Dallas Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney

In the state of Texas, defendants are sometimes surprised to be charged with drug trafficking as there are numerous actions that fit the definition of the offense. An individual is deemed to be “trafficking” drugs if he or she manufactures, delivers, or possesses certain drugs with the intention of delivering them. A defendant may also face trafficking charges by simply possessing a specific amount of narcotics.

Both state and federal governments have pursued drug convictions more aggressively over the years, and so the criminal justice system imposes some of the most aggressive sentencing guidelines for drug crimes.

Drug trafficking laws are complex in nature, and it isn’t always clear whether the charges fit the facts. If you or a loved one are arrested for drug trafficking in Texas, you are at risk of facing severe penalties. It would be in your best interest to seek legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights and try to keep your criminal record clean. Contact David Finn, P.C. at (214) 538-6629 today to discuss your legal options.

Penalties of Drug Trafficking Under Texas Law

The Texas Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into various groups. An individual may be convicted of a felony if he or she knowingly manufactures, delivers, or possesses a controlled substance in Penalty Group 1 with the intention of delivering it to another party. Penalty Group 1 is comprised of substances such as opiates, heroin, oxycodone, morphine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Drug trafficking penalties under Texas law are dependent on the amount of drugs an individual supposedly has in his or her possession. The total amount of each drug in a person’s alleged possession is used to establish the level of the charge against the accused.

Possessing less than one gram is classified as a state jail felony, and is punishable by a $10,000 fine and anywhere from 180 days to two years in state jail.

Possessing one to 3.99 grams is a second-degree felony, and is punishable by a fine of $10,000 and between two to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Possessing four to 199 grams is classified as a first-degree felony, and is punishable by a $10,000 fine and between five to 99 years in prison.

Possessing 200 to 399 grams is also deemed a first-degree felony, and is punishable by a $100,000 fine and anywhere from 10 years in prison to life imprisonment.

Also a first-degree felony, possessing more than 400 grams is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 and carries a sentence of 15 years in prison to life imprisonment.

Forfeiture of Money and Property

As with federal drug convictions, drug convictions in Texas may result in civil forfeitures—the loss of personal property such as homes, vehicles, cash, and other personal belongings.

Proceeds from all forfeited property do not go towards government treasury, but to the funds of law enforcement agencies. The police, therefore, are encouraged to seize and forfeit as much of the offender’s property as possible—regardless of whether they are actually associated with the offender’s drug activities.

Call David Finn, P.C. Today

Apart from fines and jail time, a drug trafficking offense carries numerous collateral consequences such as difficulties in continuing education, obtaining a job, and even obtaining financial aid. A drug trafficking conviction can also render you ineligible to obtain specific professional licenses, and lead to the denial of applications for a visa, citizenship, or permanent residency. If you have been charged with a drug trafficking offense, it is crucial that you contact an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Your future is at stake, and so one of the most important decisions you can make in your case is selecting the right attorney to work with. David Finn, P.C. will fight aggressively to protect your rights and create the strongest defense possible. Call (214) 538-6629 today.