

Most drug offenses are categorized by the type of drug, the amount of drug alleged and whether the allegation involves possession, delivery or possession with intent to deliver. The type of drug, the amount you have, and the number of times you have been charged with drug possession will determine the amount in fines and time in incarceration you will pay.

At The Law Office of Earl Dobson, our Denton drug crime lawyer has experience in dealing with these crimes. Our firm is ready to answer any questions you may have about your charges and the projected outcome you may be facing.

What Laws Govern Controlled Substances in Denton, Texas?

Controlled substances are governed by both state and federal laws. While federal offenses are controlled by the Comprehensive Drug Abuse and Prevention Act of 1970, Texas has its own unique set of drug laws, which are mostly covered by the Controlled Substances Act. Both entities treat drug-related charges as significant criminal offenses.

Defending Against Drug Charges

Drug charges can be intimidating and even dangerous, which is why it is important to hire a Denton drug crime attorney. The Law Office of Earl Dobson is well-versed in the laws and regulations surrounding these offenses. We can represent you against any drug-related criminal charges you may have.

Drug offenses can also present many possible defenses and problems for law enforcement. If the police didn’t follow the proper procedures, cases may be dismissed on illegal search and seizure challenges. It is common practice in drug offenses for law enforcement to employ informants to gather information and if this is not done properly the defense may challenge the case on these grounds.

No matter your circumstance, The Law Office of Earl Dobson is ready to answer your questions and review your case. Contact our office so our Denton drug crime lawyer can help you today.

Common Types of Drug Crimes in Denton

Any sort of drug conviction can have serious consequences. Since state and federal government agencies both handle drug cases, the result of these charges often depends on where the crime was committed. While federal charges tend to involve interstate or international activities, state charges often involve local or statewide offenses. However, all charges are heavily dependent on the type of drug crime.

The most common types of drug charges are:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance: Possessing illegal drugs is against both state and federal laws. This charge often leads to others, especially if there is reason to believe you were planning to distribute the illegal substance.
• Possession With Intent to Distribute: If you are accused of planning to distribute any illegal drugs, the charges become much more serious. When you are caught with drugs, if the substances are in small packages or there is any proof of distribution plans, you may procure this charge as well.
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: If you are found with drug paraphernalia, such as a bong, various types of pipes, a syringe, roach clips, or a miniature spoon, this will give law enforcement reason to believe you may possess drugs, even if you don’t have any on you at the time.
• Drug Manufacturing: Activities like combining, changing, possessing, or growing a controlled substance can be considered drug manufacturing in Texas, which is a serious charge and a potential felony.
• Prescription Drug Abuse: When you sell or get prescription drugs without a prescription, you may be charged with prescription drug abuse.
• Drug Trafficking: Selling, making, growing, or distributing controlled substances is considered drug trafficking in Texas, and it usually results in a serious felony charge.
• Protected Location Offenses: Involving people under the age of 18, distributing drugs in a school zone, or giving drugs to anyone under the age of 21 are considered protected location offenses.
• Drug Conspiracy: When two or more people plan a drug-related crime, this is called a drug conspiracy.

To defend against any drug charge in Denton, Texas, you will need to have an experienced Denton drug crime lawyer on your side. Fortunately, The Law Office of Earl Dobson has extensive experience in these types of cases. We can analyze your case to formulate a strong defense against whatever drug charges you may be facing.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Beat a Felony Drug Charge in Texas?

A: Although every case is different, and the outcome will depend on a variety of circumstances, there are many tactics lawyers can choose to beat a drug charge. These include:

• Arguing unlawful search and seizure
• Asserting that you weren’t actually in possession of the drugs
• Claiming a lack of knowledge or intent
• Arguing entrapment or duress
• Making them prove you actually had the illegal substance

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Texas?

A: Whether a first-time offender will go to jail for a drug charge in Texas depends on the severity of the charge and the amount of evidence the opposing counsel has. However, the state is known for recognizing alternative sentencing for first-time offenders, especially when the offender has a criminal drug attorney. Alternative sentencing could be probation and/or deferred adjudication, completing a rehabilitation program, and meeting certain requirements that the court deems necessary.

Q: How Many Drugs Are a Felony in Texas?

A: Under Section 481.1151 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, possessing less than 20 units of a Group 1-A substance is a state jail felony. Being caught with 4,000 to 8,000 units is considered a first-degree felony. Possessing 80 to 4,000 units is a second-degree felony. Having 20 to 80 units can bring a third-degree felony charge.

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations on Drug Charges in Texas?

A: In Texas, misdemeanor-level delivery of drug paraphernalia or possession has a two-year limitation period, whereas felony-level offenses have a three-year limitation period. To learn the statute of limitations of your particular offense, contact a reputable Denton drug crime lawyer. They can provide guidance and information on the statute of limitations for drug charges in Texas.

Charged With Possession of Any Type of Drug? Contact Earl Dobson Today

At the Law Office of Earl Dobson, we are able to quickly and accurately evaluate drug offense issues and map out an appropriate strategy. Earl Dobson is Board Certified in Criminal Law with over 15 years experience and has handled thousands of drug offenses of all different types and levels of seriousness. Earl Dobson has held the positions of Narcotics Prosecutor with two different District Attorney’s offices and has overseen and counseled police officers investigating drug offenses. We will put this experience to work for you in determining what the best plan of action is in your case.

Possession | Manufacturing | Delivery

For a free consultation and evaluation with Earl Dobson to discuss your options after a drug offense charge in Denton County, either fill out the contact form to the left or call the phone number at the top of the page. In the consultation with our Denton Drug Crime Lawyer, we will discuss:

• If there are any search and seizure issues
• If proper police procedure was followed especially with the use of informants
• Whether a plea or trial is in your best interest

The Law Office of Earl Dobson has dealt with a case like yours and knows how to defend them. Our Denton, TX drug crime attorney can answer any questions you may have and begin representing you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.