Williamson County Drug Possession Lawyer

If a controlled substance was found in your possession, you might still be able to beat the charge and clear your name. Get the help you need by working with a Williamson County drug possession lawyer.

Perhaps the most commonly charged drug crime, possession of a controlled substance can lead to serious consequences for both your current circumstances and your future. While the penalties you face will depend on the amount of the drug involved, a conviction for any amount will leave you with a permanent criminal record that will follow you around for the rest of your life.

This makes it essential to fight back against the charge you are accused of. By working with a Williamson County drug possession lawyer from Hines & Holub, you can get the defense you need to get the best result possible for your case.

Steep Penalties for Possession of a Controlled Substance

Under the Texas Controlled Substances Act, drugs are divided up into four different groups, each with their own penalties. The exception to this is marijuana, which is covered separately under Texas state law.

• • The drugs commonly viewed as the most dangerous or addictive make up group 1, including cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, and LSD.

• • At the next level down, drugs such as ecstasy, mescaline, and psychedelic mushrooms make up group 2.

• • Group 3 includes a number of prescription drugs, such as Valium, Xanax, and Ritalin.

• • Finally, at the lowest level, group 4 includes controlled substances such as codeine and morphine.

Depending on which group the drug involved in your charge falls under and the amount involved, you're going to be faced with extremely harsh penalties that could include both fines and imprisonment. The fines start at up to $10,000 for the least severe offenses and range all the way up to $100,000 for the most serious.

Incarceration, however, begins with a jail sentence of between 180 days and two years, but the most serious charges could lead to a prison sentence of between five and ninety-nine years. Your Williamson County drug possession lawyer will help you determine what you are likely to face.

Additional Drug-Related Penalties and Charges

Unfortunately, these aren't likely to be the only penalties you face for a drug possession charge. Depending on the amount alleged to be in your possession, you might also face charges of intent to distribute or even trafficking, which might make it a federal offense.

Even aside from these charges, a conviction will result in severe consequences long after your sentence has been served and your fine paid. A criminal record-especially for a drug crime-can make it hard to secure a job or successfully apply for good housing. These are penalties you might not have to face if your charges can be successfully challenged and defeated in court.